The appearance of your skin has a direct effect on your confidence. If the signs of age and sun damage have begun to concern you, there are many good reasons to consider your options for skin rejuvenation. Dermatology laser treatments help men and women of all ages address cosmetic concerns, and patients who visit Walnut Creek dermatologist, Dr. Christine Lee, benefit from her expansive knowledge of innovative therapies.
Ablative or non-ablative?
There are two popular methods of rejuvenating the skin with laser therapy: ablative and non-ablative. Which you choose comes down to personal preference as well as the concerns that you wish to address.
- Non-ablative skin resurfacing. This method of treatment is the gentler of the two, and is appealing to patients who are interested in non-wounding, no-downtime procedures. Non-ablative treatments involve heating the subcutaneous tissues beneath the skin’s surface with precise wavelengths of energy. When heat is absorbed by tissues and cells, activity such as collagen synthesis increases. Due to the minimalist nature of non-ablative lasers, multiple treatments are necessary to achieve dramatic results. Each session targets collagen remodeling, which progressively improves the tone, texture, and tautness of the skin.
- Ablative skin resurfacing. Ablative laser devices actually create a type of wound on superficial tissue by vaporizing the uppermost layer of skin. Topical numbing medication is used to ensure a comfortable process, but it is necessary to take some time off after this treatment. Over about a week’s time, swelling, redness, and peeling will occur as old cells are replaced. Because ablative resurfacing targets superficial cells, this treatment minimizes discoloration such as sun spots. It may also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Because skin ages as a result of environmental and intrinsic factors, rejuvenating treatments may be scheduled a few times a year, or more frequently depending on the aggressiveness of the laser device. Periodic treatments complement your normal skin care routine, enabling you to enjoy lasting youthfulness.
If your skin is not up to your expectations, it’s time to seek a rejuvenating treatment designed around your needs. Call The Skin and Laser Treatment Center to discuss your options for skin rejuvenation with Dr. Lee.