Written by Jessica Lacey - Reviewed by Dr Graeme Glass, PhD
10-04-2022
Increasingly replacing the need for cosmetic surgery, laser procedures have advanced significantly in the past decade and both updated versions and entirely new systems are introduced to the market every year.
Laser skin rejuvenation is an umbrella term for the use of light energy to induce tissue repair and regeneration leading to the improved appearance of wrinkles, scarring and skin laxity. Traditional lasers do this by inducing a controlled burn; a focal area of tissue destruction that stimulates the natural reparative processes. Additionally, other medical lasers may also be used to improve the appearance of skin blemishes by specifically targeting red and brown marks. As a thermal injury, albeit a controlled one, there are potential complications and a recovery period after treatment is anticipated.
Laser skin resurfacing addresses the tone, texture and appearance of skin by treating the epidermal surface layer, whilst also heating the dermal layer just below it. This may be done through causing controlled damage to the skin, so as to trigger skin's internal repair response to create new skin cells or alternatively, through energy transference to reawaken dormant skin cells.
Laser skin tightening treatments can focus on either resurfacing; or they can entail Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), whereby light beams travel through the skin to varying depths in order to stimulate cell activity. The latter technology (LLLT), used in The LYMA Laser, is not considered a skin resurfacing treatment as it does not involve cell damage of the epidermis.
Skin resurfacing treatments that achieve the quickest results often cause the most injury to the skin and longest post-treatment downtime. Softer approaches, such as LLLT do exist and can achieve the same impressive results over a longer time period. There are broadly two types of skin resurfacing laser treatments: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative lasers remove the top layer of the skin, while non-ablative lasers are used to heat up the underlying skin tissue without harming the surface itself. Both work by causing controlled thermal injury, which in turn promotes the production of collagen and cell renewal, (see below).
Skin Depth
Epidermis
Dermis
Fat
Muscle
Skin resurfacing lasers: ablative and non-ablative. Both categories of laser cause thermal injury, or heat up the skin to distress it. Ablative resurfaces the top epidermal layer of skin and non ablative heats up the lower dermal layer. However, the level of impact and injury to the skin differs between these two categories.
Ablative laser resurfacing causes superficial wounding to the skin, whilst also heating up the water molecules in its lower dermal layer to trigger the healing response. New collagen cells form to rebuild and repair, an action which consequently lessens the appearance of aging.
Having laser skin rejuvenation doesn't stop when you leave the dermatologist's office, there can be a full programme of pre and post-care as well as risks you need to mitigate.
Here we describe briefly the most popular in-clinic ablative lasers technologies:
Carbon Dioxide lasers are classed as 'fully ablative' and as such, are surgical grade and remove the very top layer of skin, therefore treating the entirety of the skin's surface.
Risks and realities of the Er:YAG laser:
Fully ablative lasers create thermal damage in the epidermis, strip the surface layers of the skin and are therefore the harshest, most invasive clinic treatment approach. The intensity of these lasers causes extreme discomfort during treatment so a local anaesthetic is generally required as well as intravenous sedative medication. Skin may take as long as six months to repair fully and the recovery time takes from a month to 6 weeks. There is also a high risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from healing, especially to dark skin.
Erbium lasers can be ablative or non-ablative. Their biggest appeal is that they are highly attractive to water and therefore able to quickly deliver wavelengths of laser light into the dermal layer to vaporise skin's water content. The Erbium laser's ability to target a specific treatment area of concern means Erbium lasers are regularly chosen for skin aging concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. This increased accuracy in the treatment area is also why Erbium lasers are often favoured over CO2 lasers.
Risks and realities of the Er:YAG laser:
The recovery with Erbium resurfacing is easier than with the CO2 lasers and requires slightly less downtime however, Erbium is still an intensive clinic laser treatment for dramatic rejuvenation results so can be acutely painful. The recovery time can take up to 2 weeks.
So named for their ability to deliver both heat and light in a pixelated manner, fractionated lasers can be seen as a mid-way point between ablative and non-ablative laser treatments. Fractionated lasers' ability to isolate the exact area of skin that requires treating has made them a hugely popular choice in dermatologist offices because they're able to accurately pinpoint scars and pigmentation patches as well as fine lines and wrinkles. By far the most commonly used is the Fraxel that has two different wave-lengths for treating various skin conditions such as dullness, sun damage or fine lines.
Risks and realities of the Fraxel laser:
The popularity of this laser puts it at risk of being misused by untrained technicians and the discomfort during treatment may mean patients abandon the course before completion, therefore never achieving the results they were after. Also, there is a chance of aggressive breakouts due to high skin cell turnover and darker skin tones are at higher risk for developing excess scarring from collagen overproduction. Expected downtime is between 3 to 5 days.
Non-ablative lasers work by heating up the water in underlying skin tissue without harming the surface and the body responds by producing new collagen cells. The skin therefore appears firmer, more even and rejuvenated. Non-ablative lasers cause less cosmetic damage than ablative lasers because their energy is directed much lower into the deeper tissue but take more sessions to achieve similar effects.
