What is Laser Treatment?
Laser treatments in aesthetic medicine use focused beams of light to target and treat specific skin concerns. These lasers work by delivering controlled heat or energy to the skin, which either removes damaged tissue or stimulates collagen production for skin renewal. Like chemical peels, laser treatments intentionally damage the skin to trigger healing and regeneration.
Even when properly done, laser therapy temporarily injures the skin. The type and intensity of the laser determine how deep the skin is affected. Poor technique or improper aftercare can turn controlled damage into more serious wounds.
Conditions Treated:
- Acne scars and surgical scars
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Hyperpigmentation and melasma
- Sun damage and age spots
- Tattoo and hair removal
- Enlarged pores and uneven texture
- Vascular lesions (e.g., spider veins)
Types of Laser Treatments:
- Ablative Lasers (e.g., CO₂, Er:YAG): Remove the outer layers of skin. More invasive with longer recovery. Can cause crusting and bleeding.
- Non-Ablative Lasers (e.g., Nd:YAG, IPL): Heat the skin below the surface without removing the top layer. Less downtime, but still may cause redness or swelling.
- Fractional Lasers: Create micro-injuries in a grid-like pattern, allowing faster healing by leaving surrounding skin intact.
How the Wound Happens:
Laser treatments work by causing controlled thermal or physical damage to the skin. This damage prompts the skin to heal itself by forming new, healthy tissue. The stronger the laser or the deeper it penetrates, the more skin layers are affected.
If the procedure is too aggressive or performed on unsuitable skin types, or if aftercare is ignored, the laser can cause burns, blistering, raw skin, or open wounds. This is especially a risk with ablative lasers or in cases of repeated treatments.
What Happens If Not Treated:
If laser-induced wounds are not properly managed:
- Infection can occur, especially if the damaged area is exposed to bacteria
- Scarring, including hypertrophic or keloid scars, may develop
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation (light or dark patches)
- Prolonged inflammation, peeling, and sensitivity
- Delayed healing, which may worsen cosmetic results and increase complications
