Do laser treatments actually damage or break down the skin long-term?

Question

I would like to get laser therapy to tighten and smooth my face. I do not have a lot of skin concerns yet but would like to stay ahead of them. However, I read that over time lasers actually damage the skin and while I may see great results now, I will pay for it in a 20 or 30 years with more aged skin. If that's the case it would make sense to save laser treatment for when I truly require it. What are the potential long term side effects of laser, especially Fraxel Dual? Are they even known yet?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Laser resurfacing won't cause premature aging. They are used to stimulate the production of collagen and improve texture and tone. I recommend younger patients start early with anti-aging treatments. I recommend lasers, microneedling/prp, rf treatments, fillers and Botox. See a cosmetic dermatologist for a formal evaluation and a long term treatment plan. Best, Dr. Emer

Selena Lantry, MD · Answer

When used correctly, Laser treatments actually help preserve a youthful appearance in both the short and long term.  Laser treatments promote the growth of healthy new cells. If this happens again and again, over time the results from these treatments  accumulate to show skin that appears many years younger than someone who did not undergo similar skincare procedures.  Risks come into the picture when a provider does not use the appropriate settings for a patient.  So if you want to avoid risks for a Fraxel treatment, be sure to research your provider beforehand.

Shawn Khodadadian, MD · Answer

1) Redness, swelling and itching. After ablative laser resurfacing, treated skin will be itchy, swollen and red. Redness &mdash; the degree of which is related to the depth of resurfacing done &mdash; can be intense and might last for several months. The aggravation of a previously existing skin condition, such as rosacea, can contribute to redness.2) Acne. Applying thick creams and bandages to your face after treatment can worsen acne or cause you to temporarily develop tiny white bumps (milia) on treated skin.Infection. Ablative laser resurfacing can lead to a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. The most common infection is a flare-up of the herpes virus &mdash; the virus that causes cold sores. In most cases, the herpes virus is already present but dormant in the skin.3) Changes in skin color. Ablative laser resurfacing can cause treated skin to become darker than normal (hyperpigmentation) or lighter than normal (hypopigmentation). Hyperpigmentation is more common in people who have darker skin. Topical retinoic acid or glycolic acid can help treat hyperpigmentation after the treated area has healed. Use of sunscreen during the healing process also is important. Nonablative fractional photothermolysis might help improve hypopigmentation.4) Scarring. Ablative laser resurfacing poses a slight risk of scarring.5) Turning of the eyelid (ectropion). Rarely, ablative laser resurfacing near the lower eyelid can cause the eyelid to turn out and expose the inner surface. Surgery is needed to correct the problem.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Lasers do not damage your skin in long term. Majority of lasers encourage production of collagen and in that way thicken and improve your skin quality. Now and for many years after your treatment. It is important to maintain healthy lifestyle and skin routine. If you get laser treatment now, of course it won’t prevent you from aging and it will not yield life time results. You will have to do touchups with laser or other treatments. Laser improves current conditions and skin appearance and it encourages production of collagen for some time. Therefore, increased collagen production slows signs of aging for few years. Good luck!

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Lasers do not damage your skin in long term. Majority of lasers encourage production of collagen and in that way thicken and improve your skin quality. Now and for many years after your treatment. It is important to maintain healthy lifestyle and skin routine. If you get laser treatment now, of course it won’t prevent you from aging and it will not yield life time results. You will have to do touchups with laser or other treatments. Laser improves current conditions and skin appearance and it encourages production of collagen for some time. Therefore, increased collagen production slows signs of aging for few years. Good luck!

Margaret Weiss, MD · Answer

There is more than twenty years of experience with intense pulsed light that demonstrates the benefits of regular treatment in helping the skin look younger and have more active collagen.  Other noninvasive lasers have been shown to help as well.  We recommend our patients to have at least one treatment a year to keep their skin as youthful as possible.

Rebecca Gelber, MD · Answer

Great question! Just the opposite. There is research particularly with BBL, but also lasers that these act much like exercise to help thicken skin, reduce sun damage and can actually slow signs of aging. My patients who combine BBL and lasers and complete 2-4 treatments a year demonstrate dramatically less aging than those who don't. These signs even carry through to thicker and healthier skin on biopsies in treated groups.

Do laser treatments actually damage or break down the skin long-term?

Answers (7)

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