Laser resurfacing can treat fine lines and wrinkles, smooth and tighten skin, and remove spots and irregular pigmentation. It can also be used on the full face to provide broad results and promote new skin growth.

A laser is an intense beam of light that travels in a single direction. Depending on the wavelength of the light, it can vary by intensity and pulse duration. Laser systems are very precise and allow a doctor great control over the treatment. There are two types of lasers used for resurfacing, ablative and non-ablative.

Non-Ablative Laser Resurfacing

• Non-ablative lasers require little healing
• Mild redness may persist for a few hours
• Treatment bypasses the top layer of the skin, the epidermis, and treats the layers underneath
• The epidermis is not removed, as with other resurfacing techniques. Infrared light lasers can be used treat the dermis and generate collagen growth, as well as causing contraction of the skin, resulting in tightening
• The treatment may take as little as a few minutes
• Several treatments may be required to see desired results — it may be weeks before the result of treatment is seen
• Rarely requires anesthetics

Ablative Laser Resurfacing

• Ablative resurfacing is a deeper, more invasive procedure
• Often requires anesthetic, either sedation or a local anesthetic
• Generally takes between one and two hours
• After-care includes keeping the face moist with ointments or bandages for the first few days
• It requires significant healing time
• May have more significant side effects than non-ablative laser treatments

Potential side effects for resurfacing treatments
Resurfacing of the skin involves an alteration of the top layers of the skin and there are certain side effects that could occur following the procedure that you should be aware, for example, you may have burning, discomfort, itching, tingling, swelling, redness, scarring, sensitivity to the sun, abnormal skin color changes, and a flare-up of cold sores and fever blisters. With chemical peels and dermabrasion, you may also see temporary whiteheads and infection. With laser resurfacing, the laser heat may cause burns. In addition, there may be other risks associated with a particular type of resurfacing that you should discuss with your doctor to fully understand these risks.