Sue Marshall

Guest Blogger

Laser Treatments 101

It’s a new world. We are living in an age of artificial intelligence, where we can call out to Alexa-I’m awake and she starts the coffee machine brewing. As we move forward in beauty, anti-aging advancements also have taken giant steps at a rapid pace with the latest technology being superseded by the newest anti-aging technologies. I dare not even include machine names in this blog because of the chance that tomorrow a newer and better machine comes to the market. Invasive plastic surgery procedures are now becoming obsolete (can I get an AMEN?!) Non-invasive options are leading the way and people (men and women) are taking the opportunity to be and look their best with a series of treatments that are quick and require a minimum amount of downtown to recover (if at all)

A couple of my favourite procedures to check out are-

SKIN TIGHTENING

This is also known as Photo Therapy. It is a pulsed light therapy that heats up the epidermis and dermis and stimulates the formation of collagen without damaging the skin’s surface. Radio frequency and ultrasound can also be used to lift, tighten and firm the skin all without damaging the skin’s surface, which make it a perfect option for your pre-wedding skin plan. The heat breaks down the collagen and elastin and that action causes the fibers to contract. The body being a miraculous and amazing thing sends a natural wound healing response and so more collagen is produced. Your skin continues to tighten for up to 6 months after the treatment! At least 6 treatments are needed to radio frequency and one to two for an ultrasound.

 

LASER RESURFACING

ABLATIVE -this uses concentrated pulsating beams of light which remove the top layer of the epidermis to produce fresh, new smooth skin. By doing this it triggers new cell growth and repairs any damage.

NON ABLATIVE-these treatments are more precisely targeted; this tends to be the laser treatment that is more frequently used these days. Lasers are very precise in the way they remove skin layers, one layer at a time. Darker skins should be cautious about having laser treatments as they can cause permanent discoloration.

Laser resurfacing can improve wrinkles and fine lines around the forehead, eyes, and mouth. It helps with sun damage and age spots, acne, and chicken pox scars. It’s also a great treatment for enlarged oil glands on and around the nose.

These two treatments are fantastic for those with a quest to have flawless, smooth ageless skin. Definitely for those who have a year at least to plan for their wedding. It is however extremely important that you only see a board-certified dermatologist to have these procedures done.