In our recent article, we spoke about the major differences between Q-Switch Lasers and Pico Lasers.(Read the blog on Q- Switch Lasers Vs Pico Lasers).

Today, we will help to educate you further about Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment.

Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment helps to rejuvenate the skin by resurfacing its upper layers. Lasers help to improve the appearance of lentigines and rhytids, eliminate photoaging, soften scarring due to acne and other causes, and treat dyspigmentation. Lasers commonly used for Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment include ablative and non-ablative Lasers in both fractionated and unfractionated forms as well as radiofrequency technologies. The gentler non-ablative Lasers allow for quicker healing, whereas stronger ablative Lasers tend to be more effective, but comes with a longer downtime. Fractionating the laser beam makes the treatment safer with less downtime and complications.

Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment procedure

Clinical effects of Laser therapy are multi-fold depending on the type of Laser and wavelength.

First, heat from the Laser works to remove a predictable, uniform thickness of the damaged layer of the epidermis. As this top layer of your skin peels off, a new layer grows to replace it. The skin will then appear smoother, and the appearance of the scar, hyperpigmentation or any other skin abnormalities is less noticeable.

Second, as the damaged skin is replaced, heat from the Laser also encourages new, healthy skin cells to grow from beneath. Blood flow is drawn to the area by the heat of the Laser and provokes an inflammatory response. This, in turn, results in the stimulation, development, and deposition of new dermal collagen and elastin, along with a reorganization of structural scaffold proteins and dermal connective tissue. This results in rejuvenation and thickening of the epidermis and an increase in dermal volume resulting in new healthier rejuvenated skin.

At IIWAM Aesthetic Education, our doctors and experts provide all students with hands-on training on Laser Skin Resurfacing, educating them about the treatment requirements, procedures, and all probable outcomes; both theoretically and clinically.

Do’s and Don’ts before and after Laser Skin Resurfacing

• It is advisable to avoid excessive sun exposure a week before and a week after the Laser treatments.
• It is best to use sun protection with an SPF of 30 or more, and one that covers both UVA and UVB.
• Apply lots of soothing creams and moisturizer after the treatment, avoid dusty environmental and pollutants.
• Keep the skin clean and free form debris and infection.
• Some people who are allergic to dust mite, may experience rashes – not due to the Laser treatment but due to the entry of the dust mites and allergens into the skin since the epidermal barrier is down.
• Please inform your doctor if you are prone for cold sore since this may get reactivated following Laser treatments, and your doctor may prescribe some anti-viral medications before and after the treatment.

What type of Lasers are used for Laser Skin Resurfacing?

As mentioned earlier, there are two major Laser classification – ablative and non-ablative.

CO2 Lasers and Erbium (Er: YAG) Lasers are ablative Lasers which are used to treat scars, wrinkles, and other skin conditions. They promote collagen remodeling, making them popular options for treating fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, and age spots. Both of these Lasers can be fractionated, and hence they are available in surgical mode as well as fractional mode. Ablative Lasers requires 2- 3 weeks of healing process, depending on the intensity of the treatment.

Non-ablative Lasers which are used for skin rejuvenation include NdYag and Erbium Glass Laser. Non-ablative Lasers often require no downtime at all.

Is Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment painful?

Ablative Lasers are often uncomfortable and this can be minimized by using short acting sedations coupled with strong topical anesthetic agents.

Non-ablative Lasers causes minimal discomfort and requires only a topical numbing cream during the Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment procedure.

Importance of training in Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment

It is essential that the Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment procedure should be performed by certified aesthetic practitioners only, who are skilled in this particular treatment procedure. The aesthetic practitioners need to be well trained in terms of the principle of Laser, types of Laser, techniques, depth of penetration, and Laser-tissue interaction so that they can administer the Laser treatment in a safe and effective manner.

Complications of Laser include thermal burns which can cause discoloration of the skin, scarring, infection, reactivation of herpes simplex infections, and even facial disfigurement. Proper education is very important to deliver safe and effective results and manage complications, should they occur.

About IIWAM training in Laser Skin Resurfacing

It is prudent that all Aesthetic practitioners must undergo proper training in Aesthetic medicine. The practitioner must balance between benefits & risks of the Aesthetic procedure, and steps to mitigate complications, if it occurs. At IIWAM, we call it, understanding the procedure, the product, and the patient, and our trainers pay utmost attention to teaching the following subjects when it comes to Aesthetic treatments under our latest online international laser training program.

• What are the principles of ablative Lasers and non-ablative Lasers?
• What is Laser-tissue interaction?
• What is the difference between ablative Lasers and non-ablative Lasers?
• How does the Laser work?
• What are Laser complications?
• How to treat Laser complications?
• What are the differences between ablative Laser and Pico Laser?

IIWAM also offers an Online Aesthetic Certification programme for Non-Surgical Body Sculpting, Advanced Dermal Filler Training (Restylane, Juvéderm, Teosyal, Bellotero), Advanced Botulinum Toxin Training (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin), Skin Booster Training (Restylane Skin Booster, Profhilo, Rejuran), Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Training, and Thread Lift Training (PDO, Aptos, Happy Lift). IIWAM is now certified to conduct a Diploma in Cellular Medicine program, where doctors are trained on the science of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine.

About IIWAM Aesthetic Education

At IIWAM, we provide International Aesthetic Certification program and also Advanced Online Aesthetic Courses for Doctors, Dentists, Nurses, Aestheticians, and Spa Owners in the field of Aesthetic Medicine.

Our Institute is based in Malaysia and has international students from the Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, and other parts of Asia. With our insignia of “Be Certified, Be Recognized”, we develop knowledgeable, skilled, and confident Aesthetic practitioners of international repute. Our Aesthetic training focuses on teaching the principles of Aesthetic procedures before venturing into Aesthetic clinical skills. IIWAM training Programs are a combination of Onsite Training, LIVE Online Webinars, and Online Learning. IIWAM is the first Institute in the World to have its Programs assured by City & Guilds of London and certified by European International University. IIWAM is also a registered CPD Training provider with CPD Standards Office in the UK and by CPD Malaysian Medical Association.

Onboard is our Assoc. Prof Dr. Morthy, the lead trainer, medical director of the International Institute of Wellness & Aesthetic Medicine (IIWAM), formerly known as Aesthetic Academy Asia (http://www.iiwam.ac/).

In the Aesthetic part of our Institute, we provide Advanced Aesthetic Medical Procedures that are Safe, Effective, and Affordable, offering a wide range of specialized treatments for All Your Aesthetic Needs.