Laser Skin Resurfacing FAQs

Laser skin resurfacing treatments provide patients with relief from fine lines and wrinkles by removing damaged outer layers of skin to reveal those that are, softer, smoother, and younger looking. To assist those considering laser skin resurfacing, listed below, are a number of frequently asked questions about the procedure. If you have further questions, or would like to determine what laser skin resurfacing can do for you, a consultation with a cosmetic dermatologist or plastic surgeon may be your first step toward achieving younger-looking, more vibrant skin.

Is laser skin resurfacing right for me?

Laser skin resurfacing provides patients with relief from damaged skin. Treatment may be performed to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, and abnormal pigmentations. If your face displays telltale signs of age, and you would like to correct these or other skin imperfections, a laser skin resurfacing procedure may be right for you.

Your physician will analyze your individual case to determine if laser skin resurfacing is right for you. Patients with darker skintones may be at risk of unwanted pigmentation changes. Those taking Accutane® and certain other medications may also be at a higher risk of experiencing side effects. Patients who have active skin infections or who are prone to keloid scarring may not be good candidates for the procedures. An experienced physician can help you determine if you are a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing or if other laser skin treatments are better suited for your needs.

What are the benefits of laser skin resurfacing?

The benefits of laser skin resurfacing include the advanced treatment of fine lines and wrinkles and a correction of scars and skin irregularities. Treatment areas include “crow’s feet” at the edges of the eyes, lines around the mouth, and deep lines that run from the nose to the corner of the mouth (the nasolabial fold). L aser skin resurfacing treatments may also reduce or eliminate the appearance of acne scars, uneven pigmentation, and many other skin imperfections. By removing damaged skin and exposing that which is softer and younger looking, laser skin resurfacing treatments have been found to be an effective method of reversing tell-tale signs of age and other forms of skin damage.

What type of laser is used during resurfacing procedures?

Laser skin resurfacing treatments are typically performed with a carbon dioxide (CO2) , erbium, or Fraxel® laser. These lasers vary in their strength and treatment usages. The CO2 laser provides a more powerful treatment and is therefore used to treat lines and wrinkles that are deeper and more pronounced. The erbium laser is used to treat more moderate lines and wrinkles and has the added benefit of resulting in a shorter recovery period. The erbium laser has also been shown to stimulate collagen, further tightening and smoothing the skin.

Is laser skin resurfacing an outpatient procedure?

Yes, laser skin resurfacing treatments can be conveniently performed as an outpatient procedure at a hospital, or at a surgeon’s office-based facility.

Will I be awake during laser skin resurfacing?

Yes, many laser skin resurfacing treatments can be performed with a local anesthetic (an injection at the treatment site). An oral sedative may also be used to help you relax during the procedure. For more extensive laser skin resurfacing treatments, your doctor may decide whether intravenous sedation or general anesthesia is best.

What is the average cost of laser skin resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing cost can vary, so it is important to fully discuss the price of your treatments with your cosmetic surgeon. In addition to the surgeon’s fees, costs can include pre- and post-operative care, necessary medications, and other services. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has estimated that, on average, a surgeon’s fees are roughly $2,500 per session.

Are there any long-term risks associated with laser skin resurfacing?

With a qualified cosmetic surgeon, laser skin resurfacing treatments are a safe and effective way to correct fine lines, wrinkles, and other forms of skin damage. With that in mind, it is important to remember that all surgical procedures carry with them some risk. The risk of laser skin resurfacing complications is minimal, generally occurring infrequently. However, the procedure has the possibility of resulting in heat injury, activation of cold sores, lightening or darkening of the skin, and, rarely, scarring or infection. Your cosmetic surgeon will fully discuss the risks associated with laser skin resurfacing with you before performing the procedure.

When will I be able to return to normal activities?

Recovery time after laser skin treatments varies. Much of the variation can be attributed to the type of laser that is used. With a CO2 laser treatment, the recovery time is typically two weeks. After erbium laser skin resurfacing for the treatment of more superficial lines and wrinkles, a shorter recovery period of about one week is typically required. Fraxel laser treatments require a recovery period of only a few days. That being said, the time it takes each patient to recover from laser skin resurfacing and return to normal activities varies from patient to patient. The length of laser skin resurfacing recovery depends heavily upon the general health and lifestyle of the patient, and simply the speed at which their body heals.

What are the temporary side-effects of laser skin resurfacing treatment?

After laser skin resurfacing, patients typically experience reddening of the skin for several weeks. Other temporary side effects depend largely on the extent of treatment. Laser skin resurfacing treatments can sometimes result in temporary swelling and discomfort. However, your cosmetic surgeon can help you move through this phase of treatment as comfortably as possible by prescribing the proper pain medications. Laser skin resurfacing may also result in the formation of crusting on the skin. This typically clears in about 10 days. As the temporary side-effects of laser skin resurfacing treatments subside, patients begin to see the procedure’s amazing results, younger-looking skin.

Is recovery painful?

While patients can expect some swelling and discomfort during their laser skin resurfacing recovery, the pain can be easily managed. This is done through pain medication, ice packs used to reduce swelling, and wraps for treated skin, as well as other methods of making your recovery as comfortable and beneficial as possible.

Talk to a Skin Care Specialist in Your City

To determine if you are a candidate for laser skin resurfacing treatments, your first step is to contact a cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist in your area to discuss your individual case. Resurfacing treatments could provide you with softer, younger-looking skin and a dramatically improved appearance.