Laser Skin Resurfacing: Benefits, Side Effects, and Cost (2024)

Laser skin resurfacing uses light technology to remove layers of skin or heat underneath the skin to vaporize damaged skin cells. In both cases, laser skin resurfacing may help treat a range of skin concerns and conditions, including acne scars, sun-damaged spots, warts, or lesions. Laser resurfacing can encourage collagen production, rejuvenate skin, and promote healing.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing treatments can be used on most skin types. People with darker pigmentation may be more prone to burns or dark marks post-treatment but are still good candidates. Consult an experienced dermatologist or plastic surgeon to determine the most appropriate treatment.

A good candidate is typically:

• