Not ready for plastic surgery or fillers? A laser treatment can be the place to start and can make a big difference in the appearance of the skin. One laser treatment in particular, the TRL laser, can be tailored to suit your skin’s needs and even the time you can spend on recovery. Here’s what you need to know about this multitasking treatment that doctors love to use to treat a variety of skin problems.
Featured experts
- Tina Alster, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, DC
- May Hall, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Hopkinsville, KY
What is the TRL laser?
“TRL stands for Tunable Resurfacing Laser,” says Hopkinsville, KY dermatologist May Hall, MD, noting that the technology is double-surface erbium YAG (Er:YAG). “It’s a more tailored procedure that stimulates the production of new collagen to help improve the appearance of aging skin.” Dermatologist Tina Alster, MD of Washington, DC explains that “essentially, the laser can be calibrated to be used at different energies to treat different depths—or layers—of the skin. Sciton originally introduced the Outline system [TRL laser] in 2007, but a number of other companies have followed suit over the years.”
Who is this laser treatment best for?
“The TRL laser is used for skin resurfacing. However, the technology allows the operator to control the depth of the treatment depending on the desired effect,” explains Dr. Hall. “For example, it can be used to more precisely address deep wrinkles, particularly those around the mouth and eyes. It can also be used to treat acne scars, sun damage and pre-cancerous lesions, as well as uneven skin texture.’ Dr. Alster adds that it can also be used on other types of scars, such as those from trauma or surgery.
According to Dr. Hall, a TRL laser can be a very effective method for reversing some signs of skin aging. “Like any laser treatment, however, it’s not so much about the machine as it is about the operator,” he says. “Look for a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who specializes in their particular device. They will also help you better understand if you are a good candidate for this laser treatment.”
And when it comes to being a candidate for a TRL laser in particular, this treatment can benefit almost all skin types. However, Dr. Alster says that TRL treatments should be avoided in people with recent sun exposure or active skin infections such as herpes. In addition, he notes that “the best clinical results are achieved when the patient’s skin has been adequately prepared with a good skin care regimen and the patient has avoided sun exposure.”
Is TRL laser treatment painful?
Local anesthesia is applied to the skin before treatment to minimize discomfort. A local anesthetic may also be an option if necessary. Some form of anesthesia is typical for ablative laser treatments that provide deep resurfacing. The good news is that it generally only takes one treatment (lasting about 45 minutes) to see results.
How is the recovery?
“The recovery treatment after the laser will depend largely on the depth of penetration,” explains Dr. Hall. In general, patients can expect mild sunburn-like redness and swelling. During the first day or two, the skin will peel and peel and it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions. You may not be able to wear makeup for quite some time as your skin heals. “Deep-level regeneration can require up to two weeks of downtime to heal.” Using Sciton’s Contour TRL laser treatment as an example, the recovery timeline is as follows: Down time is two to four weeks, but time off work or “off camera” should only be a week or two. Total healing time is six to 12 weeks. Patients see noticeable results within three to six months.
“After the procedure, it’s important to apply strict sun protection to help reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation,” says Dr. Hall. “Diligently using the sunscreen your doctor recommends will help prevent complications from your procedure. It will also help protect your skin from further sun damage and premature ageing.”
