Wish you could zap the years away? Laser skin resurfacing does just that. This is one of the most requested anti-aging treatments at Singapore aesthetics clinics, because of how you can see dramatic results in just 1 to 2 sessions.
Laser Skin Resurfacing: Benefits
This anti-aging treatment can be used on lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet, deep lines around the mouth (nasolabial fold), age spots and acne scars. Deep laser skin rejuvenation even prompts your skin to produce more collagen, and can help smoothen skin that’s become rough and flaky because of sun exposure.
While most laser skin resurfacing treatments are performed on the face, it can also be done on the neck and hands, where signs of aging usually appear first.
Laser Skin Resurfacing: Procedure
This is usually done in a hospital or aesthetics clinic. It can take from 45 minutes to 2 hours. You’ll be a given a local anesthesia; if you have a lower tolerance for pain you may also be given an oral sedative (you can discuss your pain management options with your doctor).
Once you’re settled in, your doctor will then use a special laser that emits very precise, controlled light beams. There are different kinds of lasers:
CO2 lasers are currently the most powerful laser treatments. Aside from diminishing wrinkles, scars, and birthmarks, it can tighten the skin (the heat treats the collagen bands in the inner skin layers) and even treat early stage skin cancer.
Erbium lasers are not as precise as C02 lasers, but they are effective for minimal lines and wrinkles, and are a great choice for people with dark skin because its gentler rays are less likely to cause skin pigmentation. Healing time is also shorter.
Fraxel lasers have the least pain and side effects, but you will need more sessions to see the results. This is the best option for those who want the benefits of laser skin resurfacing but can’t afford to have a lot of downtime.
Laser Skin Resurfacing: Video
In this video, a US doctor shows an actual Fractional laser resurfacing treatment in progress, so you can see what will happen and how your skin will look like right after the treatment.
Laser Skin Resurfacing: Risks
This treatment is not recommended for those who are prone to scarring, have a lot of pigmentation/darker skin tone, or have cold sores or acne (read our article on when to avoid or postpone the treatment).
Always talk about your skin and medical history with your doctor. And even if laser skin resurfacing is considered a non-invasive anti-aging treatment, it still involves exposing the skin to high levels of heat and energy, so be sure to go to an experienced, board-certified Singapore dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. (Here’s what to tell your dermatologist to get the most out of every visit.)
Laser Skin Resurfacing: Side Effects and Recovery
It’s common for people to experience redness and swelling. There is very little pain – more of the irritation that you may get after being in the sun too long. (Tell your doctor if you feel pain or a burning sensation.) It may take up to 2 weeks for the new layer of skin to appear, and the discoloration may be visible. Ask your doctor about what makeup you can use, or make arrangements for taking a leave from work while the redness is at its peak.
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