Laser skin treatment in Medellín

You'll see it called a laser facial, laser skin rejuvenation or laser treatment for dark spots. When the laser removes layers of skin to renew it, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) calls it laser skin resurfacing and notes that it is also known as a laser peel. But it isn't a single treatment: these are light-based technologies that, depending on the type of laser, treat dark spots and sun damage, texture, pores, fine lines or small vascular lesions. The type and intensity are chosen for your skin and what you want to improve.

The ASPS notes that the two most common lasers for resurfacing are CO2 and erbium, which remove damaged skin cells from the surface. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) also describes non-ablative lasers: they have no downtime, but you may need several sessions. And for rosacea, according to the AAD, a laser or light treatment can reduce visible blood vessels. Which one suits your skin, and at what intensity, is something your doctor decides when she examines you. Your recovery depends on that too.

A spot needs a careful look before it's treated: the AAD warns that what looks like an age spot could be skin cancer, and recommends a skin exam by a dermatologist before treating it. And depending on what concerns you, another treatment may be a better fit:

• Melasma: laser usually isn't the first step; we put together a plan for dark spots and melasma.
• Mild sagging: HIFU or radiofrequency.
• Acne scars or pores: microneedling and chemical peels are also options to look at.
• Unwanted hair: that's laser hair removal.

At your consultation we tell you which one makes sense for your skin.

According to the ASPS, it may not be right for you if you have active acne, very dark skin, deep wrinkles, or excess or sagging skin. In darker skin, there's a higher risk that the area heals with dark spots. The AAD adds that tanned or sunburned skin can't be treated. And tell your doctor if:

• You get cold sores (oral herpes).
• You take aspirin, warfarin (a blood thinner), isotretinoin for acne or any other medication.
• Your skin is sensitive to light or you bruise easily.
• You have diabetes or another medical condition, or you smoke.

Like any procedure, laser treatment has risks. The ASPS lists, among others:

• Acne breakouts.
• Bacterial infection.
• Cold sores coming back, if the area around the mouth is treated.
• Darker patches and, less often, lighter areas.
• Milia, small white bumps.
• Redness that takes longer to fade.
• Swelling.
• Scarring, which is rare.

Dr. Valeria Enciso, an aesthetic physician, does your consultation and your laser treatment. Before you decide, she explains each risk, and you sign an informed consent form.

Bring a list of everything you take to your appointment, including vitamins and supplements. Before laser treatment, the AAD recommends quitting smoking, pausing creams with retinoids or glycolic acid, and staying out of the sun and tanning beds. Aspirin and vitamin E can slow healing, but don't stop them on your own: check with your doctor first.

Afterward, follow your at-home care instructions exactly. According to the ASPS, don't scratch or pick at scabs, because that can leave scars, and once your skin has healed, wear sunscreen every day, no exceptions. With the sun in Medellín, that's part of the treatment.