Stubborn acne scars, uneven skin texture, or fine lines feel so irritating. This is especially true if you have tried every high-quality serum and cream on the market, but nothing has worked. That’s where laser skin resurfacing steps in.
What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing is a cosmetic laser procedure that improves skin texture, tone, and appearance. It uses concentrated beams of light to remove damaged skin tissue and stimulate new skin cell production.
Collagen is a protein that provides structure, strength, and elasticity to skin. As people age, their body’s natural production of collagen decreases significantly. Laser treatments boosts collagen production in the body.
This process reveals a fresher, smoother layer of skin while also encouraging the skin’s natural healing response. As collagen rebuilds, you’ll see improvements in firmness, elasticity, and fine lines.
How Many Layers of Skin Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Remove?
Laser resurfacing treatment can remove one to two layers of the skin. It primarily targets the epidermis (outer layer) and part of the dermis (second layer). Ablative lasers remove more layers for deeper results, while non-ablative laser treatments focus on stimulating collagen beneath the surface without extensive skin removal.
How Many Layers of Skin Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Remove?
The best age for laser skin resurfacing typically ranges from the late 20s to 50s, as this is when early signs of aging start to appear. However, it largely depends on:
- Skin type
- Individual concerns
- Overall skin health
Consulting with a professional, as you would for laser-assisted fat reduction, can help determine the right timing for your skin.
What Is the Best Age for Laser Skin Resurfacing?
The best age for laser skin resurfacing typically ranges from the late 20s to 50s, as this is when early signs of aging start to appear. However, it largely depends on:
- Skin type
- Individual concerns
- Overall skin health
Consulting with a professional, as you would for laser-assisted fat reduction, can help determine the right timing for your skin.
Types of Laser Skin Resurfacing
The most common types of laser skin resurfacing include:
CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing
CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) laser resurfacing treatment helps treat wrinkles, skin laxity, birthmarks, warts, sun damage, skin cancers, and scars. CO2 lasers utilize short pulses of intense laser energy to remove damaged layers of skin. This makes way for smoother, younger-looking skin beneath.
Due to the intensity of CO2 laser treatments, they typically involve some downtime, with full healing taking around two to three weeks. However, the results are long-lasting and can be transformative.
Fractional Skin Resurfacing Laser
Fractional skin resurfacing lasers break the laser energy into thousands of microscopic treatment zones. This fractional approach means that only a small part of the skin is targeted in each session. As a result, the healing process speeds up without compromising the quality of results.
Fractional laser resurfacing treatment can treat a range of skin concerns, including:
- Hyperpigmentation
- Uneven skin tone
- Stretch marks
- Acne scars
- Age spots
You may need multiple sessions of fractional skin resurfacing lasers over a period of up to four weeks to enjoy the desired laser treatment benefits. However, treatments can be customized to suit individual needs.
Pulse-Dye Lasers (PDL)
Pulse-dye skin resurfacing lasers are used to treat skin problems caused by blood vessels. They use a concentrated yellow light to shrink or eliminate visible blood vessels. This reduces redness and improves overall skin tone. PDL laser resurfacing treatment can treat a range of conditions, including:
- Facial redness
- Hypertrophic scars
- Strawberry birthmark (ulcerated haemangioma)
- Port wine stains
- Warts
PDL treatment is gentle enough to avoid damage to surrounding skin. Downtime is also minimal, though some redness or slight bruising can occur post-treatment.
Erbium Laser Skin Resurfacing
Erbium skin resurfacing lasers focus primarily on the water content in the skin to remove the outermost layers with minimal thermal damage to surrounding tissues. This option is often better for those with fairer skin types.
The Erbium skin resurfacing laser targets both the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin) and the dermis (the middle layer of skin). This helps treat superficial and moderately deep lines and wrinkles. Its ability to resurface the skin without excessive heat makes it a favored laser resurfacing treatment for those with sensitive skin.
Healing times for Erbium laser resurfacing treatment are usually shorter than CO2 treatments, with less redness and swelling. Most people recover within 1 week of the treatment.
Neodymium YAG (Nd) Laser
The Neodymium YAG (Nd) skin resurfacing laser stands out for its versatility and its ability to penetrate deeply into the skin. If you have a dark skin tone, Neodymium YAG can be the best laser skin resurfacing treatment for you.
Neodymium YAG is often used for hair removal, tattoo removal, and treating vascular lesions. It can also treat:
- Hyperpigmentation
- Blotchy skin
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Inflammatory acne
Nd laser resurfacing treatments are typically quick and involve mild discomfort at most. This laser is also a strong option for people with active lifestyles who want minimal disruption from treatment but still seek noticeable results in skin texture and firmness.
