Laser Resurfacing Overview
Texture that has changed, marks that have not faded, lines that no longer smooth out. These are small signs, and laser resurfacing is one of the answers people meet when they go looking.
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery describes laser resurfacing as a procedure that uses a laser to improve the appearance of skin or treat minor facial flaws by removing layers of skin. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery names carbon dioxide and erbium as the two most common types, and says the erbium laser causes fewer side effects than the carbon dioxide laser. Its page on laser resurfacing is the general reference for the category.
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery also describes fractional laser resurfacing, in which a fractional laser delivers precise microbeams of light into the lower layers of skin and creates deep, narrow columns of coagulated tissue that start a natural healing process. Its page on fractional laser resurfacing for aging skin explains that approach.
Candidates, comfort and risk
Candidacy comes first. Cleveland Clinic says ideal candidates for facial laser skin resurfacing have fine lines or wrinkles around or under the eyes, forehead or mouth, scars from acne, or skin that needs correcting after a facelift. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery says patients who have active acne or very dark skin usually are not good candidates.
Preparation can be part of the plan. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery says patients with a history of herpes infections will be prescribed an antiviral medication before and after treatment, and that excessive sun exposure should be avoided.
Comfort differs by type. Cleveland Clinic says ablative laser and light-based treatments are typically performed under general anesthesia or sedation, while non-ablative treatment does not need either because it is less invasive and causes minimal discomfort.
Risks deserve a plain list. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery lists swelling, a burning sensation, itching, scarring, pigmentation issues, infection and bumps due to obstruction of sweat glands.
Results come with a time frame. Cleveland Clinic says the results of both types of laser resurfacing are particularly noticeable after the initial healing and for about a year following the procedure.
Carbon dioxide, gentler lasers and comparisons
- Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing: Follows the carbon dioxide laser from the procedure through healing and the small changes to watch for afterward.
- Comparing Skin Rejuvenation and Resurfacing Methods: Sets laser resurfacing beside peels and gentler lasers so the trade-offs can be read together.
- Skin Conditions Lasers Can Treat: Lists the skin conditions lasers are used for, starting from the concern you noticed.
- Non Ablative Laser Rejuvenation: Covers the gentler laser option and how it differs from resurfacing.
Begin with the comparison page if you are weighing several methods, or with the conditions page if you are starting from a specific concern. For the carbon dioxide laser, Cleveland Clinic's page on carbon dioxide laser resurfacing is worth reading in full. Write down what each source leaves unanswered and put those questions to your clinician.