Laser skin resurfacing is a skin rejuvenation procedure that reduces the appearance of imperfections, wrinkles, scars and stimulates collagen production, creating younger-looking skin. This procedure can be conducted with a fractional ablative or a fractional non-ablative laser. Fractional lasers reduce the risk of side effects while shortening the recovery time.
SpaMedica has the best selection of laser and radiofrequency wrinkle removal devices in Canada. Each laser wrinkle removal program is customized to include the best possible combination of lasers and radiofrequency (RF) technologies that will give the most effective and long-lasting wrinkle reduction results. At the time of your consultation, your consult coordinator will review the best combination of lasers and RF technologies to provide the results you are looking for.
SpaMedica is Canada’s largest, oldest, and most respected private cosmetic laser center. Why are there so many laser and radiofrequency wrinkle removal devices available? The answer is simple: using only one laser or RF device will not give the best results. Superior wrinkle removal results are only achieved by the customized combination of two or more of the following technologies that work in different, yet synergistic and summative ways to achieve the best results including:
● Evoke Cheek lifting
● Fractora Fractional RF Resurfacing
● Fractional Lux 1540 nm
● eMatrix sublative resurfacing
● IntraCel
Ideal candidates are those who have:
If you aren’t a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing, review other nonsurgical treatments available at SpaMedica.
Minimize Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Sun Damage, and Acne Scars
Laser skin treatment is effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and acne scars. Many people look years younger after undergoing this treatment.
Reduce the Size of Pores
Laser skin resurfacing reduces pore size, giving patients and even, healthy looking skin
Stimulates Collagen Production
Collagen is the key to youthful-looking skin. Laser skin resurfacing treatments stimulate the production of collagen. The newly produced collagen makes the skin look firmer and younger.
Long-lasting Results
Unlike creams and moisturizers that improve the appearance of the skin for a short time, the results of SpaMedica’s Toronto laser skin resurfacing are long-lasting. Many patients enjoy the results for years.
At SpaMedica we take special precautions to reduce the risks associated with this treatment. SpaMedica physicians have been performing laser resurfacing in Toronto for over 2 decades, so the risks of an adverse event is minimal.
Mild Swelling
Most patients experience some redness and swelling immediately following the procedure. This normally goes away within hours but can last for several days.
Infection
It’s possible to develop an infection after receiving laser skin resurfacing. Patients with herpes simplex virus (cold sore) are most likely to develop this complication. Those who have this virus should discuss it during the consultation, so they can receive antiviral medication before the procedure.
Changes in Skin Colour
Some patients experience changes in skin colour after the procedure, which is normally temporary. However, the results can be permanent for patients with darker skin who undergo an ablative treatment.
Scarring
While extremely uncommon, it’s possible to develop scars after laser skin resurfacing. This complication is more common with ablative procedures. Your provider will discuss your risk of scarring after assessing your skin.
SpaMedica is a pioneer in laser facial treatments. We have helped develop and fine-tune various laser treatment techniques, and our perfectionism and attention to detail allow us to help patients achieve optimal results.
SpaMedica offers fractional CO2 laser, fractional erbium laser skin resurfacing and Fractional Radiofrequency resurfacing. Learn more about the three lasers.
Fractional CO2 Laser
Fractional CO2 lasers are highly versatile and can treat acne scars, warts, enlarged oil glands, fine lines, and wrinkles. The laser pulses CO2 energy through tiny holes in a scanner. These microscopic holes deliver energy under the skin’s surface without affecting the surrounding tissue. Fractional CO2 lasers are very powerful and can treat a variety of imperfections.
Fractional Erbium Laser
A fractional erbium laser uses radiofrequency energy to rejuvenate the skin. The laser pulses columns of gentle light through tiny holes in the scanner to create treatment zones. The areas outside of the zone are not affected by the laser. The fractional erbium laser is a popular choice to treat minor imperfections.
Fractional Radiofrequency Resurfacing
A fractional radiofrequency device uses silicone coated needles to deliver a strong ablative injury under the skin, to tighten and remodel the overlying tissue. The advantage is that the superficial layers of the skin are protected.
Ablative Laser Skin Resurfacing Vs. Non-ablative Laser Skin Resurfacing
An ablative laser removes the epidermis and heats the dermis. Heating the dermis stimulates collagen production. When the skin grows back, it’s tighter and smoother.
A non-ablative laser is less invasive. The laser generates heat below the surface of the skin, injuring the dermis without removing the epidermis. The dermis produces collagen when healing, making the skin tighter and smoother-looking.
Patients might need to undergo a series of skin treatments to prepare their skin before undergoing laser skin resurfacing. On the day of the procedure, the cosmetic surgeon will use a topical anaesthetic to numb the skin. Laughing gas (Pronox, nitrous oxide) is also used to ensure all treatments are comfortable. The surgeon will clean the skin and train a laser on the treatment area.
Patients must prepare before undergoing laser skin resurfacing. Patients should:
Patients go home immediately following laser skin treatment. While results are normally visible 10-14 days after treatment, most people require more than one session to achieve optimal results.
Patients can expect a fast recovery after undergoing laser skin resurfacing at SpaMedica. There is normally some swelling for the first 7 days after the procedure. Patients can use ice packs for the first 48 hours to reduce the swelling. Also, people should sleep with their heads elevated to reduce inflammation.
You will be recommended a facial cleanser to use as part of the aftercare instructions. Patients must wash their face with this cleanser twice a day to prevent infection. It’s also important for people to clean their face daily to remove the dead skin cells.
Patients must also protect themselves from the sun after undergoing laser skin resurfacing. When going out in direct sunlight, it’s critical to wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Reapplying the sunscreen as needed since sunlight exposure can cause hyperpigmentation.
Botox injectable, and dermal soft tissue fillers work well with laser resurfacing.
Yes. Non-ablative lasers can be used to treat all skin types. An assessment to your skin tone and type will determine the right laser for your treatment. Ablative lasers, like CO2 and Erbium should not be used on darker skin types. Radiofrequency resurfacing, with the coated protective needles, can be used on darker skin types.
Aggressive settings will give you great results in a single treatment. With more moderate settings, you will notice some results after a single treatment, but you will achieve the best results by undergoing a series of treatments. The number of treatments you require depends on your skin tone, type, and issues you want to correct. Many people undergo 3 laser skin resurfacing treatments for optimal results.
It is not painful to get laser skin resurfacing. Your cosmetic surgeon can use a topical numbing cream to numb the area. Pronox, (laughing gas) is also used to ensure comfort. Also, many lasers have cooling systems that provide additional relief.
During microdermabrasion, the provider uses a fine mist or a small instrument to exfoliate the outer layers of the skin. Many compare this to sandblasting the skin. This procedure removes dead skin and stimulates the production of collagen.
Microdermabrasion can treat enlarged pores, dry or dull skin, fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and mild to moderate scarring.
Microneedling penetrates the skin very superficially with small needs, stimulating collagen. Many compare this to sandblasting the skin. Micro needling stimulates the production of collagen.
Laser skin resurfacing goes far deeper into the skin than either microdermabrasion or micro needling and treats mild to moderate wrinkles, moderate to severe scarring, and hyperpigmentation far more effectively.
Microdermabrasion is the right choice for those who have slight imperfections they want to fix. However, if you have neglected your skin for some time and want more dramatic results, consider laser skin resurfacing.