The Procedure Involved in Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing treatments typically begin with a consultation where a specialist assesses your skin type, concerns, and goals to determine the most suitable type of laser treatment.
Your dermatologist may recommend preliminary treatments based on your skin condition. This process may start up to 1.5 months beforehand to prepare your skin for laser resurfacing treatment.
The treatment day will start with preparation steps designed for comfort and safety. Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed to remove oils or impurities.
Depending on the laser intensity, a topical anesthetic or numbing cream is applied to help minimize any discomfort. In some cases, for deeper treatments, local anesthesia or mild sedation may also be recommended.
Once your skin is prepped and numbed, the skin resurfacing laser is carefully calibrated to target your specific concerns, such as wrinkles, scars, or pigmentation. The specialist will then pass the laser over your skin in a controlled manner, focusing on areas needing more attention. The treatment typically lasts between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on the area and intensity.
Is Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment Painful?
Laser skin resurfacing treatment can cause mild discomfort. You might feel a warm or tingling sensation during treatment. Pain levels vary depending on the laser type and individual sensitivity, but most patients find it manageable. Your provider may utilize local anesthesia to ease any discomfort.
Aftercare
Laser skin resurfacing is ideal for individuals looking to rejuvenate their skin. Here are some common signs that indicate someone might benefit from laser resurfacing:
- Fine lines and wrinkles: Especially around the eyes, mouth, or forehead, where signs of aging often appear first.
- Uneven skin tone or texture: This includes rough patches, mild scarring, and areas of discoloration that can create an uneven look.
- Sun damage: Dark spots, sun spots, or an overall dullness from prolonged sun exposure.
- Acne scars: Whether from previous acne breakouts or deep scars, laser resurfacing can help smooth and soften their appearance.
- Enlarged pores: For those looking to reduce pore size, resurfacing can help create a smoother, more refined complexion.
However, laser resurfacing treatment results might not be the same for everyone. Certain health factors can affect how well you’ll tolerate the treatment and heal afterward. Consider avoiding this procedure if you:
- Have active acne or skin infections: Open wounds or active breakouts can complicate healing and spread bacteria.
- Are prone to keloids or hypertrophic scars: Laser treatment can increase the risk of these scarring types for certain individuals.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding: It’s best to avoid elective cosmetic procedures during this time.
- Have recently used isotretinoin (Accutane): Wait at least 6-12 months post-treatment, as isotretinoin increases skin sensitivity.
- Are highly sensitive to sun exposure: If your skin burns easily or you struggle to avoid the sun, you may have difficulty protecting your skin during the recovery phase.
Consulting with a qualified specialist is always essential. They’ll help determine if laser skin resurfacing is a safe choice based on your skin type, health history, and lifestyle.
Who Should Go for Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing is ideal for individuals looking to rejuvenate their skin. Here are some common signs that indicate someone might benefit from laser resurfacing:
- Fine lines and wrinkles: Especially around the eyes, mouth, or forehead, where signs of aging often appear first.
- Uneven skin tone or texture: This includes rough patches, mild scarring, and areas of discoloration that can create an uneven look.
- Sun damage: Dark spots, sun spots, or an overall dullness from prolonged sun exposure.
- Acne scars: Whether from previous acne breakouts or deep scars, laser resurfacing can help smooth and soften their appearance.
- Enlarged pores: For those looking to reduce pore size, resurfacing can help create a smoother, more refined complexion.
However, laser resurfacing treatment results might not be the same for everyone. Certain health factors can affect how well you’ll tolerate the treatment and heal afterward. Consider avoiding this procedure if you:
- Have active acne or skin infections: Open wounds or active breakouts can complicate healing and spread bacteria.
- Are prone to keloids or hypertrophic scars: Laser treatment can increase the risk of these scarring types for certain individuals.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding: It’s best to avoid elective cosmetic procedures during this time.
- Have recently used isotretinoin (Accutane): Wait at least 6-12 months post-treatment, as isotretinoin increases skin sensitivity.
- Are highly sensitive to sun exposure: If your skin burns easily or you struggle to avoid the sun, you may have difficulty protecting your skin during the recovery phase.
Consulting with a qualified specialist is always essential. They’ll help determine if laser skin resurfacing is a safe choice based on your skin type, health history, and lifestyle.
Estimated Laser Resurfacing Cost
The cost of laser skin resurfacing typically ranges from around $1500 to upwards of $8500. On average, laser resurfacing costs $1,829. However, the final price depends on multiple factors, including:
- Type of laser
- Treatment area
- Number of sessions
- Geographic location and provider experience
Many clinics offer financing plans, which can help spread the cost over time if you’re considering a more intensive treatment.
