Laser Resurfacing Procedure
Overview
Laser skin resurfacing improves common skin concerns such as fine lines, uneven tone, and sun damage. This technique uses focused energy to treat the skin’s surface and deeper layers, promoting healthier and smoother skin over time. There are two main types of laser resurfacing:
- Ablative Resurfacing: Removes the outer layer of skin and warms the tissue beneath. This process stimulates the growth of collagen, a protein important for skin structure. Ablative treatments often give more noticeable results but also require longer recovery.
- Nonablative Resurfacing: Heats the underlying skin without removing the surface. While less intense, nonablative methods generally have a faster healing period but may offer more gradual changes.
A comparison of the two approaches appears in the table below:
| Method | Removes Skin Surface | Collagen Support | Healing Time | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ablative | Yes | Strong | Longer | More pronounced |
| Nonablative | No | Moderate | Shorter | Subtle |
Both techniques are available as fractional treatments. Fractional lasers treat only a portion of the skin during each session, leaving some areas untouched. This shortens recovery time and lowers the chance of unwanted side effects.
Most people need repeated sessions to reach their goals, particularly with nonablative procedures. Ablative lasers include systems like CO2 and erbium lasers, which provide effective results.
Nonablative choices, such as erbium (Er) and intense pulsed light (IPL), are often selected for milder improvements. Many people now choose fractional devices because they balance safety, convenience, and visible improvement.
Reasons People Choose Laser Treatment
Laser resurfacing targets fine lines, age spots, rough skin, and sun damage. It also helps improve acne scars, faded areas, and uneven skin color in a gentle and effective way.
Risks
Laser resurfacing can cause several side effects, which depend on the type of laser and individual factors. Ablative procedures often carry more noticeable side effects than nonablative options. Some of the most common risks and effects include:
Redness and Swelling: Treated areas can become red, swollen, and tender. This may last for several weeks, especially with more aggressive treatments. Some people report itching or a burning feeling as the skin heals.
Inflammation: The skin may stay inflamed and irritated for weeks or even months after treatment. This is more common with deeper resurfacing.
Scarring: Scarring may occur, although this is less common. People who have had issues with keloid scars in the past are at higher risk.
Changes in Skin Color: Skin can become darker (hyperpigmentation) or lighter (hypopigmentation) after laser resurfacing. Individuals with darker skin tones face a higher chance of long-term color changes.
Acne or Milia: The application of heavy creams or dressings after the procedure may lead to acne breakouts or the appearance of small white bumps called milia.
Infection: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can develop. The herpes virus may reactivate, leading to cold sores.
The table below outlines some typical issues and their possible outcomes:
| Risk | How It Appears | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Redness, swelling, itching | Red, puffy, and irritated skin | Weeks to months |
| Scarring | Lasting marks or raised areas | Can be long-term |
| Pigmentation changes | Darker or lighter spots | Varies; can be lasting |
| Acne or milia | Pimples or white bumps | Usually short-term |
| Infection | Sores, pus, or pain | Needs medical care |
People using certain medications, those with autoimmune conditions, or with a personal or family history of scarring face a higher chance of problems.
How You Prepare
Before laser skin resurfacing, several important steps help ensure the process is as safe and successful as possible.
Medical Review
The care team asks questions about any health conditions, allergies, or medicines used recently. Give detailed and honest answers. Discuss previous cosmetic treatments and reactions to the sun.
Skin Check
Providers examine the skin to spot anything that might affect results. This step also helps them understand what potential changes can be expected and what risks may come up during or after treatment.
Understanding Expectations
Providers and patients discuss personal goals, preferred recovery time, and hoped-for results. Both must be on the same page about these topics.
Preparation Steps
| Preparation Step | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Medical history review | Identifies risks |
| Skin exam | Plans safe treatment |
| Discuss expectations | Sets realistic goals |
| Prevent sun exposure | Lowers color change risk |
| Antiviral medication | Prevents infections |
| No smoking | Improves healing |
| Arrange for a ride | Safety after sedation |
- Virus Prevention: Providers may prescribe antiviral medication to prevent certain infections after the procedure.
- No Sun Exposure: Stay out of the sun and use broad-spectrum sunscreen for several weeks before the appointment. Even mild sunburns or tans can affect the outcome. Overexposure to sunlight can also increase the chance of unwanted changes in skin color after treatment.
- Quitting Smoking: Stop smoking at least two weeks before and after the treatment. Smoking can slow down healing and lead to more side effects.
- Transportation Needs: Arrange for someone else to drive home if sedation is used.
What You Can Expect
What Happens While Getting Treatment
Laser resurfacing usually takes place in a clinic, not a hospital. Providers give patients medication to numb their skin. Sometimes they also provide medication to help a person stay calm.
Ablative laser resurfacing uses a strong beam of light to remove the outer skin layer and heats the deeper layer (dermis) to boost collagen production. The process can take 30 minutes to two hours, depending on how much skin is being treated.
- If the entire face is treated, the procedure might last longer.
- Most people only need one treatment with an ablative laser.
- For nonablative or fractional laser treatments, several sessions (2 to 4) may be required over a few weeks or months.
Below is a quick comparison:
| Type | Typical Sessions | Session Length | Treated Area Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ablative | 1 | 30-120 mins | Small/Large |
| Nonablative | 2-4 | Shorter | Usually smaller |
What to Expect After Treatment
After ablative laser treatment, the skin often swells, itches, and turns red. The area may look and feel irritated for several days. Healthcare teams often apply a thick ointment and sometimes cover the skin with a special dressing that keeps moisture in. To manage symptoms after treatment:
- Take pain relief medicine if needed.
- Use ice packs to reduce swelling.
- Avoid makeup or harsh products on the skin.
- Stay away from places like public pools to lower the chance of infection.
- Wear sunscreen anytime you go outside.
Downtime varies by procedure:
- After ablative laser resurfacing, new skin forms in 7 to 10 days. Full recovery can take at least a month.
- After nonablative laser treatment, redness or swelling is usually mild and may last only a few hours, and regular activities can often be resumed right away.
What to Expect After Treatment
After laser resurfacing, many people notice smoother and brighter skin. The texture of the skin becomes softer, and the overall tone looks more even. Improvements appear slowly and can continue to develop for several months.
Key changes from laser skin treatment:
- Better skin texture and tone.
- Gradual fading of uneven color.
- Boosted collagen production for firmer skin.
- Results can last several years with proper care.
Most patients complete 2 to 4 sessions, spaced out over weeks or months, to see clear changes. Over time, new collagen forms and naturally rejuvenates the skin. While deep wrinkles may not completely disappear, fine lines look less visible and the face appears refreshed.
To help results last, daily sun protection is important. Using a moisturizer and a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) protects new skin. People with darker skin tones may benefit from tinted sunscreens, which help guard against unwanted dark spots.
