Once upon a time, the only options available for people who want to get rid of winkles were dermabrasion and chemical peels. Now, however, these have mainly been replaced by laser wrinkle removal procedures. Thanks to lasers, physicians are now able to precisely remove wrinkles without their patients bleeding, no matter how deep the wrinkles are. Plus, the results are very long lasting, sometimes years.
When Laser Is Better than Botox
The other very popular wrinkle removal procedure available in the world today is Botox. However, this is not always effective. For instance, Botox is not capable of removing fine lines found around the mouth, or wrinkles caused by sun damage. Laser can treat that, as well as age spots and liver spots. In fact, it can even improve overall skin tones. Plus, it can remove fine lines on the cheeks and around the eyes.
How Laser Works
A laser essentially tightens up the collagen fibers in the skin. If enough energy is applied, it can also ensure that new collagen is produced. Put together, this helps to reduce wrinkles. Laser resurfacing, however, is not suitable for the removal of deep wrinkles, nor can it eliminate sagging or excessive skin. Furthermore, you will need more than one laser treatment for maximum effect, and new wrinkles and lines will start to develop. This is unavoidable, unless you were to never move your face again.
Laser treatment is classed as an ablative treatment, meaning the skin is wounded, or a non-ablative treatment, whereby the skin is not wounded. Non-ablative lasers are preferred, because they do not injure the skin’s surface, treating only the underlying layers. It does still stimulate collagen production, but the recovery time is much shorter because there is no damage to the top layer of the skin. However, these lasers are also less powerful, which means multiple sessions are required and it can take longer for you to really see the results.
Your skin condition also plays an important role in terms of which type of laser treatment you require. With an ablative laser, the beam of laser energy is very intense, thereby actually destroying the epidermis (the skin’s outer layer). It also heats up the dermis (the underlying part of the skin), and this is what stimulates new collagen fiber growth. These wounds will heal, leaving tighter, smoother skin in its wake. A doctor will be able to determine which type of laser is best for your particular face.
In order to make sure that your physician is able to make a proper assessment, thereby also reducing the risks of you developing complications once you have had the procedure completed, you must be completely open and honest about any medical conditions you have or have had, and whether you are currently taking medication, including over the counter medication. You must also discuss what motivates you to have the procedure completed and what you expect from it. This will help them to determine whether you are a suitable candidate.
