Laser Skin Resurfacing: A Complete Guide to Improving Skin Texture and Appearance

What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure that uses a laser to improve the appearance of the skin. It can treat skin issues like wrinkles, acne scars, uneven skin tone, sun damage, and more. The laser removes the outer layer of damaged skin, allowing new smoother and more even skin to appear.

During laser resurfacing, a beam of high-energy light is directed at the skin. This precisely removes thin outer layers of skin. The layers that form during healing make the skin tighter and smoother.

How Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Work?

There are two main types of lasers used in skin resurfacing:

• Ablative lasers - These lasers remove thin layers of skin via heat. They penetrate deeper into the skin than other lasers. Examples are CO2 and Erbium lasers.
• Non-ablative lasers - These lasers treat the skin more superficially. They don't remove layers of skin but rather stimulate collagen production. Examples are fractional lasers.

The laser beam destroys old and damaged skin cells. This triggers the healing process and new cell growth underneath. As the skin heals, new collagen production results in tighter, smoother, and more evenly toned skin.

What Can Laser Skin Resurfacing Treat?

Laser skin resurfacing is commonly used to treat:

• Wrinkles and fine lines, especially around the eyes and mouth
• Crow's feet
• Skin laxity or sagging skin
• Dull, uneven complexion and skin tone
• Sun damage like age spots and freckles
• Acne scars and chicken pox scars
• Enlarged pores

Overall, laser skin resurfacing improves skin texture, reduces scars, tightens skin, and evens out pigment. This makes the skin look younger and more radiant.

What to Expect with Laser Skin Resurfacing

Consultation

The first step is to meet with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon for a consultation. They will evaluate your skin and discuss what results you can expect. They will also explain the procedure, recovery time, risks, and costs.

Pre-Treatment

In the weeks before treatment, you may be given a prescription cream to thin out the skin's top layer. Avoiding sun exposure before laser resurfacing allows for best results.

The Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure

On the day of treatment, the provider cleans and numbs the skin. For ablative lasers, sedation may be used. A handheld laser is passed over the treatment areas in a precise way. You may feel a stinging sensation.

Most full face laser resurfacing treatments take 30 to 90 minutes. Smaller areas take less time. Multiple treatments spaced weeks apart may be necessary for best results.

Aftercare

For a few days after the procedure, the raw skin appears red or pink. It may burn, swell, itch, or ooze. Cold compresses and antibiotics help control discomfort and prevent infection.

The treated skin crusts and peels off over a period of 10 or more days. New skin then reforms, becoming smoother and tighter over the next few months. Use sunscreen daily to protect the new skin.

Most people can return to work in 1-2 weeks after laser skin resurfacing. Recovery is slower after more aggressive ablative lasers.

Laser Skin Resurfacing Before and After Pictures

Before and after photos show impressive improvements from laser skin resurfacing. However, results vary based on skin condition and type of laser used.

Wrinkles Before and After

Laser resurfacing smooths out wrinkles and fine lines, especially around the eyes, mouth, and cheeks. Deeper wrinkles show the most improvement.

Acne Scars Before and After

Both ablative and fractional lasers can minimize the appearance of acne scarring. Deep pits and depressions often show the best results.

Skin Texture Before and After

By removing outer skin layers, laser resurfacing allows new smoother, even-toned skin to emerge. Large pores also look smaller with skin tightening.

Sun Damage Before and After

Age spots, freckles, and other sun-related damage fade significantly with laser resurfacing. Melasma dark patches also lighten with certain fractionated lasers.

Skin Laxity Before and After

Laser skin tightening is modest compared to a face lift. But mild to moderate sagging often improves, especially along the jawline and under the eyes.

Choosing the Best Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment

Ablative vs Non-Ablative Laser

Ablative lasers typically provide longer lasting and more dramatic results. But they also have a longer downtime. Non-ablative, fractional lasers have a shorter recovery but need multiple treatments.

Your provider will recommend the best laser approach based on your skin goals, downtime, budget, and medical history.

CO2 Laser Resurfacing

The carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is a commonly used ablative laser. It removes skin precisely and goes deeper than other lasers. CO2 laser resurfacing works well for wrinkles and deep scars.

