Laser skin resurfacing here in Vancouver seems to be the procedure everyone’s talking about lately, especially with the warmer months just around the corner. Resurfacing all or a portion of the skin surface (known as fractional laser resurfacing) is one of the most effective methods of restoring a more youthful skin appearance. Microscopic columns of laser light energy penetrate the skin to variable depths. Lasers such as our SmartXide fractional laser device vaporizes these columns of tissue with a pinpoint entrance to the skin. Approximately 5% of the skin surface is removed in addition to repair being stimulated below the surface. When less skin tightening is needed we use our Palomar Icon platform to stimulate collagen below the surface without a skin opening being created. Unlike micro-needling that pokes small holes in the skin surface, the column of heat energy achieved with fractional laser treatments causes more rejuvenation below the skin surface that improves tone and texture. If your skin isn’t responding to drugstore products, you may wonder when it’s time to trade them for a laser treatment.
Here, I’ll outline 3 common skin irregularities to help you decide when a clinical treatment is more appropriate.
- Scars: Acne scars, stretch marks, and other scars, whether they’re from a past injury or surgery, can be notoriously challenging to treat because they typically originate in the skin’s deeper layers. Fractional laser resurfacing penetrates the skin and stimulates deep collagen development, fading scars that are difficult to treat with topical products. With acne scarring and stretch marks in particular, fractional laser resurfacing is one of the few options available that can make great improvements.
- Uneven tone: Areas of red and brown pigmentation can be concealed with cosmetics, but fading them in a meaningful way requires a more intensive approach. Lasers can work with topical products to redistribute and break up excess pigmentation and blood vessels.
- Wrinkles: Although there are many proven topical products available for both preventing and treating lines, lasers are often indicated when more meaningful improvements are desired. By stimulating the growth of collagen, the deeper layers of skin become stronger and more resilient which translates into smoother and more radiant looking skin.
After any laser treatment, it’s good practice to stay out of the sun while your skin heals. Newly resurfaced skin is especially susceptible to the sun’s harmful rays, so it’s important to give it the opportunity to heal undisturbed. Fortunately, these treatments are associated with little or no social downtime. Multiple treatment sessions separated by 4 to 6 weeks are required.
Although laser treatments are versatile and typically well tolerated, the best way to know for sure if one is right for you is through a comprehensive Advanced Skin Analysis and discussions with our experienced and friendly team here at YES Medspa.
YES Medspa’s Icon Laser Non-Ablative Fractional Laser treatment packages or Icon Laser Non- Ablative Fractional Laser & Venus Legacy Combination treatment packages are a great option to address stretch marks, acne scarring, or uneven skin tone & texture – call us at YES for more details about how we can customize a treatment program just for you: (604) 888-9378
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