Peel off years from your face and look younger with laser skin resurfacing

Dr Shuba Dharmana, a celebrity cosmetic dermatologist explains the basics of this treatment.

Don't you sometimes wish you could just peel off the dead and old looking skin to reveal a younger you? Well, science has now made it possible with laser skin resurfacing.

When does one need to undergo laser skin resurfacing?

One of the prime reasons to undergo this treatment is ageing skin. As we grow old, our skin shows signs of ageing. Some of these are lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, spots and pigmentation. Apart from the genes that determine ageing, certain other factors like sun exposure, smoking, stress, poor diet, etc can also accelerate these signs of ageing. Collagen is an important structure within the skin that gives it its firmness and elasticity. When we start losing this with age, the skin starts to sag.One can get rid of these signs by undergoing laser skin resurfacing. Another reason is scarring and pitting on the face due to acne or pimples. They can also cause hyperpigmentation and spots and these can be done away with this method. (Also read: Options for treatment of acne/pimples)

Are there different types of laser skin resurfacing? What are they?

Yes, this technology is categorised broadly into three types the fractional, the non-ablative, the ablative depending on how much damage is caused to the outer skin layer.

How does one know which one they need to undergo?

In order to understand which treatment type is right for your skin, you need to understand each type and when is it usually used by a dermatologist.

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Problem 1: Acne scars, accident and surgical scars, pitting, large open pores, fine lines

Solution: Fractional lasers

Advantages: Recovery after the procedure is faster as it works on the surface skin layers which heal very quickly.

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Problem 2: Fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of ageing

Solution: Non-ablative lasers

Advantages: There is minimal penetration and damage and hence faster recovery and often no need for anaesthesia.

Disadvantages: May require multiple sittings. This form of treatment is not suitable to treat scars and pitting. fewer side effects like mild redness and swelling that settles in a few hours.

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Problem 3: Deep wrinkles and scars on skin

Solution: Ablative lasers

Advantages: More dramatic results

Disadvantages: Since it penetrates deeper into the skin, it has a longer recovery period. The procedure often requires anaesthesia. The treatment isn't well suited for the Indian skin type as it forms pigmentation easily post procedures.

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Whatever the procedure type, there are a few things you need to keep in mind prior to the procedure:

• Avoid too much sun exposure.
• Be prepared for some discomfort even though a topical numbing cream is applied 30 minutes before the procedure.
• Post care routine is also extremely important with aggressive sun care regimen using a 50 SPF sunscreen.
• The minimum time for recovery ranges from 3-7 days. Be prepared for redness, swelling and a grid like pattern that appears on the skin. There could also be pigmentation changes, sensitivity and some flaking of the skin.
• Often, multiple treatments may be required depending on the severity of the condition and the type of laser used.

Now that you know about the different types of laser skin resurfacing, you can visit a dermatologist for a skin consultation and start your treatment to get beautiful looking skin. (Also read: 3 secret anti-ageing potions revealed!)