Laser skin treatment can help improve the surface of the skin, treating the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scars, age spots, sun damage, or an uneven complexion. Those considering this procedure typically want to improve the appearance of their face for reasons of self-confidence. This is an elective procedure, so it is not required for anyone to undergo laser treatments. Deciding to undergo it is a purely personal decision based on the results you want to achieve.
In order to determine whether laser skin care treatment is right for you, you may want to schedule consultation visits at several different laser skin treatment clinics that offer the procedure. They will evaluate the condition of your skin and explain the results you can expect to see with the procedure. Discuss your goals with your doctor to determine whether laser treatments will meet your needs. Lasers can be used to treat many conditions, although they work best on minor corrections than on severe changes in the appearance or texture of the skin.
Before undergoing this cosmetic treatment, you should have realistic expectations about what it can do for you because it does have some limitations. Although it can erase some signs of aging, it will not stop the clock. New signs of aging will show up after you’ve had laser treatments, and the results are not permanent. Laser resurfacing cannot remove deep wrinkles or fix sagging skin under the jawline.
Although adults at any age can be treated, the procedure is usually performed on those in their 40’s or older. Most adults can undergo laser procedures. However, if you are currently taking Accutane or Retin-A, you may need to discontinue these medications several months before your laser treatment. Be sure to provide complete medical information to your doctor to ensure that you are eligible for the treatment.
Those with active acne, cold sores, or other current infections may also be ineligible for the procedure. Some allergies, or a history of excessive scarring after medical procedures, may also make you a poor candidate for laser skin resurfacing. Very dark skin tones may require specialized lasers; some doctors who offer laser skin treatments do not have the appropriate laser types to treat people with a dark complexion.
In order to undergo the procedure, you must be comfortable with the idea of a laser beam entering your skin. Although this is generally painless and only a little uncomfortable, many patients opt for other treatments for this reason.
This elective procedure is cosmetic, so it is not covered by insurance. In other words, you’ll need to pay out of pocket or obtain financing if you wish to undergo laser skin treatment. Cost is often one of the biggest barriers to patients who are considering the treatment.
Above all, those who choose this option to treat their skin do so because they want to increase their self-confidence through improving the look and feel of their skin.