Laser Dermabrasion: A Modern Approach for a Younger Look

Filed in archive Laser Skin Resurfacing , Procedures on February 10, 2010

Laser dermabrasion, also known as laser skin resurfacing, is one alternative to traditional dermabrasion. The procedure is performed using either an Er-YAG (erbium, yttrium, aluminum, and garnet) or a CO2 laser to burn away the top layers of skin to smooth out acne scars and wrinkles, rid the face of birthmarks, moles, sunspots and spider veins, and even eliminate facial hair, warts, or tattoos. The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia, and sometimes under twilight anesthesia (sedation) for the patient's comfort.

The Results:
Once new skin cells form, usually within ten days, the skin's surface can appear smoother, tighter, and younger looking. Most people report a 50-80% improvement of skin texture and firmness within 18 months after the procedure.

What to Expect:
Usually with laser dermabrasion there is a faster healing time than with the traditional method, with relatively no bleeding and minimal trauma to the surrounding skin. Generally there is erythema, or redness immediately after the procedure, and possibly swelling, however within about five to ten days the skin usually appears to be merely sunburned or wind burned, and hypoallergenic makeup can be worn to disguise the healing process until the redness disappears.

Possible Complications:
Laser dermabrasion works best on people with fair, non-oily skin. People with darker skin run the risk of developing hyper pigmentation, or a darkening of the new skin. Other minor and treatable complications may include acne from increased use of emollients, bacterial infections on the site or yeast infections on the site. More serious, yet still treatable complications include:

• Hypo-pigmentation, reduced skin color, especially on thinner areas of the skin
  


• Hypertrophic scarring or keloids (more often seen in people with darker skin)
  


• Excessive erythema (redness) that may not completely abate during the healing process
  


• Burning sensations, itching or sensitivity continuing beyond the healing process
  


• Growth of milia, or bumps resulting from obstruction of the sweat glands

Most of the risks for this procedure are marginal and treatable, with over 93% of laser dermabrasion patients have reported satisfaction or improvement.