Skin resurfacing includes varieties of major permanent and long-term plastic surgery, less-invasive mid-range surgical procedures, and non-invasive temporary skin treatments. Our skin resurfacing articles explain a variety of skin conditions and treatments. 

One of the most recent innovations in anti-aging remedies has been laser skin resurfacing, which improves the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles, scars, and hyperpigmentation (discoloured areas of the skin), primarily around the eyes and mouth. It can also be used to treat large areas of the face.

Laser skin resurfacing has gained popularity recently because of its advantages over alternative approaches that may cause discomfort, bleeding, and bruising, all of which mean a longer recovery time. The result of more youthful-looking skin means laser skin resurfacing can be psychologically rejuvenating as well.

Laser skin resurfacing uses laser light to treat deeper layers than microdermabrasion, but not as deep as laser scar removal. This innovative laser treatment lasts longer and produces less discomfort than many alternatives.

One of the most recent innovations in anti-aging remedies has been laser skin resurfacing, which improves the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles, scars, and hyperpigmentation (discoloured areas of the skin), primarily around the eyes and mouth. It can also be used to treat large areas of the face.

Laser skin resurfacing has gained popularity recently because of its advantages over alternative approaches that may cause discomfort, bleeding, and bruising, all of which mean a longer recovery time. The result of more youthful-looking skin means laser skin resurfacing can be psychologically rejuvenating as well.

All skin treatments work in a similar way: removal of a layer of skin so that the new skin can flourish and fill in the wrinkles and crevices. Until recently, the only options to medically treat damaged skin were chemical peels and microdermabrasion. These procedures offer the anti-aging benefits of glowing skin, reduced wrinkles, decreased areas of skin discoloration, and minimized scarring. But these procedures don't use laser light, and they remove only a thin layer of skin. Laser skin resurfacing uses laser light and treats deeper layers than does microdermabrasion.

For acne scars, a recently developed third-generation Erbium/YAG-CO2 combination laser is very effective, without the side effects of older laser types. In addition, the Fraxel laser was introduced recently for the improvement of acne scars, brown age spots, melasma (patchy or generalized dark or tan areas), fine lines, and large pores; it is proving to be very effective. During your consultation with your doctor, he or she will select the right laser for your particular scar removal procedure.

A variety of options are available for the improvement of skin through photo rejuvenation, which is the use of an energy-based device to improve skin in thermal, mechanical, and chemical ways. Thermage is an example of a thermal energy-based device and was recently FDA-approved for the improvement of sagging skin and facial lines.

People who do not make good candidates include those who are prone to scarring, are taking certain medications, or have a skin disorder. For example, discoloration must be evaluated to determine if it is the result of natural aging hyperpigmentation (which is treatable), or a more serious medical condition (in which case laser treatment may not be appropriate).

Your doctor may perform laser skin resurfacing in the office, an outpatient surgery centre, or a hospital. Typically you would receive local anaesthesia, while you are sedated but awake; however, you might receive general anaesthesia for treatment of deeper layers of the skin.

Treatment time ranges from a few minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the amount of resurfacing you need.

The doctor moves the laser precisely over the area of skin requiring treatment. Depending on the depth of the wrinkle, scar, or discoloration, the laser may be moved over the area repeatedly. The laser penetrates and removes the number of outer skin layers necessary to uncover the layer not affected by imperfections. Once that layer is exposed, healing can begin to rebuild new skin that looks younger and does not have the imperfections.

The procedure may be performed in two or more sessions to penetrate deeper areas, but one procedure is usually enough.

You will probably experience some mild swelling and discomfort after laser resurfacing. This can be controlled with ice packs and medications prescribed by your surgeon. There may be a red, crusted appearance for 10 or more days.

If a bandage was applied after your procedure, it may be replaced with a fresh one after a day or two. After about a week, your bandage will be removed, and a thin layer of ointment may be applied to your skin. At this stage your surgeon will provide instructions on how to gently wash and care for your healing skin.

During this phase of healing, it is very important that you not pick the crusts off the treated area, or scarring may result. Most patients are free of crusts after 10 days, but redness may persist for several weeks.

Complications in this procedure are rare, but when they occur they may include skin discoloration, burning, or scarring. In rare cases, dormant viruses or infections can be triggered. Laser skin resurfacing does not stop the aging process. Wrinkles, discoloration, and other imperfections can reappear throughout your lifetime.