Lasers are a tool mostly used to remove unwanted blemishes on facial skin. I liken laser treatment of facial skin to that of a missile targeting device – targeting the problem selectively with little peripheral damage, in comparison to older techniques of facial skin treatment – chemicals, IPL (broad range of light) which are all much less selective. Hence lasers are a very promising option.
A blemish is any acne, discoloured mark, wrinkle, scar, birthmark or pigment on the skin. They come in different shapes and colours, and most are considered to be non-life-threatening. Some blemishes, however, should be examined by a doctor to rule out graver conditions like skin cancer. Different lasers focus on different coloured targets called chromophores, found in the skin that gives colour to the intended structure. When certain lasers are applied to the skin, certain chromophores absorb it sufficiently to break down its structure. For instance, melanin, a brown pigment, is a chromophore in unwanted dark hair and pigmented conditions.
By using a laser with appropriate settings, these conditions can be removed with minimal damage done to surrounding skin. Likewise, haemoglobin, a red pigment, is the target chromophore for treating problems like facial veins, red birthmarks, acne marks, and rosacea. Therefore, by applying lasers that target haemoglobin, they can be treated selectively and safely. In skin rejuvenation, lasers target water in the skin to improve scars and wrinkles by stimulating the formation of collagen and elastin.
Common side effects and the future of lasers
Common side effects of laser treatments include heat, redness, and dryness which can be expected to subside within several days. Examples of less common and unexpected side effects are infection, changes in skin colour, and scarring. When stronger ablative lasers that involve a longer downtime are used, there is a higher risk of developing more serious side effects. This can be mitigated by practising good pre-treatment and post-treatment care, as well as exploring non-ablative laser alternatives where possible. Having said that, side effects can also be minimized while achieving a longer-lasting outcome in the care of someone with experience.
As lasers become even more selective and “high tech”, we will see even more benefits and fewer side effects. This is seen in the advancement of fractional technology for instance. Already, bio-modulation and regenerative lasers are spear-heading laser regeneration of fibroblasts without ablative skin damage and pain, and I believe that this non-inflammatory and non-damaging wave of medical treatments will be the future of aesthetic medicine.
A good result depends on the correct diagnosis of what facial skin condition you might have, together with implementing appropriate skincare and forms of treatment. Having said that, even if the diagnosis is the same, each individual’s skin condition is unique, therefore treatment still needs to be customized accordingly. Apart from lasers, there are also other forms of treatments that can be combined to provide better results – these sometimes include injectables or surgical treatments. Do seek out an experienced doctor with a range of treatment options to discuss how to better meet your needs. Hope this answer is helpful for you!
