Gone are the days when the only way to look young was to go under the knife. The non-surgical facial rejuvenation industry is doing a roaring trade, with the global aesthetic laser market projected to reach $6.06 Billion by 2026. Aesthetic medicine clinics are matching their surgical services with a host of non-invasive or minimally invasive treatments, many of which are preventing and delaying skin aging for countless patients.
When it comes to laser, wavelengths range from around 560 nanometers (in treatments like IPL) all the way to 10,000 nanometers (as in the CO2 laser). CO2 is an ablative laser treatment (it removes the epidermal and superficial dermal layers) and requires sedation, plus around two weeks of downtime. However, if you don’t want to stay out of the game for too long, then these three trending treatments have next to no downtime and may be your perfect match.
Fraxel Laser Treatment
Unlike the CO2 treatment, the fraxel laser treatment is non-ablative. Even on your first go, it requires around three days of downtime and does not require sedation or laughing gas during the procedure. Fraxel tackles a host of skin issues, making it a great all-rounder. It is a good choice if you have scarring, pigmentation, sun damage, wrinkles, and enlarged pores. It not only helps your skin look smoother and more illuminated, but also stimulates collagen—one of the building blocks of skin. This treatment is frequently applied on the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders. After the procedure, you can expect to feel like your skin is a little “suburned.” Apply ice to soothe the sensation and expect the results to show between one and three weeks later.
Morpheus8 Radiofrequency Microneedling
This treatment combines microneedling and radiofrequency, targeting issues like acne, discoloration, and skin creases. Microneedling involves using tiny needles to boost collagen formation and resurface skin. Radiofrequency, on the other hand, lifts, tightens, and tones your skin. It uses gentle heat to promote the production of collagen and elastin. It boosts cell turnover, leading to tighter, thicker, more resilient skin.
YAG Laser Treatment
YAG is considered a jack of all trades when it comes to the beauty world, since it is used to tackle a host of different skin issues, including Nashville tattoo removal, brown spots, veins, wrinkles, and scars. You will need about a week of downtime after this one, since the treatment area usually turns darker and forms a crust, and skin can take on an inflamed look. The aim is to remove the top layers of skin, so your body’s natural healing process can take the reins and rebuild damaged areas. The result is the removal of problems areas, as well as fewer lines and a more youthful look.
Even patients with a few days off can take advantage of laser and radiofrequency treatments to turn back the hands of time. Patients have a host of treatments to choose from, with some of the most popular including Fraxel, Morpheus8, and YAG. Consult carefully with your beauty therapist or doctor, to select a treatment that suits your skin type and best addresses your concerns.
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