What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing is one of the most popular methods to treat aging skin. If you are still young but wrinkles and age spots are causing you to look much older than your real age, laser skin resurfacing is a great way to regain a glossy shine without having to resort to any major invasive procedure.

Laser skin resurfacing is done with a series of lasers, each targeting a different area or layer of skin. Deep wrinkles require a stronger laser that may result in small burns, especially in people with oversensitive skin, so not everybody is a good candidate for this treatment. People with just superficial skin damage can choose to have photorejuvenation, which is done through the use of a low-energy laser.

Laser skin resurfacing is an outpatient procedure. The patient usually prepares for weeks in advance of the actual procedure date by using special creams, avoiding the sun, and giving up smoking. The actual treatment takes about an hour, in which a laser is used to remove the outer layers of skin, which exposes younger skin while tightening and modeling.

Laser skin resurfacing is a great option for people with minor wrinkles, age spots, acne scars, and tired skin. The treatment is not magical, so it cannot completely erase the signs of time. Superficial wrinkles can be completely erased by the treatment, but deep wrinkles will be reduced by only 50 to 75 percent.

Laser skin resurfacing should be used only when other treatments are not recommended or have failed. For example, chemical peels or Botox injections are possible alternatives, and they should all be considered carefully. Laser skin resurfacing is often recommended for people over 45, although many patients are younger. Finally, laser skin resurfacing is not recommended for people with dark skin, as it may cause blotches of dark pigmentation to form around the treated areas.

After the procedure, a doctor will recommend a follow-up plan to make sure your skin heals successfully. This will require you to apply creams or gels on a daily basis, and avoid sun exposure. Complications are rare, and patients are usually back to looking radiant in just a couple of weeks.