Ablative Laser Resurfacing

A laser is simply a very high-energy beam of light. Different lasers can be set to different wavelengths of light. This enables the practitioner to determine the strength of the laser and the depth to which it penetrates the skin, but they can also choose the correct laser for your skin tone.

Ablative, or skin resurfacing lasers, deliver an intense burst of laser energy to the area being treated in a precise, controlled manner. The light energy is transferred into heat energy within the specific layers of skin. This causes the water, and therefore the cells, to vapourise. This results in the epidermis and some of the dermis effectively being peeled away. This controlled, but intensive, skin damage leaves the skin red, sore and weepy. As the saying goes “No pain, no gain!” And that certainly applies to ablative laser resurfacing treatments.

Ablative laser treatments can be fractional, where columns of skin are vapourised, leaving healthy skin around the columns. This is a less aggressive ablative laser treatment than non-fractional ablative treatments, which remove the whole area being treated (see diagram).

Following the intentional, controlled injury, the skin repairs itself by growing new skin cells and producing additional elastin and collagen. Once healed, the new skin is thicker, and smoother with fewer wrinkles, scars and pigmentation.

Your practitioner may ask you to prepare for your treatment by:

6-8 weeks prior to your treatment you should avoid sun exposure and false tanning products.

4 weeks prior to your treatment, to prepare your skin and to kick start the production of collagen, your practitioner may recommend you use a topical retinoid product alongside exfoliating acids, such as alpha-hydroxy acid-based creams.

2 weeks prior to your treatment, your practitioner may prescribe an anti-viral medicine (Acyclovir) if you are prone to cold sores.They may also recommend taking an oral antibiotic prior to and following the treatment, to prevent a bacterial infection.

1 week prior to your treatment you should:

Stop taking aspirin, NSAIDs and Vitamin E supplements

Complete the Fitzpatrick test and have a patch test

NB: Before and after your ablative laser treatment you need to avoid sun exposure. Ideally, you will avoid the sun for at least 2 months prior to your treatment. Equally, to get the best out of your laser treatment, you should avoid sun exposure following your treatment. Investing in, and using, a broad spectrum SPF 50 product every day is advised.

Ablative laser treatments, like CO2 laser, strip the outer layers of the epidermis and the dermal layers of skin. They are as invasive as non-surgical aesthetic treatments get. You will likely need to take a week off work, allowing your skin to heal.

Immediately after having your treatment, you will look like you have severe sunburn. The treated area will be red, swollen, itchy and will become blistered. Your skin will remain like this for about a week.

If you have been given a sedative during your treatment, you should ensure you have someone to drive you home.

Your skin will ooze, crust and then peel. The peeling process indicates that your skin is healing itself. DO NOT PEEL OR SCRATCH. You will be creating more damage if you peel, scratch or roll the healing layers of skin.

It goes without saying that you should contact your practitioner if you have any questions, worries or concerns. Indeed, a good practitioner will be in regular contact with you following your treatment.

Week 1 - During this week, the aim is to keep your skin clean, cool, moist and lubricated.

Clean your skin several times a day with a sterile salt solution and gauze/muslin cloth. Do not scrub. Simply douse your skin with the saline solution and very gently pat with the gauze. Apply a layer of petroleum jelly or Aquaphor.

Sleep with your head and shoulders elevated and use an icepack on the first few days.

Do not undertake any strenuous exercise. Avoid hot showers and baths.

Do not expose your skin to any sun. The aim is to keep your skin cool.

Keep taking any painkillers or steroids as prescribed by your practitioner.

Week 2 - Don’t undo the good work you did in week 1!

Your skin should be healing nicely. It may remain red/pink for a number of months (this is especially true if you have red hair or are naturally blonde), but as long as you have no oozing or raw skin, you should be able to begin to wear light makeup.

You should still avoid strenuous exercise and anything which causes your treated skin to heat up/sweat.

Protect your new skin. Avoid sun exposure. Wear a minimum of SPF 50 everyday, not just when you are in the sun. Wear a wide-brimmed hat.

Keep taking any painkillers or steroids as prescribed by your practitioner.

Often at around £1000 per unit.

1 unit - cheeks

2 units - half face and chin

3 units - full face