Skin Resurfacing & Smoothing Treatments

Non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures can take many forms. They may involve lasers, chemical peels, intense pulsed light (IPL), microneedling, dermabrasion or microdermabrasion. Those techniques may sound elaborate but don’t be put off by technical terms or devices; undergoing these procedures is typically a simple process, especially compared to surgery.

Let’s break down some of the most popular options.

Laser resurfacing: This procedure involves using a device that emits focused beams of light onto your skin. There are two types: ablative and non-ablative. The word ablative comes from roots meaning “to carry away,” and that’s what these lasers do, removing the top layer of your skin to stimulate new cell growth and reduce wrinkles, scars, and uneven skin tone. Non-ablative lasers, on the other hand, penetrate the deeper layers of your skin without removing the top layer, stimulating collagen production to achieve more subtle results.

Laser resurfacing is considered superior for skin rejuvenation because it allows for precise control over the intensity and depth of treatment, ensuring tailored results for different skin types and concerns. This precision minimizes risks associated with deeper treatments and maximizes effectiveness by using a targeted approach.

Chemical peels: Chemical peels use a formulated topical solution to exfoliate your skin. These treatments range from light to deep, depending on the solution used and the depth that solution penetrates the skin.

Intense pulsed light (IPL): This therapy, also known as photofacial, uses broad-spectrum light to target specific skin concerns like pigmentation, sun damage, red spots and brown spots. The specific method or sequence of light varies based on the device, but all of them work by penetrating your skin and breaking down the pigmented cells or blood vessels, allowing for the gradual elimination of concerns such as sunspots, age spots, and spider veins.

Microneedling: Microneedling is a treatment that uses a device with very small “micro” needles to create tiny punctures in your skin. This creates tiny holes, or “micro-injuries,” triggering your body’s natural healing response and stimulating collagen production. The process can tighten pores and improve the appearance of fine lines, scars, and overall skin texture.

Dermabrasion & microdermabrasion: These are mechanical treatments that allow the skin to be resurfaced directly, using exfoliating devices to reduce fine lines, acne scars, and uneven skin tone.

Because so many different devices and methods are available, it is crucial to consult with a qualified physician who can help guide you through this process.

For those who are into the nitty-gritty, here are some additional tips about each technique.

Laser resurfacing: Consider a “fractionated” treatment. CO2 lasers, which leverage carbon dioxide gas to produce beams of light, have been widely used and now come in a “fractionated” variety. They are so-called because they deliver the light over thousands of tiny, evenly spaced areas. Results have shown this newer method to significantly reduce downtime while providing equally potent results. Note: Some skin types may not be candidates for these lasers.

Chemical peels: Consider both risks and results. Light peels, such as glycolic or salicylic acid peels, are milder and remove the outer layer of dead skin cells, revealing smoother and brighter skin. Deep peels, like TCA (named for trichloroacetic acid) penetrate further to address more pronounced wrinkles, scars, and pigmentation issues. Phenol peels are the most invasive of all, requiring anesthesia, cardiac monitoring, and weeks of recovery. The results can be dramatic, but the risks, such as scarring or infection, also increase. Phenol peels are advanced chemical treatments best suited for a select group of patients and should only be administered by highly experienced practitioners due to the expertise required for safe and effective application.

Intense pulsed light (IPL): Consider your skin tone. Patients with darker skin tones are generally at a higher risk of developing pigmentation changes or uneven skin tone as a result of skin resurfacing and smoothing treatments. The details of the process, such as the strength of the laser or composition of the chemical peel, can be adjusted to minimize these risks. IPL may not be suitable or safe for individuals with darker skin, due to its higher melanin content. Be sure to discuss any concerns about this with your provider.

Microneedling: Consider your commitment. By triggering the body’s natural healing response, microneedling can effectively reduce fine lines, wrinkles and shallow acne scars. But while you may see some improvement after a single session, several sessions are typically required before you see optimal results.

Dermabrasion & microdermabrasion: Consider your schedule. Despite their similar names, microdermabrasion and dermabrasion are significantly different procedures. Microdermabrasion is more superficial, involving a handheld device that gently and minimally exfoliates the outermost layer of the skin. This procedure is often performed at a medspa. Dermabrasion, meanwhile, involves using a specialized device, like a diamond-tipped brush, to exfoliate more deeply; it may be performed under local anesthesia. While it is effective for deep scars and wrinkles, it typically requires a much longer recovery period.

Before you go

Prior to and after certain treatments, your provider may advise you to avoid sun exposure and certain skin care products. For all of these procedures, regular skin care routines and sun protection practices can help reduce complications and prolong the results. Talk to your provider about the specific preparation you should do, depending on which procedure you choose. And remember: it’s a good idea to take time for skin care every day no matter what you choose.

During the procedure

The majority of skin resurfacing procedures can be performed in an outpatient clinic setting. Anesthetics may be provided for patient comfort during the more intense procedures, including deep chemical peels, fractionated laser treatments and dermabrasion. Depending on the procedure, the process may last anywhere from 15 minutes to two hours.

Aftercare

These treatments vary in intensity and so does the recovery period. The experience can range from being slightly red for a few hours to experiencing swelling, scabbing and peeling for several days to weeks. Results will, of course, vary too. Some can last for years, while others require multiple treatment sessions to maintain results.

Non-ablative laser resurfacing, light chemical peels, microneedling, and IPL maintenance treatments have shorter recovery periods and may be recommended more frequently, depending on the specific concern being addressed. Often these treatments may be repeated every few months. Microdermabrasion, which provides temporary results, can typically be repeated on the scale of weeks.

For more dramatic procedures, such as ablative laser resurfacing, deep chemical peels, and dermabrasion, both the recovery period and results are extended, meaning there is an up-front commitment in terms of time and effort but repeat treatments may not be necessary for years.