Here, we describe briefly the most popular in-clinic non-ablative laser technologies:
Neodymium is the crystal the laser passes through and is a non-ablative laser resurfacing alternative to the Erbium Er:YAG laser. With both longer wavelengths and longer pulse durations than the Er:YAG, the Nd:YAg has a lower risk of skin trauma. Generally speaking, the longer a wavelength, the deeper it penetrates and because the Nd:YAG beam is capable of travelling deeper into the skin, bypassing melanin cells where pigmentation lies, it is far more effective for people with brown or deep skin tones. Nd:YAG lasers are used to treat a variety of concerns, such as spider veins, scars, wrinkles and most notably hand wrinkles in which clinical trials found the non-ablative Nd:YAG to outperform the ablative Er:YAG.
Risks and realities of Nd:YAG
Most Nd:YAG lasers have a built-in cooling tip to blast freezing air and counteract the burn of the laser zap but pain is not insignificant so local anaesthesia is still administered. Multiple treatments may be needed to achieve an optimal outcome. The recovery time is around 7 - 10 days as skin goes through the healing process. Scabs will form and then naturally drop off.
LLLT is a rapidly expanding arena of laser skin treatment due to its minimally invasive nature, the widely reported more positive patient experience and affordability per session.
Experts report on the ability of Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) to stimulate, regenerate and repair tissue without causing any thermal damage in a process called photobiomodulation. Although LLLT is being introduced in many of the more advanced dermatology clinics, The LYMA Laser is the only proven at-home LLLT device on the market.
LED light therapy involves various wavelengths of light, most often red and blue light frequencies, able to transfer energy to epidermal cells to optimise their function, causing them to behave like younger cells. This type of cosmetic light therapy is often referred to in clinics as a Photofacial and most commonly used to treat blemishes, inflammation and fine lines and wrinkles.
When it comes to widely accessible skin treatments, many people consider IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) as a reliable mid-point option. IPL uses broadband light and is able to reduce the signs of sun damage, spots, redness, veins, wrinkles and most cosmetic concerns. Although there is no downtime following IPL treatment, IPL does not sidestep pain, nor does it avoid causing irritation and redness to the skin.
Risks and realities of IPL treatment
IPL and Photofacials are not legally required to be carried out by medical professionals. Thus, there may be a lack of training and misuse of powerful light devices.
For safety reasons, at-home devices operate at a much lower power than in-clinic systems. This is the case for all except one device, The LYMA Laser which is entirely unique in that it is the only at-home skin rejuvenation machine that emits a clinic-grade laser beam that's completely safe to use yourself.
The main types of laser or light devices that you can use at home are:
At-Home LED Devices
LED light therapy masks are made up of different light frequencies, most commonly red light to increase blood circulation and blue light to combat blemish-inducing surface bacteria. There is a theoretical risk that LED light therapy masks can damage your retinas and dermatologists have raised concern at their prolific and unlegislated use.
At-Home Infrared Devices
Infrared light is a frequency of light that's beyond what the human eye can see and near-infrared is one frequency closer to visible light, but still invisible to the naked eye. Infrared is used to stimulate photobiomodulation; a process that increases the ATP in skin cells, (a measure of energy within fibroblast cells) and promotes collagen production within the skin.
The LYMA Laser is widely considered by independent experts to be the most effective of all at-home devices on the global market today due to its near infrared technology and remarkable ability to support the photobiomodulation process. As the first light-weight, handheld device that matches all the capabilities of substantial laser systems found in top dermatology clinics, The LYMA Laser has caused a seismic shift in the laser skin rejuvenation treatment world.
The LYMA Laser achieves medical-grade results on many types of conditions, including:
Dr Graeme E. Glass, a craniofacial, cosmetic and plastic surgeon, as well as an associated professor of clinical surgery has called The LYMA Laser, “one of the most exciting and innovative products to have been developed for the purpose of skin rejuvenation”.
Independent scientific trials show The LYMA Laser technology is a proven holistic approach to treating pigmentation, blemishes scarring, redness, skin sagging and thread veins as well as more in-depth tasks such as muscle repair in just a matter of months. Customers report that in as little as a few weeks, their skin feels and looks smoother, firmer and overall, more vibrant.
| Laser Type | Average Cost per session | Average Sessions Needed p.a. | Estimated Total cost over 5 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fully Ablative CO2/Erbium Laser | £2723* | One-off treatment | £6,808** |
| Non Ablative/Fractional Laser | £338* | 3-6 sessions | £5,070*** |
| IPL Rejuvenation | £153* | 4-9 sessions | £3,825**** |
| LYMA Laser (LLLT) | £1999 (one time fee) | Daily use | £1,999 |
| Average Coat per session | |
|---|---|
| Fully Ablative CO2/Erbium Laser | £2723* |
| Non Ablative/Fractional Laser | £338* |
| IPL Rejuvenation | £153* |
| LYMA Laser (LLLT) | £1999 (one time fee) |
| Average Sessions Needed p.a. | |
|---|---|
| Fully Ablative CO2/Erbium Laser | One-off treatment |
| Non Ablative/Fractional Laser | 3-6 sessions |
| IPL Rejuvenation | 4-9 sessions |
| LYMA Laser (LLLT) | Daily use |
| Estimated Total cost over 5 years | |
|---|---|
| Fully Ablative CO2/Erbium Laser | £6,808** |
| Non Ablative/Fractional Laser | £5,070*** |
| IPL Rejuvenation | £3,825**** |
| LYMA Laser (LLLT) | £1,999 |
*Rounded average prices based on figures displayed on the websites of 5 UK skin clinics on 20/10/2021
