Laser skin treatment– Explications : Docteur POIGNONEC chirurgien esthétique à Paris
Laser skin resurfacing : 3D animation with narration for information purposes
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Laser treatment: which treatments are commonly used?
Abrasion of the face (and décolleté) by laser: this laser treatment allows an abrasion of the first layers of the epidermis.
The different lasers used are CO 2 lasers :
- Split (FRAXEL)
- Continuous (more aggressive)
- Ultra-pulses
- Scanned
- Lasers Erbium
A for laser treatment?
For people with wrinkled skin and lacking firmness.
How to have a beautiful skin texture?
The aim of this treatment is to restore a beautiful skin texture and erase the wrinkled appearance of the face. It also reduces small defects such as scars and dilated pores.
When is it better to do it?
Plan a week off work for the first session so that your skin heals. For the other, lighter sessions, schedule your appointments on a Friday evening for example so that you can not be seen during the weekend. An anaesthetic cream is applied one hour before the session.
Does laser treatment hurt?
The laser beam acts by photo vaporization by destroying the surface layer of the skin, more or less deeply depending on the purpose and quality of the skin, it is a controlled burn. In terms of pain, the patient feels the same effect as rubber bands slamming on his skin.
What result after laser treatment?
The surface layer of the destroyed skin is restored thanks to healing which will cause its retraction with a more or less important tensor effect depending on the case.
The appearance will be smoother and imperfections will be erased.
During this time, the skin remains fragile and needs careful care.

Laser skin treatment source : Best extract from the book « La chirurgie esthétique, les solutions et les conseils de mon chirurgien » © Ambre Publishing | The author : Dr. Sylvie POIGNONEC - Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon, located in the heart of Paris, specialized in plastic, aesthetic & reconstructive surgery
What are the risks of possible complications?
A face abrasion by laser, although carried out for essentially aesthetic motivations, nevertheless constitutes a cutaneous, epidermal and dermal aggression, which implies the risks related to any medical-surgical act.
Fortunately, real complications are rare following a laser abrasion performed properly. In practice, the vast majority of these treatments go smoothly and patients are fully satisfied with the results.
However, and despite their rarity, you should still know the possible complications:
- Herpes : in predisposed subjects, antiviral treatment will be prescribed before and in the following days
- Microbial infection
- Acne outbreak
- Milium grains (small white cysts)
- Hyperpigmentation (especially on dark skins), early and almost always transient, it is often the result of premature exposure to the sun.
- Hypopigmentation, often permanent, appears less frequently and later
- Persistent redness
- Healing disorders and hypertrophic scars are possible but rare. They testify to excessive destruction, scratching, failure to respect the fragile reepidermisation at the beginning of the healing process, infection poorly or late treated.
- Allergy : products used for skin disinfection or care can also cause allergies, so it is important to consider any allergies the patient has had in their lifetime.
Source : French Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery S.o.F.C.P.R.E
Pain during the first days, diffuse sensation of heat or burning in the treated area. A prescription for analgesics will be made by the doctor.
All in all, we must not overestimate the risks, but simply become aware that a medical-surgical act, even a seemingly simple one, always involves a small proportion of risks.
By choosing a qualified and competent practitioner, trained in this type of treatment, you limit these risks as much as possible without however completely eliminating them.
Using a qualified practitioner ensures that they have the training and skills required to avoid these complications, or treat them effectively if necessary.
If you notice one or more complications, do not hesitate to contact the plastic and aesthetic surgeon if you have any concerns.
Mis à jour le: 6 November 2019 [MàJ]

