5 Things to Know about Laser Skin Resurfacing

For those people that are looking into laser skin resurfacing, you might have selected this option because it is considered less invasive and avoids the harsh and often problematic chemicals and acids. Not everyone is a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing, and there are some things you need to be aware of.

Those people with darker skin pigmentation may want to choose another option. Laser skin therapy can lighten the skin for up to a year. Also those that are on medication as well as anyone that scars easily may have problems with the laser process.

There are two types of laser resurfacing: Ablative, which removes the skin on the surface through a burning process and non-ablative, which focuses on specific tissue underneath the skin and targets with wavelengths that don’t harm the outer skin layers. Non-ablative procedures have a shorter recuperation time.

Post-treatment recuperation time can be up to ten days. You may experience scabbing, swelling and/or the skin may be lightly pink and sensitive.

You may have to have repeated treatments and typically the costs are not covered by your medical insurance. Each treatment can be from $2,500 for the ablative procedure and $1,700 for the non-ablative. If you choose to have the process done in a physician or practitioner’s office, the price will be a lot less than opting for a hospital. Choosing a local anesthesia that numbs a particular location of the skin will also save you as compared to being completed sedated.

Make sure that you have multiple consultations with your physician, that he or she is a certified professional and you get referrals. Before and after pictures can be computer enhanced, and talking to real patients with real experiences will make the difference.

Source: http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/beauty/skin-treatments/laser-skin-resurfacing.htm

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.