The basic two types of laser types/processes commonly used are known as erbium laser resurfacing and carbon dioxide (CO2) laser resurfacing. The laser tends to act on superficial, damaged skin cells, as a vaporizer, in both these types of treatments. This helps in reducing risk by limiting the amount of heat absorbed by the patient’s skin.
CO2 laser resurfacing usually employs a scanning pattern of a very short pulsed light energy (‘ultrapulsed’ energy) or continuous light beams for the purpose of treating wrinkles, birthmarks, scars and other irritable skin conditions. The laser removes thin layers of skin in a precise manner causing little or heat damage to the surrounding skin structures. Depending on the skin condition, recovery can happen in two weeks or so.
On the other hand, Erbium laser resurfacing is employed for removing superficial as well as fairly deep lines/wrinkles on the neck, face hands or chest. This treatment also causes no burning of surrounding tissue. Recovery time has been observed to be faster in comparison to CO2 laser resurfacing.
As a general precaution, you should make sure that the laser centre uses state-of-the-art equipment and lasers approved for usage on even the darkest skin types. Irrespective of the laser type, a patient has to be diligent about protecting his or her new skin post-treatment. This can be ensured by daily applying a ’broad-spectrum’ sunscreen. Based on your medical expert’s instructions, you may apply moisturizer, too.
Tags: laser treatment