Recovery takes around 2 weeks. Possible side effects include swelling, redness, infection, scarring, and skin lightening.

Erbium Laser Resurfacing

Erbium lasers are also ablative fractional lasers. Erbium removes thinner layers of skin compared to CO2 lasers. This means more treatments but faster healing.

Erbium lasers improve wrinkles, scars, large pores, and sun damage. Downtime is shorter than CO2 laser recovery.

Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing

Fractional lasers transmit laser light in small dots, leaving surrounding tissue intact. This aids healing and shortens downtime to just a few days.

Several treatments are needed but with little pain and peeling. Fractional lasers treat mild wrinkles, texture, pores, and scars.

Finding a Provider for Laser Skin Resurfacing

It's important to have laser skin resurfacing performed by an experienced provider. This helps ensure you get the best results safely.

Dermatologists

Many dermatologists offer laser skin resurfacing. Make sure they have in-depth training and experience specifically with lasers. Also, consider a board certified dermatologist.

Plastic Surgeons

Plastic surgeons commonly perform laser skin treatments. Select a board certified plastic surgeon with laser skin resurfacing training. Many offer both ablative and non-ablative options.

MedSpas

Properly trained nursing staff and aestheticians in medspas sometimes provide laser skin resurfacing under doctor supervision. Choose an established medspa with experienced laser operators.

Risks and Side Effects

Possible risks and side effects include:

• Redness, swelling, bruising
• Scarring and permanent skin lightening (rare when performed properly)
• Acne breakout
• Cold sores reactivation
• Infection
• Burns, if laser settings are too high

Choose an experienced doctor to minimize risks. Also, carefully follow all pre and post-treatment instructions they provide.

Recovery and Downtime

Recovery time after laser skin resurfacing depends on the type of laser used:

• Ablative laser: Expect around 2 weeks of downtime for CO2 laser recovery. Erbium laser downtime is shorter, about 1 week.
• Fractional laser: Healing is much quicker with fractional laser treatment. Downtime is only 2-5 days.

During the recovery period, follow your provider's wound care and ointment instructions diligently. Avoid picking or scrubbing the skin. Sunscreen is a must after treatment.

Cost of Laser Skin Resurfacing

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of laser skin resurfacing is:

• Full face laser resurfacing: $2,559
• Fractional laser treatment: $1,391 per session (multiple needed)

The laser used and the size of the treated area impact the overall cost. Get an exact quote from your provider during a consultation.

FAQs About Laser Skin Resurfacing

How long do laser resurfacing results last?

Results from ablative laser skin resurfacing can last 5 years or longer. Non-ablative fractional lasers have shorter lasting results, about 1-3 years.

How much downtime is needed after laser skin resurfacing?

The downtime after laser skin resurfacing ranges from 2-5 days for fractional lasers to up to 2 weeks for ablative lasers.

How bad does laser skin resurfacing hurt?

Lasers can cause mild stinging during treatment. Pain medication and numbing creams help manage discomfort. The healing process can also be slightly painful.

Can laser skin resurfacing get rid of deep wrinkles?

Yes, ablative laser resurfacing is effective at smoothing out deep wrinkles and lines, especially around the eyes, mouth and cheeks.

How many laser skin resurfacing treatments are needed?

While one treatment may suffice with ablative lasers, a series of 3-6 treatments is common with fractional lasers for best results.

What's the difference between laser resurfacing and microneedling?

Laser skin resurfacing uses laser energy to remove skin layers. Microneedling creates tiny wounds in the skin to stimulate healing and collagen. Both improve skin texture and scars.

Is laser skin tightening permanent?

Laser skin resurfacing does tighten skin, but only modestly. The tightening effects are not as dramatic or long-lasting as those from a face lift.

The Takeaway on Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing offers an effective way to treat wrinkles, scars, sun damage, enlarged pores, and uneven skin tone. Ablative lasers like CO2 and Erbium provide dramatic remodeling of skin texture and scars but have longer downtime.

Non-ablative fractional lasers involve less downtime but need a series of treatments. When searching for a provider, choose an experienced, board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.