Laser resurfacing is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure to remove skin blemishes caused by aging or health conditions. The treatment can make the skin appear smoother and younger over time. One can consider laser resurfacing if they want to reduce or get rid of pigmentation, sun exposure, rosacea scars, acne, pimples, chickenpox scars, fine lines, wrinkles, or liver spots. Although it is a safe procedure, one should understand its key aspects before making a decision.

Types
In a laser resurfacing procedure, the doctor directs short and concentrated laser beams at the damaged area and removes the skin layers individually, making the skin seem smoother and younger. The treatment can also improve complexion, tighten the skin, and removes wrinkles. The main types of laser resurfacing procedures are:

Ablative laser treatment: This is an invasive facial rejuvenation technique where doctors remove the top layer of the skin in multiple sessions. These techniques treat mild and moderate wrinkles, scars, and discoloration. One would require two weeks of recovery and may experience discomfort and swelling following the treatment. The skin can also begin to ooze and crust. Ablative treatments are ideal for those with too many wrinkles or deep facial scars. It is also intended for those who want faster results and can take two or three weeks off to recover. Here, CO2 lasers are used to target deep skin flaws, and Erbium lasers deal with fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and skin laxity.

Non-ablative laser treatment: Less invasive than ablative, this procedure focuses on protecting the skin’s surface and treating and stimulating the underlying skin tissue to produce collagen. The technique can target pigmentation, fine lines, and mild wrinkles. One may require multiple sessions, and they can return to their daily routine soon after the procedure, as there is only mild redness or swelling after treatment. Non-ablative techniques are ideal for those between the ages of 25 and 65 with moderate signs of aging and those who need immediate results or cannot afford to take weeks to recover. The most commonly used non-ablative treatments are pulsed-dye lasers to deal with redness, broken capillaries, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation, and fractional lasers to remove age-related skin blemishes.

Cost
The cost of laser resurfacing is influenced by factors like location, the experience and qualification of the surgeons, the type of technique, the number of sessions one requires, the cost of managing complications and side effects, and the cost of prescription treatments, anesthesia, and surgical fees. On average, non-ablative treatments cost between $1,200 and $3,500, while ablative treatments cost up to $4,500.

Aftercare
Everyone responds differently to laser resurfacing treatment. While one may experience multiple side effects from ablative treatments, no specific recovery period is needed for non-ablative treatments. Redness and swelling are common, and a yellow liquid may ooze from the treated spots. The skin may begin to dry and peel five days after surgery, appearing pink and lightening in about two or three months. It may take about a year for the pink color to fade completely. Here are some skincare tips to follow after laser resurfacing treatment:

1. One should follow the surgeon’s post-care instructions and clean the treated areas with a prescribed solution.
2. One can apply ice packs with a sterile cover for 30 minutes, repeating it every hour or so as per doctors’ advice for the first three days.
3. Applying protective creams or lotions the surgeon prescribes to enable faster healing.
4. Using prescribed sunscreen without fail whenever stepping outside.
5. If one experiences acne flares, they should talk to the doctor and avoid self-treatment.
6. Hyperpigmentation is also a common concern after the treatment. Doctors usually discuss the possible side effects beforehand and recommend treatments accordingly.
7. If one develops a bacterial infection, the doctor can prescribe a course of treatment to fight the bacteria.
8. If one has experienced cold sores in the past, they may experience sores after getting a laser resurfacing procedure around the mouth. So, one should discuss treatment and preventive measures with their doctor to deal with cold sores.
9. If one notices small white bumps in the treated areas, they can gently remove them with a soft washcloth.
10. If one observes prolonged swelling or redness, they should get it examined by a doctor during the follow-up consultation.
11. One should inform the doctor about undergoing treatments that may affect clotting. The doctor may suggest alternative treatments.

Best options
While choosing a laser resurfacing clinic, one should look for surgeons certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery who have undergone a fellowship for carrying out procedures like laser resurfacing. Improper laser handling can cause serious and long-term damage to the skin, so consider the surgeon’s training, experience, and patient ratings. Some of the best options for laser resurfacing include Mayo Clinic, Mount Sinai, and Cleveland Clinic.