Laser resurfacing, is a method of skin rejuvenation using a wand-like laser device. It has the advantage of more precision in penetrating the depth of the skin, hence ensuring more safety.
History
Earlier technologies made use of continuous wave carbon dioxide (CW CO2), which removed sun-damaged skin layer by layer to allow the resurfacing of fresher, smoother skin. The side effects of redness, swelling, skin infections, discolorations, and scarring made it a less appealing option despite its favorable results. Pulsed and scanned CO2 were then developed to address the problems of thermal injuries.
Erbium:YAG laser later came out but its efficacy was just comparable to that of CO2 pulsed and scanned technology. Both of them are classified under ablative techniques because they target mainly the upper layer (epidermis) of the skin and a little of the deeper layer (dermis).
Presently, non-ablative and fractional resurfacing methods have been developed to achieve excellent results with much lesser downtime and side effects. In contrast to the ablative method which aims for the top layer more than the deeper layer, the non-ablative variety targets the dermis, while leaving the epidermis intact. Because of this, collagen remodeling ensues for a tightened and better skin texture. The ablative method produces more dramatic results but the non- ablative’s faster recovery period makes it the more popular choice. Fractional resurfacing combines the dramatic results of the ablative technique and the safety profile of non-ablative treatments.
Uses of Laser Skin Resurfacing
If you are bothered with wrinkles, persistent acne scars, skin pigmentation, and other blemishes, you may consider this effective albeit more expensive option. If you have excess fat in the chin, this can also be done to augment the liposuction procedure around that area, after the excess fats have been removed. It is more than just a modern alternative to chemical peeling and microdermabrasion.
For moms who want to look young, wrinkles that are due to sun damage, especially around the eyes and lips are most responsive to the treatment, although it can also benefit wrinkles from other causes.For people like me who have been badly scarred by Acne, our blemishes may be markedly improved although deeper scars will not be completely resolved. It can also remove brown spots (melasma) and repair uneven skin tone.
Other uses of laser resurfacing are: as a tattoo remover, hair removal device, and as a treatment for certain premalignant and malignant skin lesions.
Special Precautions
Caution is advised for those who are prone to scarring or have immune diseases like scleroderma. If you have very dark skin, this may not be for you. Having an active infection around the site for treatment, lowered immunity, and usage of tretinoin for the past 12 months are likewise contraindications to the procedure.
Does it Hurt?
The heat injury to the skin may produce some degree of pain. Your doctor may put topical or local anesthetics to lessen the discomfort. Cold packs can be also applied after to alleviate the stinging sensation 12 to 72 hours following treatment. Generally, the procedure which lasts for 30 to 90 minutes is well tolerated by most patients.
Expect some mild swelling, redness, and crusting after the treatment. You will be prescribed with medications to control the inflammation. Proper aftercare for your skin will also be instructed. If a bandage is applied, it will be replaced with a fresh one at the doctor’s office during follow up. Healing will take place in 7 to 21 days but the redness or pinkish appearance of the skin may persist for several weeks. Concealer makeup like Covermark can be used after 2 weeks to neutralize the redness. Avoidance of exposure to the sun is essential to prevent damage to the treated areas. Sorry, no Boracay vacation at this time.
Cost
The average cost for laser skin resurfacing is around $2500 per session in the US. The cost will depend on the extent of treatment, type of anesthesia applied, device used and the clinic providing these services. In the Philippines, it is a lot cheaper, as it costs less than Php 20,000 per session. If you have the money to burn, then go ahead and check out your nearest Belo or Calayan clinics and contact them for appointments.
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I just had this treatment recently and it cost me P6,500 for 2 sessions. I already had 3 treatments and I must say that there is indeed some improvement although I still haven't achieved the results I want. There is a certain glow on the skin which you achieve after the session, but the dark marks on my face caused by acne are still very visible so I might subject it to peeling instead.
ReplyDeleteas in laser resurfacing? not diamond peel? Php6500 for 2 sessions of laser resurfacing is unbelievably cheap. i wonder how the clinic earns with that rate. where did you have your treatment? thanks for sharing your experience.
ReplyDeleteyep, that's the treatment discussed above. i had it done in Skin Care Solutions in Fort. My first was in Makati Med which cost me P7,000 for one session. i also underwent lots of diamond and TCA peels in the past (twice a month since Dec 2008) but scars are still visible. :( according to my derma, actual results of pixel will be apparent 3 months after the treatment. i'll see after 3 months if i will still need more sessions.
ReplyDeleteok, thanks for sharing, Paola.. at least we know where to go for cheaper options! :) let us know if there are any improvements from the pixel treatment after 3 months. scars can be really tough to vanquish.
ReplyDeletedra., do u think co2 laser can also be use for white scars?
ReplyDelete@latika, flat white scars that are results of trauma appear as such because of the damage to the pigment-producing cells of the skin during the scar formation.
ReplyDeleteit may involve some risks to undergo CO2 laser resurfacing. hypopigmentation (lightening) is actually one of the complications of deeper penetrating lasers (like CO2), which is a form of intentional scarring for remodeling. in the process, the pigment-producing ability of melanocytes may be affected.
what is usually employed by cosmetic dermatologists and surgeons for white scars is the application of high intensity UVB wavelengths which stimulate the production of melanin and melanocytes for repigmentation. The Belo clinic, I think, performs Multi-Clear SPC, which uses both UVB and UVA1 wavelengths to treat hypopigmented areas. just visit your dermatologist for a thorough assessment of your skin problem. :)
thanks dra., multi clear is also a laser treatment which repigments the white scar? is it safe and permanent?
ReplyDeleteuh.. it would be best to direct your questions regarding multiclear SPC to them or any clinic that performs that procedure. thanks. :)
ReplyDeleteMay I know where is the clinic in the the Fort so I can also have the CO2 laser resurfacing? I have known this breakthrough since last year and having read the thread it made me even want to have the treatment for my acne scars for a much lesser price.
ReplyDeleteI really hope you could help me with this one... I wish to know their clinic's name and number...
Thank you very much and God speed!
Hi Dra, I'm so interested on having this procedure (Laser skin resurfacing) but I'm a bit confuse about the types of it,. There is this CO2 Laser, Erbium and ahmm,. I can't remember the other one.. which one do you think,.. base on your expertise performs better? And I've been searching for the best clinic in the philippines that performs Laser skin resurfacing... and so far results are Beverly Hill 6150 in Makati and Rescue Derm Skin and Laser Centre in Greenhills. any recommendation? I'm here at Australia right now and planning to visit our country just to have the Procedure, I really really want to get rid of my pimple scars.. RSVP,. Thank you very much and God Bless
ReplyDeleteCO2 and Erbium are ablative methods because they target both the superficial and deeper layers of the skin. they have longer downtime with more side effects. Presently, Fractional resurfacing is more commonly employed because of its efficacy and safety profile. Btw, I'm not a dermatologist and I don't perform these specialized procedures in the clinic that's why I can't speak from experience. You can also check out Dr. Jonathan Yu at the Mercury drug building in Glorietta. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHi dra how much is the cost if i only resurface my nose?
ReplyDelete