7 Common Questions About Laser Skin Resurfacing Answered

Laser skin resurfacing is a non-surgical aesthetic treatment that can treat a range of skin concerns. It is said to give your face a more youthful and healthier appearance by effectively reducing the appearance of sun damage, hyperpigmentation, scarring, and signs of aging. 

If you’re considering this treatment or want to know more about how it can transform your skin, arming yourself with extra information can help. Continue reading as we explore this treatment by answering the 7 most common questions about laser skin resurfacing. 

1. What is laser skin resurfacing? 

As its name suggests, laser skin resurfacing is a type of laser treatment that resurfaces the skin. It uses a device that emits laser energy to remove the damaged superficial layer and simultaneously heat the deeper layer. It creates controlled damage to the skin, which stimulates collagen growth and the formation of new and healthy skin. 

The laser device used in this treatment can also depend on skin conditions and desired results. Your skin or aesthetic doctor may use a single or several different types of lasers, which can be:

• Ablative – vaporizes or removes the skin’s top layer, which then reveals healthier skin underneath. It can stimulate new collagen and is a good option for improving mild to moderate scarring, wrinkles, and discoloration. 
• Non-ablative – does not remove the top layer. This type of laser creates micro-lesions in the skin to stimulate collagen production. It is ideal for improving overall skin tone and texture. This has fewer side effects, but the results are not as pronounced as ablative resurfacing.
• Fractional – is a combination of both ablative and non-ablative techniques. This can tackle a range of skin imperfections, helping you achieve tighter- and more youthful-looking skin. 

2. What conditions does it treat?

As previously mentioned, laser resurfacing treatment can treat a variety of skin conditions to renew and rejuvenate your skin. You can turn to it to tackle or improve: 

• Sun-damaged skin, including pigmentation, freckles, uneven skin tone, dullness, and skin dryness
• Facial lines and wrinkles
• Acne scarring 
• Skin concerns around the eyes (such as fine lines)

3. What kind of laser do we use? 

At Cutis, we use Pearl Resurfacing, which is a US FDA-cleared device that resurfaces the top layer of the skin and heats the dermis to stimulate the growth of new collagen fibers. Using pulses of light in a pre-selected pattern, Pearl treats the outer layer and sends heat to the underlying layer to create micro-injuries and generate collagen production.

We also have Pearl Fractional, which offers fractional ablative treatment that can also help the body stimulate new collagen. It uses controlled pulses of laser, which place tiny holes in the skin to selectively remove columns of damaged tissue. This stimulates the creation of collagen to reverse the look of your skin imperfections and plump the skin.

Both can also be combined in a procedure called Pearl Fusion to treat or improve a range of skin concerns. It can renew the skin surface and stimulate collagen, as well as treat or improve.

• Mild to moderate sun damage or photoaging
• Mild skin laxity
• Wrinkles (particularly around the eyes and mouth)
• Acne or surgical scarring
• Uneven color and texture 

4. Who are the ideal candidates for laser skin resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing is ideal for those with light to medium skin tones and who are looking to improve sun damage and common signs of aging. It is also worth considering if you’re looking to visibly renew your skin but don’t want to undergo more aggressive procedures that require cuts, general anesthesia, or longer recovery. 

Not everyone, however, is an ideal candidate for the procedure. Those who are pregnant or are breastfeeding may not be a suitable candidate, as well as those who have an autoimmune disease and a weak immune system. Laser skin resurfacing may also not be suitable for those who are prone to scarring and cold sores. 

5. What results can you expect?

With the combination of Pearl and Pearl Fractional, you get a two-in-one solution for improving signs of aging and sun damage. You may notice improvements after a week, but there is skin peeling that can take between five and seven days. 

Your skin will continue to improve over the next three to six months as new collagen fibers grow. The result is a smoother skin appearance, with visible improvements in sun damage, wrinkles, skin laxity, and other skin imperfections.

6. How long is the recovery period?

After your treatment, it is normal to notice the area to appear reddish and swollen. These, however, are temporary and minor side effects that will subside soon after the procedure. In most cases, it will take a week off from work while the skin peels and recovers. 

7. How many laser skin treatments will you need?

This depends on your skin concerns. Some may only require a single treatment, while others may need multiple sessions to see their desired results. Most patients require a follow-up or maintenance treatment every 12 to 24 months to maintain the results of the treatment. 

Book a consultation

If you want to learn more about laser skin resurfacing or Pearl Fusion, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore today and schedule a consultation with our aesthetic doctor.