Laser 101 – A Comprehensive Low-Down On Varied Wrinkle-Blasting Treatments – Part I

Way back during the nineties era, busting wrinkles translated to horror-movie-similar ooziness and long spanning periods of reddening as ‘ablative-natured’ lasers seared off the exterior surface of the skin’s layer paving way to baby-like, dewy skin.

With a whirlwind change in this field, the latest gen-next lasers with their pin-point precision target the traits of aging such as wrinkles, pigmented spots, wrecked capillaries and limpness that have an obliterating effect on one’s skin.

The outcome of these top-of-the-line laser treatments are swift healing, so one could soon go back to donning makeup and returning to work, proudly showing off flawless, even-toned skin in a matter of merely a day. Yet, any form of scorching laser beam has an associated likelihood of scarring or damaging pigments (particularly amongst colored skin). Hence, such treatments are ideally best left in the trusted hands of an M.D. who is proficient enough to alter the laser strength that would most likely suit one’s skin tone.

Sun-revelers must be cautious – as several lasers are known for their targeting action on the pigment. Hence, it is prudent to give the beach a skip for 28 to 42 days prior to commencing on the foremost laser sitting. Below stated is a detailed outline of treatments that would gel perfectly with one’s budget, timetable and last but not the least, promptly treat one’s grievance.

Non-ablative Fractional Resurfacing Laser Treatment

Purpose: It helps to smoothen light-to-moderately appearing lines, wrinkles or creases, leveling out pigmented, darkened or brown spots and enhancing the complete radiance with prompt weekend recuperation. It is mostly dubbed as ‘Fraxel’, the name being derived from the brand that made its first appearance with this contrivance during 2004.

Working Mechanism: The laser generates heat that has a deep penetrative effect on the skin and fuels the manufacture of collagen without obliterating the epidermal layer that translates to no redness or ooziness on the site. Classically, the treatment is conducted over a duration spanning 3-5 sittings, each lasting close to thirty minutes that are set apart by 1-2 month’s time gap. This procedure is carried out under the influence of topically administered anesthesia.

The level of safety is higher as compared to the ablative laser forms and is ideally suited for ethnic skin, though even light toned women need to exercise additional prudence when opting for this form of treatment. The laser would be aptly calibrated to a lesser intensity to lower risks, though one might require additional sittings to get the desired effect.

The Experience: There is comparatively lesser pain experienced in the non-ablative version as compared to the ablative procedure. Such a procedure would cause a sense of heat and warmth instead of a prickly sensation. For nearly ten minutes subsequent to this procedure one would feel as if being sun burnt. Following this procedure the skin would appear a pinkish tinge and coarse-textured much alike sandpaper for 3-5 days, though it can be masked with the aid of some concealer.

Treatment Cost: 600 -1200 USD for each treatment.

IPL or Intense Pulsed Light Laser Treatment

Purpose: Eradication of pigmented or brownish spots, sun-invoked discolored skin and location-specific treatment of erupted capillaries. When conducted alongside non-ablative fractional treatments, could augment leveling of the skin’s tone, though wrinkles are unaffected by this treatment.

Working Mechanism: Though not on the lines of laser-guided treatment, the IPL treatment functions analogously. Brief bursts of illuminated white light with pinpoint accuracy targets the brown pigmentation. Reddening occurs when the cells get damaged following light absorption and the creation of heat. It is deemed safe for majority of skin forms, though the doctor might tone down the strength in case of darker skin shades to avert the minor chances of pigment loss.

The Experience: Feels quite similar to sun burnt skin. The skin would show some extent of swelling and pinkish tinge on the day following the procedure. Though there is no down time, due to which it is popularly dubbed as the ‘lunch time procedure’.

Treatment Cost: Four to six hundred dollars for every treatment.

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