Laser skin treatments are a popular method to turn back time and reveal a more youthful facial appearance. But with terms like ablative, Erbium, non-ablative, and fractionated, it can be overwhelming to figure out which treatment will best address your concerns. And to make things more confusing, many of these terms are often used interchangeably when, in reality, they are very different. Here we will examine what laser skin resurfacing means, the skin conditions it addresses, and how it differs from laser skin rejuvenation. Laser skin resurfacing is a laser skin procedure that uses short, concentrated light beams to treat areas of irregular skin. This light removes the outer layer of skin, or the epidermis, one layer at a time. The removal of this damaged skin reveals the dermis layer. This dermis layer is heated by the laser, stimulating the growth of new collagen fibers in the skin. As this heals, it creates smoother, firmer skin and addresses many of the facial concerns you may have. When talking about lasers, the idea of skin resurfacing and skin rejuvenation are often used interchangeably. But the truth is, they are very different laser procedures. As we explained above, laser skin resurfacing utilizes ablative and Erbium lasers to remove dead and damaged skin, revealing a new, healthier layer. Examples of these treatments include the Pixel ER:YAG and the Pixel CO2. In contrast, skin rejuvenation is a process that uses non-ablative lasers that target the deep layers of the skin and stimulate new growth from within. Unlike resurfacing, layers of the skin are not removed with skin rejuvenation treatments, meaning there is no downtime. An example of a skin rejuvenation treatment is ClearLift. While skin rejuvenation and skin resurfacing treatments can address some of the same facial concerns, skin resurfacing is typically used for more significant damage. For example, if you are experiencing the start of fine lines and wrinkles, skin rejuvenation procedures like ClearLift are often enough for minimal lines and wrinkles. However, for those with more moderate to deep lines and wrinkles, more aggressive resurfacing procedures like Pixel CO2 reveal more dramatic results. Other facial skin concerns addressed well by laser resurfacing include acne scarring, significant wrinkles, sun damage, facial scarring, and changes to tone and texture. In addition, laser skin resurfacing can also improve skin laxity and deliver a firmer, youthful skin appearance. If you are unhappy with specific facial skin concerns, skin resurfacing treatments can help reveal, brighter, firmer, more youthful skin. Our team at Kramer Plastic Surgery is committed to helping you achieve your specific skin resurfacing goals and will work with you to determine which laser procedure will help deliver exactly what you are looking for. To learn more, call 208-344-4900 to schedule a consultation and take the initial step to a new, brighter you. Author: Dr. Jonathan Kramer A board-certified plastic surgeon in Boise, Dr. Jonathan Kramer believes that plastic surgery goes well beyond what we see physically, and that it can bring profound life-changes. He earned his MD at Emory University and completed a two-year plastic surgery fellowship at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver.
Laser Skin Resurfacing: Which Laser Treatment Is Best for You?
What Is Laser Skin Resurfacing?
What Is the Difference Between Skin Resurfacing and Skin Rejuvenation?
Identifying Skin Concerns Addressed with Laser Skin Resurfacing
Creating a Unique Laser Treatment Plan for You
