| One of the most significant advances in cosmetic skin treatments has been the development of non-ablative laser skin rejuvenation technologies. In fact, these kinds of technologies are now used much more often than ablative lasers. As their name implies, non-ablative lasers do not vaporize (ablate) or in any other way injure the skin's top layer, the epidermis. Instead, the laser's light (or, rather, its heat) penetrates below the epidermal layer and targets the deeper dermal layer, where it stimulates new collagen to form. This process helps improve the appearance of wrinkles. (It doesn't, however, remove the wrinkles.) In addition to treating fine lines and wrinkles, non-ablative lasers help to minimize other sun- and age-related skin damage, including brown (or "age") spots, broken blood vessels ("spider" veins), and enlarged pores. These lasers are also popular for treating acne and rosacea. Which Laser Is Right for You? There are many different types of non-ablative lasers (as well as other non-ablative light treatments, including intense pulsed light, or IPL, therapies). No single laser is right for everybody's skin type and skin problem. After a close examination of your skin, your doctor will explain to you what your non-ablative laser option treatments are. Be sure you understand why a particular treatment is being recommended. For optimal results, non-ablative lasers are often combined with other skin rejuvenation treatments, such as dermal fillers and other injectables. |
| Preparing for the TreatmentBefore beginning the treatment, your doctor may recommend that you use a topical alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or Retin-A product to prepare your skin. Such products will slightly decrease over-pigmented areas and reduce the dead skin layer on the skin's surface — two factors that can interfere with the laser light reaching its intended target. These products also increase cell turnover and collagen production in the skin. What to Expect During and After Treatment You'll be given a topical anesthetic to minimize any disomfort during the procedure. You'll also be given goggles to wear to protect your eyes. During the procedure, your physician will direct a small laser handpiece over your skin. It will send brief controlled pulses of light to the area being treated. The device will also emit a cooling spray to protect your skin's surface from being damaged by the heat of the light. Afterward, expect some redness and swelling for a few days. You can return to your normal daily activities immediately, if you wish. The treatment's effects are more modest than those that occur with ablative laser skin resurfacing. Often, more than one treatment session is required to achieve the desired results. Last modified: November 17, 2009 |