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Cosmetic Procedures: Laser Resurfacing

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Laser resurfacing is a treatment for reducing facial wrinkles and skin irregularities, such as blemishes or acne scars.

The technique directs short, concentrated pulsating beams of light at irregular skin. Laser skin resurfacing removes skin very precisely, layer by layer. This popular procedure is known by several other names, including lasabrasion, laser peel or laser vaporization.

woman looking in mirror

Who Is a Good Candidate For Laser Resurfacing?

If you have fine lines or wrinkles around the eyes, mouth or on the forehead, scars from acne, or non-responsive skin after a facelift, then you may be a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing.

If you have active acne or if you have very dark skin, you may not be a candidate. This technique is also not recommended for stretch marks.

How Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Work?

The two types of lasers most commonly used in laser resurfacing are carbon dioxide (CO2) and erbium. Each laser vaporizes superficial, damaged skin cells and both reduce the risk for the patient because they limit the amount of heat absorbed by the skin.

CO2 Laser Resurfacing

This method has been used for years to treat different skin conditions including wrinkles, scars, warts, birthmarks, enlarged oil glands on the nose (rhinophyma), skin cancer and other conditions.

The newest version of the CO2 laser resurfacing uses very short pulsed light energy (ultrapulsed) or continuous light beams that are delivered in a scanning pattern to very precisely remove thin layers of skin with minimal heat damage to the surrounding structures. Recovery time from the procedure is up to two weeks.

Patients should seek out surgeons with documented training and experience in laser skin resurfacing.

Erbium Laser Resurfacing

Erbium laser resurfacing is designed to remove superficial and moderately deep lines and wrinkles on the face, hands, neck, or chest. One of the benefits of erbium laser resurfacing is minimal burning of surrounding tissue. This laser causes minimal side effects, such as swelling, bruising, and redness, so your recovery time should be more rapid than with CO2 laser resurfacing -- one week in most cases.

If you have a darker skin tone, erbium laser resurfacing may work better for you. Your doctor will determine which laser is best for you after he or she fully evaluates your medical history, current physical condition, and desired results.

Preparing for Laser Resurfacing

If you are considering laser skin resurfacing, consult a plastic surgeon or dermatologist to find out if the procedure is right for you. As with any procedure, the primary consideration for laser skin resurfacing is your general health. Other factors your doctor will consider include skin type, ethnic background, and age as well as the problems you want to correct and your expectations from surgery.

Certain problems such as allergies or previous burns or radiation exposure may necessitate a special evaluation to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for the procedure. You should also let the doctor know if you get cold sores or fever blisters around your mouth, as this procedure can trigger breakouts in susceptible people.

If you decide to proceed with laser skin resurfacing, your doctor will have you avoid taking any medications or supplements that can affect clotting, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or vitamin E, for 10 days before surgery. If you smoke, you should stop for two weeks before and after the procedure, because smoking can prolong healing. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic beforehand to prevent bacterial infections and, if you are prone to cold sores or fever blisters, you may receive an antiviral medication as well.

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