We all dream of having radiant, flawless skin. In a world of ever-evolving skincare treatments, laser treatments have remained popular due to their minimal downtime and ability to treat an array of skin conditions, such as acne scars and pigmentation issues to name a few.
One common concern patients have is whether laser treatments, like CO2 lasers and the Pico Lasers, potentially ‘thin’ your skin and compromise your skin’s health.
Let’s find out more.
It’s essential to clarify that the notion of lasers thinning the skin is a misconception. Many lasers used in dermatological procedures are designed to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, promoting regeneration and repair. Lasers target specific cells/layers in the skin to address various concerns, such as wrinkles, scarring, and pigmentation, without causing harm to the surrounding healthy skin cells.
Misunderstandings may arise due to the temporary increased sensitivity/redness of the skin following certain laser treatments, which is a natural part of the healing process and not an indication of permanent skin thinning. These changes can last a few hours to a few weeks depending on the type of laser and the intensity selected by the provider. Having a trained medical professional administer laser treatments is crucial for minimising the risk of skin damage and reducing potential side effects. Their expertise and proficiency in handling laser equipment ensure that the procedure is conducted accurately and safely, optimising the benefits while safeguarding skin health.
My colleague, Dr Kelvin Chua, did an interview with The Straits Times debunking the myth of lasers and skin thinning. Read more about it here.
Lasers are meticulously designed to rejuvenate the skin by promoting the synthesis of collagen and elastin, resulting in much desired skin thickening and improved resilience. While these treatments effectively induce a controlled and beneficial thickening of the skin to counteract signs of ageing, they do not cause over-thickening when administered correctly. Trained and experienced medical professionals calibrate the laser settings to ensure that the treatment aligns with the patient’s skin health objectives while minimising the risk of undesirable outcomes such as over-thickening or scars.
However, certain risk factors, such as individual healing responses or predisposition to keloid scarring, might influence the outcome of laser treatments. Keloids or hypertrophic scars occur when there is an overproduction of collagen, causing raised scars. But this is a rare and specific response, not a common or expected outcome of laser skin therapy. Your physician can advise you regarding how to minimise potential risks and side effects, including the uncommon occurrence of skin over-thickening.
Rest assured, there’s no need to worry about the myth of skin loosening during laser treatments. This concern often arises due to misconceptions about the effects of specific lasers. Understanding the distinction between skin quality and elasticity is key.
Laser treatments, when performed correctly, aim to enhance skin quality by addressing issues such as skin pigmentation, scars, and uneven skin tone. The Pico Laser’s controlled energy stimulates collagen production and improves skin texture, all while maintaining your skin’s suppleness.
Lasers do not cause skin laxity or looseness. On the contrary, many lasers like the Fractionated CO2 Lasers and the Fotona 6D Pro Face-Lift Laser cause collagen and elastin production in the skin which helps with improving the skin’s firmness, suppleness and youthful appearance.
Having addressed some misconceptions about lasers, we will now briefly list the many benefits of lasers. It is vital to understand that there are many lasers available, each utilised to treat a variety of skin conditions. Thus choosing the right laser must be a decision made together with a trained medical professional.
Smooth and Even Skin: Laser treatments can help in achieving a smoother skin texture by targeting irregularities such as acne scars, fine lines, and rough patches.
Reduced Pigmentation: They are effective in diminishing the appearance of sunspots, age spots, and uneven pigmentation, leading to a more even skin tone.
Reduction in Pore Size: Some laser therapies can minimise the size of enlarged pores, resulting in finer and more refined skin.
Wrinkle Reduction: Laser treatments can stimulate collagen production, which helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, making the skin look younger.
Tightening Loose Skin: They can tighten loose or sagging skin, particularly in areas like the face, neck, and abdomen.
Scar Revision: Laser therapy can improve the appearance of scars, including surgical scars and stretch marks.
Sun Damage Repair: Laser treatments can effectively address sun-damaged skin, reversing some of the effects of UV radiation exposure.
Collagen Remodelling: Many laser treatments work by creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin, prompting the body to naturally produce collagen and elastin, which are essential for skin elasticity and firmness.
Firm and Youthful Skin: The increase in collagen levels can lead to firmer, more youthful-looking skin with improved elasticity.
Long-Term Benefits: The collagen boost from laser treatments can provide long-term benefits, helping to maintain skin health and delay the signs of ageing.
Now that you’ve unpacked the truth behind the myth that laser treatment leads to skin thinning, you can make an informed decision about aesthetic treatment.
At SL Aesthetic Clinic, our $88 trial provides an opportunity for patients to experience what the popular Pico Laser treatment is like. It comes with:
Do you have any questions or concerns? We’re here for you. Feel free to reach out to us.
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