Who wouldn’t love to have picture-perfect skin? But as we go through life, it is natural to encounter certain frustrating skin imperfections like acne scars and pigmentation. Some may even notice a few wrinkles and fine lines appearing out of nowhere when they glance in the mirror. While some of these skin issues are a natural part of the ageing process, they can make one feel more self-conscious and perhaps even less glamorous. But, by taking the right steps, you can ensure your skin looks healthy and youthful for many years to come. Whether you want refreshed-looking skin with a brighter complexion or need an effective acne scar treatment plan in Singapore that can give you an even skin tone and texture, Lux Medical Aesthetic Clinic has the ideal solution for you – laser resurfacing. Through this article, you will discover the wonders of fractional CO2 skin lasers and the benefits they bring!
What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?
This facial rejuvenating procedure utilises lasers to improve the appearance of the skin, making it appear more vibrant and youthful. Although laser skin resurfacing can be carried out with two types of lasers: ablative and non-ablative, the former type is most commonly used. Ablative lasers work by ‘ablating’ (removing) the outer layers of the targeted areas, resulting in new, firmer and tighter skin. They have the ability to penetrate at the correct depth for scar improvement, making them ideal for deeper scars and skin imperfections.
On the other hand, non-ablative lasers initiate the rejuvenation process by heating the underlying skin to stimulate collagen production. This collagen promotion encourages skin cells to renew and repair, giving you tighter, softer, and smoother skin. As they do not target the deeper layers of the skin, non-ablative lasers are more suited for those with mild to moderate skin concerns. While there are a number of ablative and non-ablative lasers, ablative fractional CO2 lasers and non-ablative Q-switch ND Yag lasers are preferred among many dermatologists in Singapore for their versatility and non-invasive nature.
If post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is your main concern, we recommend the Q-switch ND Yag laser as it lightens the pigmented area by breaking down melanin in that specific region. This condition typically occurs as a result of extra melanin being produced post-injury or irritation and should not be confused with acne scarring. Conversely, fractional CO2 lasers might just be the perfect solution for those seeking a gentle and effective anti-ageing or acne scar treatment in Singapore.
What Are the Benefits of Using Fractional CO2 Lasers?
Fractional CO2 lasers, as the name suggests, employ laser energy to address skin issues by targeting only a fraction of the skin’s surface. This means the surrounding tissues will not be affected, making it a safe and effective skin resurfacing option. Here are some of its key benefits:
Benefit 1: Stimulation of Collagen and Elastin Production – Tighter and Youthful Skin
Collagen and elastin are naturally occurring proteins that keep the skin firm and youthful, but unfortunately, they can subside with age. Fractional CO2 lasers are popular for their ability to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which are beneficial in kickstarting the body’s natural healing process. As these proteins are responsible for hydrating the skin and making it more flexible, this regeneration of healthy skin tissue will leave you with plumper, dewy, and supple skin.
Benefit 2: Improves the Skin Tone and Texture – Radiant and Even Complexion
Pigmentation and scarring are commonly found in any age group and may occur as a result of certain underlying medical conditions, stress, hormonal imbalances, or other causative factors. Fractional CO2 lasers can give you the desired skin tone and texture by working at the microscopic level (area by area) to penetrate the dermis and resurface the skin’s outer layer.
Benefit 3: Reduces Wrinkles and Fine Lines – Smoother and Firmer Skin
Are wrinkles and fine lines making you feel less than yourself? If so, fractional CO2 lasers might be your go-to option for smoother, softer, and younger-looking skin. The remodelling of collagen and cellular turnover is the perfect treatment to reduce these skin concerns that arise due to ageing.
Benefit 4: Customisable Treatment with Fewer Complications – Effective and Non-Invasive
The non-invasive and customisable nature of fractional lasers plays a significant role in its rise in popularity as more and more people are turning to non-surgical means of skin rejuvenation to attain their dream look. No incisions, no adverse consequences, no post-treatment scarring! It’s the ideal treatment for those who are afraid to go under the knife and yet want to improve their appearance in a safe manner.
Benefit 5: Reduced Downtime with Long-Lasting Results – Quicker Recovery
As these lasers target specific areas in a controlled fashion, they have no impact on surrounding tissues, allowing patients to enjoy long-lasting results with shorter recovery periods. This allows patients to resume their daily routine with around one week of downtime needed for recovery.
Different Acne Scars and Acne Scar Treatments
If you are grappling with the effects of acne scars, you may already be aware of the psychological effect it can have on a person. But did you know that acne scars come in various types and severity? Acne scars are generally classified into two main categories: atrophic and hypertrophic scars. Atrophic scars can be further classified into ice pick, boxcar, and rolling acne scars.
Ice pick scars make the skin appear as though a sharp object has punctured it, while boxcar acne scars resemble pits with steep angle sides. Rolling acne scars tend to form during the healing process and have wave-like depressions that make it appear like multiple hills on the skin. Conversely, hypertrophic acne scars are raised scarring or keloid scarring that usually occurs due to an abnormal response to wound healing.
Different acne scars require different treatments (or combinations). There are a number of acne scar treatment methods, including INTRAcel fractional radiofrequency microneedling, subcision, TCA chemical peel, and acne scar fillers, to help you attain the skin you desire. Microneedling involves superficial and controlled puncturing of the skin with tiny needles that emit radiofrequency energy to rejuvenate your skin and is the preferred option for rolling scars.
Subcision also uses needles, and it ‘lifts’ the underlying scar, making the skin rise and appear clearer. TCA chemical peels work by inducing a local inflammatory reaction that leads to the formation of collagen fibres and tissue remodelling. It is commonly used to treat ice pick or boxcar acne scars due to its specialised focal technique, which allows it to target deep acne scars. Acne scar fillers, on the other hand, typically come with hyaluronic acid and are the perfect option to fill up the lost volume. It is generally used to manage depressed acne scars and is sought for its extremely short downtime.
Realise Your Dream of Flawless Skin with Lux Medical Aesthetic Clinic
In the quest for perfect skin, many have explored a variety of skincare treatments over the years. However, with laser skin resurfacing, you can now make your dream of attaining flawless skin come true. Whether you need to rejuvenate your skin, address pigmentation issues or find an effective acne scar treatment plan in Singapore, our dedicated team at Lux Medical Aesthetic Clinic will guide you and be by your side throughout your transformative journey.
Want to explore more about laser treatments and the benefits they bring? Come and visit our clinic, or contact our team to schedule an appointment now!
