Also known as laser resurfacing, skin resurfacing Charlotte NC is a facial rejuvenation treatment that uses a laser to improve the appearance of the skin or to treat minor facial flaws. This procedure can be performed with an ablative laser or a nonablative laser:
- Ablative laser. An ablative laser is a wounding laser that removes the skin’s thin outer layer, also known as the epidermis, and heats the underlying skin, or the dermis, which then stimulates the growth of new collagen fibers. After the procedure, as the epidermis heals and regrows, the treated area appears tighter and smoother. There are multiple types of ablative laser treatments, including the carbon dioxide or CO2 laser, the erbium laser and combination systems that use both types of lasers.
- Nonablative laser. The nonablative laser is a nonwounding laser that stimulates collagen growth and helps improve the tone and texture of your skin over time. The nonablative laser approach can be performed with multiple types of lasers, as well as intense pulsed light or IPL devices. Nonablative laser resurfacing tends to be less invasive and needs less recovery time than ablative laser resurfacing does. But nonablative laser treatments are considered less effective.
Both ablative laser and nonablative laser methods can be delivered with a fractional laser. The fractional laser leaves microscopic columns of untreated tissue throughout the treatment area. The fractional laser was developed to decrease recovery time, as well as the risk of potential side effects.
Laser resurfacing can also reduce the appearance of fine lines in the face and treat the loss of skin tone and improve your complexion if you have any sun damage or scars. However, laser resurfacing cannot eliminate sagging or excessive skin.
