28 May 2024 | by Dr. Vickram Tandon
Improving skin texture and tone with lasers is one of the more powerful tools in my non-surgical skin rejuvenation arsenal. Not only is it a procedure that can be extremely effective at turning-back-the-clock, but many patients don’t realize the radical benefit of improved skin texture. Smooth, blemish free skin reads as more youthful, vital and healthy. I offer my Boston area patients a full range of laser options which fall into one of two categories: ablative and non-ablative. The right type for you is going to depend on your anatomy, needs and tolerance for downtime. Here are some of the pros and cons of each.
What is an Ablative Laser?
All lasers are energy based devices. The main difference between an ablative laser such as CO2 and a non-ablative laser such as Fraxel is that the former removes the top layer of your skin. This makes it an ideal procedure for:
- Moderate to severe wrinkles
- Deep, pitted scars
- Uneven skin texture
- Hyperpigmentation
- Intense sun damage
- Mild to moderate sagging
On the plus side, an ablative laser can address severe skin texture issues while also promoting your body to produce more collagen and elastin, two elements that are the bedrock of youthful looking skin. The con side of an ablative laser treatment is that it requires some downtime, anywhere from 10 days to two weeks. You can expect to be extremely red with progressively more flaking skin as the damaged tissue sloughs off. However, the end result is serious rejuvenation.
Benefits of Fraxel in Boston
A non-ablative laser procedure such as Fraxel requires significantly less downtime, typically only a few days. It does not, however, deliver as robust of a result as what you’ll get with an ablative laser. This can be a great option for younger patients with less damage. However, many older patients like the fact that this is a procedure that is easier to schedule into their busy lives. Other benefits of a nonablative laser procedure include:
- Overall skin rejuvenation
- Address mild to moderate skin texture concerns
- Diminish sun spots
- Even out skin discoloration
- Improve appearance of slight sagging
- Minimal downtime
The downside of non-ablative lasers is that you will typically require a series of treatments, spaced 6-8 weeks apart, in order to achieve your desired result. And, as mentioned, this is not the best procedure for moderate to severe skin texture and tone issues. I will always be honest with you about which type of laser I think will be best for your desired outcome. But, at the end of the day, your lifestyle is going to dictate your choice.
To find out more about a CO2 or Fraxel laser procedure, or any other surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Vickram Tandon at the Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, contact us today or call 617-402-2768 to schedule a consultation.
