Lasers can be used for all sorts of different purposes, from playing with your cat to performing eye surgery. One of the more common uses of lasers in medicine is in cosmetic dermatology. In fact, there are several different types of lasers that can be used on the face, specifically. Here are three laser treatments often used on facial skin.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure that seeks to smooth out your skin's surface and make it more even, both in texture and color. This procedure can help soften rough patches, treat minor acne scars, and even reduce the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads. In this type of laser treatment, longer wavelength lasers are typically used and they reach deep down into the dermis, which is the middle layer of your skin beneath the outer epidermis. Because the laser works a little deeper, it can also help stimulate collagen production, which can ease the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in the days after treatment. Laser skin resurfacing is basically an all-in-one, versatile laser treatment option for people with multiple skin concerns.
Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment
If you have broken blood vessels and capillaries on your face, then you may wish to undergo a specific laser treatment called pulsed dye laser treatment. This procedure uses a laser with a shorter wavelength, and it delivers laser light in pulses. The laser warms up your skin just enough to destroy these damaged blood vessels, which will disappear in the days following the procedure. The healthy skin won't be impacted. In spite of the "harsher" nature of this type of laser treatment, you still will only feel minimal pain during the procedure.
Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment
If your primary concern is acne and acne scars, then fractional CO2 laser treatment is a good choice. This type of laser treatment uses very tiny, powerful lasers that poke minuscule holes in the very surface of your skin. The tiny holes stimulate the skin's healing process. Once your skin starts to heal the damage from the laser, it also heals damage related to the acne and the acne scars. Fractional CO2 does cause some irritation and soreness in the days following treatment, but most patients find the long-lasting results are worth it.
These are just three of the more common types of laser face treatments. There are others! Talk to your dermatologist to learn more.
