Laser Skin Resurfacing

As you age, the effects of sun damage and environmental pollutants damage your skin, creating lines and wrinkles on our faces. Laser resurfacing can help minimize fine lines as they begin to occur, particularly those that form around the mouth and eyes. In laser skin resurfacing a laser is used to remove these areas of damaged or wrinkled skin, layer by layer. Most often used to minimize fine lines and wrinkles, laser resurfacing is also an effective treatment for facial scars and areas of uneven pigmentation. It can be performed on the whole face or on target areas and is often done in conjunction with another cosmetic operation, such as a face lift or eyelid surgery.

Laser skin resurfacing can last from just a few minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the size of the area being treated, as well as the severity of the skin condition.

After Laser Skin Resurfacing

After the procedure, you may experience some swelling and discomfort. Cold packs are usually recommended to reduce the swelling. If a bandage was applied after the surgery, it may be changed in a few days, and will be completely removed after approximately one week. Scabs may form, and last for about 10 days. If you experience pain, an over-the-counter pain medication can be taken. The amount of time needed for recovery depends on the depth of the resurfacing and your capacity to heal. Redness may persist for several weeks, or longer. The redness gradually lightens to pink, and then to a lighter, more natural color, make-up can be applied approximately two weeks after the procedure to cover-up the redness if you desire.

Laser resurfacing generally removes most of the fine wrinkles and imperfections in the treated area, but natural facial movements and expressions eventually cause some of the lines to reappear. Like most other methods of skin resurfacing, laser treatments may be repeated to maintain the desired results.