What Is Laser Resurfacing ?
Laser Resurfacing or Laser Skin Resurfacing is a popular facial rejuvenation procedure that uses a laser to correct certain facial flaws due to various conditions affecting an individual’s skin. Laser Resurfacing is used to restore a youthful look and glow to the skin and has become the go-to ‘anti-ageing technique’ recommended by dermatologists worldwide.

However, this technique is misunderstood to be permanent. Laser Resurfacing, much like any other cosmetic procedure turns back the clock on facial features but isn’t permanent. It in fact, assists in more graceful ageing and its results are longer lasting.

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How Does Laser Resurfacing Work?
Laser resurfacing removes the topmost damaged layer of the dermis and then penetrates deeper into the dermis to stimulate collagen and initiate growth of new and healthy skin.
This procedure helps in removal of fine lines, wrinkles, acne and uneven skin tone and improves texture.

There are 2 types of Lasers used in this procedure depending on the recommendation of your cosmetologist or dermatologist:

1. Ablative Laser:
The Ablative Laser is also known as a ‘CO2 Laser’ that removes the epidermal or outer layer of skin and heats up the dermis which is the underlying skin. This results in the stimulation and regrowth of new collagen fibres quickly, thus giving a more taught and smooth look to the skin. Due to its intense working method it is known as a wounding laser. 

2. Non-Ablative Laser:
This laser is a non-wounding laser which improves the quality and texture of the skin over a period of time. It is primarily done with Intense Pulsed Light Technology and is less invasive than the ablative type, while also having lesser side effects and lesser recovery time, however it is known to be less effective as well. 

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What To Expect During The Procedure?
The procedure will be done under an anaesthetic depending on the requirement of the procedure. For more extensive procedures, the patient may be completely sedated if the doctor deems it to be intense.

During the procedure, the intense laser will be pointed directly at your skin. This laser is usually quite powerful, but protective gear will be provided. The laser beam will be directed to the exact locations where treatment is required. The beam destroys the outer layer of the skin and heats up the underlying layer.

The procedure is similar for ablative and non-ablative laser resurfacing and takes around 30 minutes depending on the scale of the treatment. The only difference is that ablative laser resurfacing is done in one appointment, where as non-ablative resurfacing may have you take appointments across weeks or months.

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What Are The Risks And Side Effects Of The Treatment?
It is wise to consult your dermatologist before opting in for the procedure since the risks include:

• Flaring us of acne due to creams and bandages.

• Scarring due to abrasive laser post treatment.

• Itching and blotches on skin

• Redness and Swelling

• Various skin infections if left exposed for a long while without proper post care treatment.

• Sometimes, a subtle change in skin colour may be observed.

It is therefore highly necessary that you seek out a consultation from your dermatologist before opting in for such a procedure.

It is a very safe procedure and appropriate post care treatment will be informed and provided to you by your dermatologist. For more questions or an appointment seeking any cosmetic treatment, visit Contact us at Dr. Rakhavi Midhun MBBS MD DVL is a renowned Dermatologist, Cosmetologist and Trichologist at Tiruchirapalli

 

Dermaroller :

What Is A Dermaroller?

It is a skincare/cosmetic device used to help rejuvenate the skin, stimulate hair growth, treat acne scarring, and reduce signs of aging. It can fill in fine lines and wrinkles, reduce under-eye bags and dark circles, improve skin texture, reduce the size of pores, and fade blemishes and marks. The dermaroller was introduced in the mid-90s, however, it got traction within the last few years as it is an accessible, effective, and relatively non-invasive skin treatment. Over a short period of time, it has gained mass popularity and acceptance as it is a simple, cheap, safe, and effective technique requiring minimal training.

It also can be used for intradermal delivery of drugs and vaccines. Studies suggest that 90% of the serum gets absorbed into the skin during dermarolling. The dermaroller dilates the infundibulum and hence that serves as an additional route of penetration of the drugs and cosmeceuticals.

Types Of Dermarollers

Five basic types of medical dermarollers registered with the FDA are as follows and most dermarolling devices are adopted from these elementary types

• C-8 (Cosmetic type), is the basic dermaroller with a needle length of only 0.13 mm (130 ?m) used for enhancing penetration of topical agents. It is completely painless.

• C-8HE (Cosmetic type for hair-bearing surfaces, scalp) has a needle length of 0.2 mm       (200 ?m). Even this length is below the pain threshold.

• CIT-8 (CIT: Collagen Induction Therapy) has a needle length of 0.5 mm (500 ?m) and helps in collagen induction and skin remodelling.

• MF-8 type has a needle length of 1.5 mm (1500 ?m). This creates deeper microchannels on the whole epidermis and dermis and at the same time destroys scar collagen bundles.

• MS-4 is the only dermaroller that has a smaller cylinder, 1 cm length, 2 cm diameter, and subsequently 4 circular arrays of needles (total 96 needles) that have 1.5 mm length. It is used in areas where better precision and deeper penetration is required. It is mostly used on facial acne scars.

• Devices similar to MS-4 are available with needle lengths of 0.5–0.75 mm, which are used for thin-skinned areas such as the periorbital and perioral regions.

 

Home Care Dermaroller

Home-care dermarollers (C-8) are used by patients themselves as they are of needle length less than 0.15 mm . They can be used twice or thrice a week for up to 100 times. After use, the rollers should be cleaned in hot tap water and shaken dry

Precautions To Be Taken

• Individuals with pre-existing eczema, psoriasis, and warts should not use rolling as it is likely to exacerbate the condition.

• Avoid derma rollers in active acne (open wounds or cysts).

• A person needs to have a fairly high threshold for pain and discomfort caused during the procedure.

• One needs to take care of device hygiene by cleaning it with a sterilizing agent and soaking in alcohol-based soak.

• Cleanliness of skin is utterly important as the procedure is associated with blood.

• Ensuring fineness of the needles, as thick and blunt needles would damage the skin.

• Need to take precautions in people with health conditions like diabetes which can slow down wound healing.

• Taking anticoagulants or other medications, if required.