Laser resurfacing uses strong rays of directed light to break apart molecular bonds in the epidermis. That’s how lasers treat – and potentially erase – wrinkles, sun damage, scars, stretch marks, and spider veins.
Sometimes laser resurfacing is combined with liposuction treatments. Liposuction removes unwanted fat, but can leave wrinkles in the skin. Laser resurfacing would then target those wrinkles as a sort of post-operative treatment.
How it works
Pulses of laser light go through the skin, vaporizing water and even destroying surface skin, but without causing any harm to the layers of skin beneath (the dermis). Hundreds or even thousands of pinpoints of laser light are delivered to the skin’s surface. It allows the damaged skin to grow back quickly, in little at a time.
Here’s a breakdown of the different resurfacing lasers, according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser: It’s the strongest of the available resurfacing lasers. It’s designed to treat deep wrinkles.
Erbium laser: This is gentler than the carbon dioxide laser. It’s suited to milder wrinkles.
Pulsed dye laser: This uses the spectrum of yellow light. It targets skin blemishes that have resulted from abnormal blood vessels.
Cost:
The average cost of a single laser resurfacing session is $2,128. That includes physician’s fees only. Keep in mind that more than one session may be necessary to adequately achieve the goals you and your doctor have defined, according to the online plastic surgery resource, a Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery
Who’s it for?
If you’re looking to erase deep lines and wrinkles, to smooth or tighten eyelid skin, to remove brown spots, to treat uneven skin tone, or to improve unsightly scars, then you may want to check out laser resurfacing. It targets those blemishes that sit right on the top layer of skin, in the epidermis. Laser resurfacing destroys the skin containing the blemishes, allowing new skin to fill its place.
Risks and Benefits
Laser resurfacing allows the physician to customize treatment for each patient because lasers can be controlled to target specific areas of the face, for example, in ways that dermabrasion or chemical peals cannot.
But laser resurfacing alone cannot treat crow’s feet, broken blood vessels, or dark circles under the eyes. And those who have previously undergone silicone injections are not medically eligible for laser resurfacing.
As with many medical procedures, laser resurfacing comes with its risks: Burns, scarring, abnormal pigmentation, or infections are all possible.
The Bottom Line
Different laser resurfacing treatments are designed for the severity of the skin blemishes in question. Though it can be expensive, laser resurfacing’s effects are long-lasting.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
