The Newest, Most Advanced Lasers at our Los Gatos and Palo Alto Med Spas
Skin resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure that aims to improve the texture and appearance of the skin on the face or body. We offer several methods of skin resurfacing, including chemical peels and laser-based treatments.
Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to the skin, which causes the top layers of skin to peel off, revealing new, smoother skin underneath.
As an alternative to chemicals, laser resurfacing uses a laser – a device that emits focused, high-powered light – to remove the top layers of skin and stimulate the production of collagen, a protein that helps to keep the skin looking firm and youthful.
There are different types of laser resurfacing, including ablative and non-ablative, and they can be used to treat a variety of skin concerns, such as uneven skin tone, fine lines, and acne scarring.
Fractional skin lasers, also known as fractional resurfacing lasers, work by delivering laser energy in a pattern of microscopic columns, or “fractions,” that affect a small percentage of the skin at a time. This leaves some areas of the skin unaffected, which helps to speed up the healing process and minimize downtime.
There are several different types of fractional skin lasers, including ablative and non-ablative lasers. Ablative lasers remove the top layers of skin by vaporizing them with laser energy, while non-ablative lasers use laser energy to stimulate collagen production without removing the top layers of skin.
Ablative vs. Non-Ablative Lasers
Ablative lasers remove the top layers of skin by vaporizing them with laser energy. They are typically used to treat deeper wrinkles, scars, and other more severe skin concerns, and can provide more dramatic results. However, they are also more aggressive and can be associated with more downtime and a longer recovery period.
The surgeons at L&P Aesthetics often recommend that an ablative laser i.e. a Tunable Resurfacing Laser treatment be performed during a rejuvenation surgery – like a blepharoplasty or facelift – while a patient is under anesthesia. This also allows the patient to combine the recovery periods, and dramatically younger-looking skin is a great complement to the final outcome of surgery.
Non-ablative lasers, on the other hand, do not remove the top layers of skin. Instead, they use laser energy to stimulate the production of collagen, a protein that helps to keep the skin looking firm and youthful. Non-ablative lasers are typically used to treat more superficial skin concerns, such as uneven skin tone, fine lines, and mild acne scarring. They are less aggressive than ablative lasers and can be associated with less downtime and a shorter recovery period.
L&P Aesthetics offers several non-ablative laser options, including Broadband Light (BBL), MOXI, and HALO.
How Deeper Resurfacing Can Stimulate Collagen
Laser resurfacing can stimulate the production of collagen in the skin through a process called thermal stimulation. When the laser energy is absorbed by the skin, it creates heat, which damages the collagen fibers in the skin. This damage triggers the body’s natural wound-healing response, which includes the production of new collagen fibers to repair the damaged tissue. The new collagen fibers can help to improve the texture and appearance of the skin, giving it a smoother, more youthful appearance.
It is important to note that the effects of laser resurfacing on collagen production may not be immediately apparent, as it can take time for the new collagen fibers to be produced and for the skin to heal. The extent of the collagen stimulation and the resulting improvements in the skin may also vary depending on the type of laser used and the individual’s skin type and condition.
Lasers at L&P Aesthetics, Los Gatos and Palo Alto
At both our Los Gatos, CA and Palo Alto, CA locations, we offer a number of incredible laser-based resurfaces modalities. Non-ablative choices include Broadband Light (BBL), MOXI, and HALO.
Overall, laser skin resurfacing can help to improve the texture and appearance of the skin, giving it a smoother, more youthful appearance. However, it is important to note that laser treatments can be associated with certain risks and side effects, such as redness, swelling, and infection, and it is important to work with a skilled provider – like those at L&P Aesthetics, in either Los Gatos or Palo Alto – before undergoing a laser procedure.
