Many patients prefer laser-based cosmetic treatments because they are powerful, work quickly, and are performed right in the office. They provide you with dramatic, long-lasting results, which means that you won't have to break the bank paying for multiple treatments to feel beautiful. There are also a few kinds of laser skin treatments available that target different blemishes and areas of your body, so finding the one that makes the most sense for your skin is easy.

HOW LONG DO LASER SKIN RESURFACING RESULTS LAST?

The answer depends on a few factors, and some people who undergo laser skin resurfacing treatments can notice results immediately. Depending on which type of laser treatment you choose, you can see a difference within weeks. Even if you don't see immediate improvement, your initial results will continue to improve throughout the year.

On average, most patients get to enjoy silky-smooth skin that lasts for anywhere between three and five years after undergoing laser therapy. Many patients maintain treatments by returning every so often for a touch-up or supplementary skin treatment.

EXTENDING YOUR RESULTS

It is possible to extend your results to beyond five years by mindfully caring for your skin and body. There are a few simple ways to ensure that you can enjoy great skin for as long as possible. The most important step you can take following each treatment is to protect yourself from sun exposure. Doing so may extend your results for up to an additional two years.

You don't have to avoid the sun altogether, but by making sure that you wear a high SPF sunscreen even on cloudy days, you can protect your skin from further damage. If you are exposed to UV rays for a couple of hours, you can also wear hats or utilize umbrellas to keep your skin safe. Staying hydrated, using a moisturizer, exfoliating, exercising, and maintaining a healthy diet can also contribute to longer-lasting results.

HOW DOES LASER RESURFACING WORK?

Laser resurfacing treatments use beams of light energy to target specific areas of your skin. Light wavelengths work to minimize blemishes like scars and age spots by removing or penetrating the top layer of skin.

As a result, your body can improve collagen and elastin production, and your unsightly imperfections will begin to fade. Skin that was once dull and sagging will improve in quality, texture, and firmness. Two different types of lasers can assist with laser skin resurfacing, each with a few key differences.

ABLATIVE VS. NON-ABLATIVE LASERS

Ablative lasers remove parts of your epidermis and stimulate new collagen growth by heating the skin underneath. As the outer layer of your skin heals, it becomes smoother and tighter. Non-ablative lasers help improve the tone and texture by using intense pulsed light to stimulate the growth of new skin. Many patients prefer treatments that use non-ablative lasers because it eliminates the need to remove the skin.

Ablative laser treatments can achieve dramatic results, and most patients are satisfied after a single treatment. Ablative treatments work fast but have traditionally come with a long recovery time. Non-ablative lasers are less invasive and require less downtime, but are also less effective, which means you might need to undergo multiple treatments to achieve your desired results.