Laser peels have seen a great deal of progress over the past few years. Today, lasers play a significant part in smoothing the skin and creating a more youthful appearance. With so many treatments available, it is no wonder there are misconceptions floating about. We break down the top 10 myths about laser peels.
Myth #1: Laser Treatment Is Still Experimental
Laser treatments have actually been around for decades. In fact, the first laser surgery was for tattoo removal in 1960, and since then, laser technology has been evolving and becoming more effective every year.
Myth #2: Laser Peels Don’t Replace Surgery
The earlier in life that you begin taking care of your skin, the more you will improve the longevity of your skin’s health. This either helps postpone the time a surgical face lift is needed, or in the best case, help you avoid surgery altogether! Early laser resurfacing also positively impacts whether or not you will need a surgical procedure.
Occasionally, depending on a patient’s age, skin condition, and existing collagen damage, a laser peel alone will not provide the tightening they’re looking for and they may opt for a combination treatment of laser peel and surgical face lift. You may experience exceptional results from a laser peel and find that a surgical procedure is unnecessary. We are delighted to help you possibly avoid the cost and downtime of unnecessary surgery.
Myth #3: All Laser Peels Are the Same
Laser peels vary in their depth, providing different results. Deeper peels produce profound results by reducing wrinkles, helping pigmentation issues and other irregularities, and tightening collagen. The downtime can be 1-2 weeks. Lighter peels have a shorter down time, but produce less striking results, so they are provided in a series to help you achieve similar results – smoother, tighter skin, and even tone and texture. All depths of laser peel target fine lines and age spots, but deeper peels will be more intensive, thereby producing more significant results more quickly.
Myth #4: Laser Treatments Cannot Be Combined with Other Cosmetic Procedures
Laser peels may be combined with other cosmetic procedures to help you regain a natural look and restore a glow of vitality. In fact, we offer our 3D Rejuvenation Package, which includes a BBL Photorejuvenation Facial, MicroLaser Peel, and a Skin Tyte. In this combination, your skin receives treatment targeted to its different layers, giving you maximum results and achieving more youthful, tightened appearance.
Myth #5: Laser Resurfacing Requires A Long Treatment Session
A typical laser treatment lasts only about thirty minutes. Although there is preparation and recovery time before and after, this treatment is, on the whole, non-invasive not only to your body but also to your schedule. This is convenient enough for you to schedule your appointment near the end of your work day and have the remainder of the evening to relax in the privacy of your own home without worrying about heading straight back to the office.
Myth #6: You Need a Lot of Downtime After Treatment
Laser treatments don’t require as much recovery time as surgical procedures, but you still need some time to recuperate. The exact amount of time depends on the kind of treatment you have. If the peel is a light or superficial peel, then you may need one to two days to heal. Deeper treatments may require 7-10 days before the redness and peeling fully subside.
Myth #7: Lasers Make Skin Weak or Thin
Laser peels actually make the skin stronger. Although ablative lasers, which are used to peel the skin, remove the top layer, this action encourages new skin cells to grow and replace older, damaged cells. The treated skin looks rough initially, but ultimately, the laser treatments actually thicken and strengthen the skin by encouraging the production of collagen and elastin. Collagen supports the skin structurally and causes it to become thicker, stronger, and more youthful looking.
Myth #8: Lasers Use Dangerous Radiation
Laser used for skin treatments emit radiation in the form of light, and they do not expose you to dangerous radiation. The light only penetrates one to four millimeters into the skin. Laser radiation should not be confused with the harmful radiation which comes from radio waves, ionizing x-rays, or radiation from radioactive elements such as radium. It is our goal to help you improve the life of your skin, not damage it further.
Myth #9: Lasers Cause Cancer
Lasers do not cause cancer and can actually be used to remove skin cancers. Laser light does not contain the wavelengths which cause or trigger cancers.
Myth #10: Laser Peels Only Work on Fair Skin
Laser peels can be used on most skin types: fair, medium, and dark up to a certain skin type. If you have very dark skin (Fitzpatrick Skin Types V-VI), lasers should not be used since hypo- or hyper-pigmentation can occur. Additionally, lasers should not be used to treat tanned skin, so sunbathing is out for a few weeks before your procedure, and, of course, you should avoid all sun exposure after your laser peel.
Lasers are indispensable in a variety of medical situations. In addition to using lasers for ablative skin peels, other types of lasers with different light wavelengths can permanently remove hair, scars, tattoos, varicose veins, acne scars, and even port-wine stains. To learn more about laser treatments or to set up an appointment, contact us at the Elizabeth Roche, M.D. MedSpa today.