Choosing the Right Skin Resurfacing Laser Treatment

Aging is a natural process. Unfortunately, it can wreak havoc on your skin, which can be frustrating. Over time, collagen production is reduced, which leads to fine lines, wrinkles, and a loss of elasticity. Lifestyle choices, sun exposure, and other environmental factors can also contribute to uneven skin tone, pigmentation issues, and a rough texture. While a great skin care routine helps, sometimes you need a more advanced solution to restore your youthful, radiant complexion.

Skin resurfacing laser treatments can minimize the signs of aging, improve skin tone and texture, and increase your confidence. However, with so many options, how do you know which one is right for you?

The team at Flying Horse Medical Center is here to help you understand your options and choose the right one for you.

Understanding Skin Resurfacing Laser Treatments

Skin resurfacing laser treatments use focused light energy to remove damaged skin layers, stimulate collagen production, and reveal fresh, younger-looking skin. These treatments effectively address:

They key to getting satisfactory results is to choose the right type of laser treatment for your skin type and concerns.

Types of Skin Resurfacing Laser Treatments

Its important to understand that all lasers do not work the same way- each type has its own benefits. The two primary categories are ablative and non-ablative lasers.

Ablative Lasers: Deep Resurfacing

Ablative lasers are most appropriate for deep wrinkles, significant sun damage, and scars because they remove the top layers of skin. These treatments offer dramatic results but require more downtime for healing.

The most common types of ablative lasers are:

CO2 Lasers: best for deeper wrinkles, scars, and sun damage. While they do offer impressive results, they also require a longer recovery period.
Erbium Lasers: gentler than CO2 lasers, work best for moderate wrinkles and pigmentation with a shorter healing time.

Non-Ablative Lasers: Minimal Downtime

Non-ablative lasers work beneath the skin’s surface without removing layers, making them ideal for those who want results with little to no downtime.

The most common types of non-ablative lasers are:

Fractional Lasers: ideal for fine lines, uneven skin tone, and acne scars by creating micro-injuries that stimulate collagen production.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): while not a true laser, this treatment reduces redness, pigmentation, and sun damage.

How to Choose the Right Skin Resurfacing Laser Treatment

When choosing the right skin resurfacing laser treatment, you’ll need to consider your skin type, concerns, and desired downtime. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Deep wrinkles/scars: CO2 or Erbium ablative lasers
Mild/Moderate Aging Concerns: Fractional non-ablative lasers
Pigmentation issues: IPL or Erbium lasers
Minimal downtime: Non-ablative fractional lasers or IPL

What to Expect from a Skin Resurfacing Laser Treatment

While there are some minor variations between the laser treatments, here’s what you can typically expect:

Consultation: we will assess your skin and recommend the best option for your skin and needs.
Pre-treatment prep: some treatments require avoiding sun exposure or using specific products beforehand.
Procedure: sessions typically last 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the area being treated.
Recovery: ablative treatments typically require at least a week for healing, while non-ablative options require little to no downtime.
Results: as your skin heals, you’ll notice some improvements- but full results develop over several weeks or months.

Find the Best Treatment at Flying Horse Medical Center

Flying Horse Medical Center offers expert skin resurfacing treatments tailored to your unique needs. We will guide you through the process, ensuring that you choose the safest and most effective option for your skin type and concerns.

If you’re ready to refresh your skin, take the first step towards smoother, more youthful skin by scheduling your consultation today.