Most people associate clear skin with youthfulness and health. Spots, scars, and stretch marks create blemishes on your skin that keep you from looking your best. These spots and marks are not physically harmful, but they can be unsightly.
Fortunately, lasers can erase many of these unattractive spots and restore your skin to its best condition. Call Lasercare Skin Clinic today to find out more about how laser treatment can address your spots, scars, or stretch marks, revealing healthier-looking skin.
The word “laser” is an acronym that stands for light amplified by stimulated emission of radiation. It’s a complicated term, but it means that different wavelengths of light can be directed to eliminate different skin issues. Repeated use of lasers resurfaces your skin, such as when you’re trying to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Although the laser targets the outer layer of your skin, called the dermis, it also stimulates the deeper layers to produce more collagen. This removes the surface of an unsightly scar or spot while also filling in the spot with new collagen. The overall effect reduces the appearance of scars, spots, and stretch marks and smoothes out your skin.
Lasers are effective in treating a wide variety of skin conditions. Some of the issues you can address with laser treatment include dark spots, scars from chicken pox or acne, and stretch marks.
In addition, laser treatments can be used to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, get rid of unwanted hair, or even remove tattoos.
A popular myth says people with darker skin can’t use laser treatment. While lasers often are more effective on lighter skin, different types of lasers can be used on many skin tones. Lighter skin tones may have a lower risk of hyperpigmentation.
Lasers may not work as well on people with excessive active acne breakouts or sagging skin. It’s also generally advised to schedule laser treatments for the fall or winter, when it’s easier to avoid the sun. Skin is more sensitive after laser treatment, so you need to avoid excess sun exposure.
Although smokers can still get laser treatment, you should stop smoking for two weeks before and after the procedure to aid in healing. You should also stop taking any medication or supplements that have a blood thinning effect, including aspirin, ibuprofen, or vitamin E.
Laser treatments are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you don’t have to stay in the hospital overnight and can go home after the procedure.
To begin, your doctor gives you a topical anesthetic so that you don’t have any pain from the laser. Depending on the size of the area being treated, you may also receive a sedative or pain-relieving medication.
Your skin is cleaned before the procedure to remove any oil, dirt, or bacteria. Then, the laser moves across your skin for about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated.
After the procedure, your treatment area is wrapped to protect it from exposure to the sun and other elements when you leave the office. Starting 24 hours after your procedure, you need to clean the area four or five times daily. You may also need to apply any ointments your doctor recommends.
Laser treatments can make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin. Call Lasercare Skin Clinic today to make an appointment.