**Total cost estimation based on the assumption that on average patients would need 2.5 sessions over 5 years.
*** Total cost estimation based on the assumption that on average patients would need 15 sessions over 5 years.
****Total cost estimation based on the assumptions that on average patients would need 25 sessions over 5 years.
Target54-year-old woman, anti-ageing face treatment
Protocol45 minutes daily for 3 months. Results can take up to 6 months dependent on skin condition
ResultReduced jowl and mouth wrinkles, improved overall skin tone and skin elasticity, brighter complexion
Before
Target75-year-old woman, anti-ageing face treatment
Protocol1 hour daily for 4 months. Results can take up to 6 months dependent on skin condition
ResultReduced wrinkles, improved skin tone and skin elasticity
Before
Target47-year-old skin renewal treatment
Protocol15 minutes daily on each knee for 3 months
ResultVastly improved skin texture, skin elasticity and cellulite reduction
Before
TargetHistoric blemishes scarring
ProtocolUsed 45 minutes daily on affected cheek areas for 3 months
ResultRegeneration of skin to vastly improve skin elasticity and smoother appearance of skin texture
Before
Target48-year-old woman, tighten skin on jowl area and improve tear troughs
Protocol45 minutes daily for 3 months. Results can take up to 6 months dependent on skin condition
ResultTransformed skin elasticity around jowls, reduced dark circles under eyes
Before
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Dr Graeme Glass video
The cost of a full face fully ablative laser resurfacing treatment is on average £2723* per session in the UK. Treatments vary greatly in price, both per session and how many are required based on the skin concern and the area being treated. After purchasing The LYMA Laser, it can be used daily, for as many times as required without any further expense.
Laser skin resurfacing can be an effective treatment for superficial skin concerns such as pigmentation, sun damage, age spots, blemishes scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin and uneven skin tone. Working on a deeper level, the unique technology of The LYMA Laser is also able to treat joint and ligament pain as well as to repair muscles.
The effects of laser resurfacing treatments vary in their longevity. Often, the more intensive the treatment, the longer the results will last.
In-clinic laser treatments that cause intentional and controlled damage to trigger skin's healing response are not good for overall skin health, especially for darker skin tones. The LYMA Laser however, causes zero damage to skin and improves skin cell function as a whole.
Laser resurfacing can be painful both during the treatment and afterwards as the skin heals. The level of discomfort is dictated by the intensity and power of the laser as well as the size of the surface being treated. Incorporating breakthrough laser energy dispersion, The LYMA Laser can achieve similar results without inducing any pain nor damage to the skin.
In the case of clinic laser skin treatments no, direct sun exposure is highly damaging to newly treated skin and should be avoided. However, due to its zero-damage approach, The LYMA Laser puts no limits or restrictions on sun exposure or any element of your lifestyle.
Some laser treatments require weeks of downtime, whilst others require a few days but taking time off work is highly likely. Alternatively, LLLT lasers such as The LYMA Laser can be used in leisure time and in the evenings with no downtime required, so do not require any disruption to daily life.
Skin that's been injured or compromised by ill or overuse of laser techniques needs to be treated with a bespoke skincare or medication plan. A trustworthy professional will be able to advise you on how to repair laser damaged skin. To avoid any skin cell damage, use The LYMA Laser for skin rejuvenation.
Darker skins have long been excluded from laser treatment due to the potential of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring. Research also suggests that many lasers struggle to detect darker skin tones, making options limited. Conversely, The LYMA Laser has proved highly effective on all skin tones without any damage or associated risks.
Both chemical peels and lasers can be used for skin resurfacing, one using chemicals and the other, light. Whilst chemical peels come in different strengths and treat the entire face, lasers are better at targeting specific areas of concern. Side effects also differ but research suggests that chemical peels are more suited to darker skin tones as they do not carry the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or scarring associated with laser treatment. The LYMA Laser is an exception to this rule however, as it is perfectly suited to any skin tone and proven to work safely and effectively on darker skin.
Research shows that 95% of people who've suffered from blemishes, have residual scarring and lasers are a hugely effective method of minimising that scarring. Lasers encourage skin rejuvenation so can heal active blemishes but aren't right for cases of cystic blemishes. Blue LED lights are very effective at killing the bacteria that cause blemishes and this is the reasoning behind blue LED lights being engineered into The LYMA Laser.
Age-related blemishes often leave scarring and pigmentation marks. The LYMA Laser has been proven to be highly effective at reducing and removing age-related blemish marks and pigmentation within just a few months of daily use. Visit the dedicated laser for pigmentation page for more info.
Non-ablative lasers, red and infra-red light can all stimulate collagen production within the skin, without causing the harm that ablative lasers and surgery do.
