Laser Resurfacing Questions

There are 2 basic types of laser resurfacing: ablative and non-ablative. The choice between the two is dependent on the area you are trying to treat, your expected results, and how long you are willing to commit to for recovery.

Non-ablative resurfacing  is ideal for patients with fine wrinkles and slight skin discoloration. This method does not require local anesthesia (although a numbing cream may be used) and is typically low on the pain threshold.

Ablative laser resurfacing removes more layers of skin than non-ablative. The healing process brings about a healthier, more even skin tone than the nonabrasive procedure, and is much more effective in reducing the appearance of deep wrinkles, scars, severe discoloration, and other facial blemishes. This method may require local anesthesia and requires a longer recovery period.

The procedure usually takes about 30-90 minutes. Although the steps may differ slightly depending on the person’s unique skin details, but usually it is something like this: 

1. Your surgeon applies an anesthetic.
2. Your surgeon then passes the hand-held wand over the treatment area. This wand transmits a beam of laser light to that specific area.
3. Once complete, your surgeon will apply an antibiotic cream to the skin within your treatment area.
4. You will go home with instructions on how to care for your skin during the recovery period.

Some patients will experience a mild breakout after the treatment, but that depends on your skin type and how sensitive you are to breakouts. That is temporary and will pass like any other breakout. As far as scarring goes, unless you are prone to excessive scarring, it should not be a concern. Scarring from laser skin resurfacing is very rare.