Lasers Are Confusing—what Type of Laser Resurfacing is Best for the First Signs of Aging?

Attention all doctors who have experience using multiple laser-resurfacing modalities: between C02, erbium, fully ablative, fractionally ablative and non-ablative, which laser/combination of lasers is best for the first signs of aging? Specifically, I'm an early-30s, fair-skinned woman interested in smoothing fine lines (forehead, lip region) and preventing further facial deterioration overall. I don't mind a week (max) of downtime per year. Which specific equipment should I be seeking out? Thx!

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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by Lauren17

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Details about skin resurfacing with Lasers!

Lauren, I've copied an entire article about the various forms of skin resurfacing lasers as you asked about. I would start as I end: do NOT seek out equipment; rather seek out expertise (understanding the biophysics of laser-tissue interaction is a good start--not just settings and trigger location!) and compare information and photographs. As with so many things, a hammer and a chisel do not make one Michelangelo, even if you make it a power hammer and laser chisel! Creating a smoother,... more

Laser for Early 30's

Aesthetic light (lasers and IPL) can be helpful for facial aging, even for patients in their early 30's. There are several factors to help determine which modality is best for you: Skin type (Coloration) Signs of aging (Brown spots, texture, fine lines, irregularities, etc) Downtime There are so many name brands of lasers but be more particular about the wavelength and modality of the laser. In general, patients in their early 30's often seek... more

Try Dermapen for skin resurfacing

Lasers are great, but if you're in your early 30's, you probably don't have the severity of damage that requires a laser. Dermapen is a micro-needling procedure. Instead of using laser heat energy to stimulate a rejuvenation of collagen, it uses tiny needles to create a stimulus to the skin to rejuvenate collagen. It's very comfortable and the downtime can be controlled based on how the procedure is done. Remarkable results can be achieved with a series of no-downtime treatments. I've been... more

Laser resurfacing for early signs of aging

Great question and i enjoyed reading the other answers which i agree with and also disagree with. I lecture about this very often and you can see a few webinars i have done on this topic on the sciton website. In short - choice of laser or other technology depends upon patients degree of damage (wrinkles etc), skin color, downtime and budget. in your case with fair skin, beginning signs of aging and a weeks downtime there are a number of devices that would give you the intended... more

Laser Resurfacing Options for Aging Skin

Thank you for your question. There are multiple laser resurfacing devices that work well in the right candidates and in the right hands. But these also have to be balanced with their side effect profile. At this time, the safest and most effective will be fractionated C02 or Erbium with about a week of downtime, depending on the settings and number of passes. I would also recommend being treated under the supervision of a Board Certified Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon for best... more

Yes, all the lasers are confusing.

Not surprisingly, some doctors are confused too. The primary goal of the laser companies is to sell lasers. Every salesperson thinks he/she has the best laser, until they change jobs to another company. In my humble opinion, the most effective laser for deep wrinkles is a carbon dioxide laser, fractionated or non-fractionated. For somebody your age with fine lines and probably some uneven skin coloration I prefer nitrogen plasma resurfacing. It is called... more

Which Laser Resurfacing

Hi Lauren. We do not think you will accomplish your goals with the areas you want to treat and the downtime you are willing to accept. Most lasers that have 5-7 days of downtime are used in a series of at least 2- 3 treatments. We are sure you will find a practitioner to offer 1 treatment (fractionated or even traditional Erbium) with expectations for improvement, but the problem is the less treatments you have, the more limited the results will be. This would only be... more