Busting Myths on Laser Skin Resurfacing

After Being in the Medical Spa industry for 10 years the technology for non-invasive cosmetic treatments has consistently involved and improved.  One of the top treatments to burst on to the seen in the past year is laser skin resurfacing using non-ablative and ablative lasers to treat scars, wrinkles, stretchmarks and more.  At our medical spa Winter Park Laser in Orlando we utilize several fractional lasers to treat a variety of aesthetic concerns. However, while laser resurfacing is such a viable option for treating skin concerns there are many myths and incorrect information out there.  My goal is to bust the myths on laser skin resurfacing.
Myth #1: Laser skin Resurfacing is Painful

Fact: This isn't true anymore.  Most lasers now have built in cooling systems, and topical numbing cream can be applied 30-60 minutes prior to treatments for an extremely comfortable treatment.
Myth #2: Laser Resurfacing involves extreme downtime of being raw, bloody & red for weeks.

Fact: This is not true, certain older ablative lasers such as CO2, Fraxel, and Urbium used to cause severe downtime for 10-21 days as the holes took 96 hours to close.  However, Palomar's Ablative Fractional Laser Resurfacing hand-piece only requires a "rug burn" effect for 4-7 days as the holes close in 6 hours also significantly reducing any risk of infection.  There is also non-ablative laser skin resurfacing which involves multiple treatments but has no downtime with the exception of slight pinkness for a few hours and is great for minor wrinkles, acne scars and stretchmarks.
Myth #3 All Lasers for Skin Resurfacing Treatments Are the Same
False: While this may have been true a decade ago, it definitely isn’t today.  There are a growing number of different lasers and various brands which can be classified as either ablative or non-ablative.  Ablative laser skin resurfacing removes the top layer of your skin whereas non-ablative relies on wavelengths to penetrate the epidermis and stimulate deeper tissues.  Newer lasers (less than 3 years old) are safer, require less down time and have better built in cooling systems for great results.
Myth #4 If you have a surgical face-lift you won't need any other treatments such as Laser Resurfacing or Fillers
Fact: This is a common myth among surgical procedures but the fact is that surgical does not improve the texture of your skin.  Laser skin resurfacing will stimulate your own collagen & elastin to tighten skin, reduce wrinkles, and tighten pores.
Myth #5: Dark skin Types are not safe for Laser skin resurfacing.
Fact: This isn't true for non-ablative laser resurfacing but it is true for ablative laser skin resurfacing.  Most non-ablative lasers such as Palomar 1540 are color blind so they are safe for all skin types.

For more information on busting myths about laser skin resurfacing for Fractional ablative or non-ablative lasers at Winter Park Laser & Anti-Aging Center in Orlando go to http://www.winterparklaser.com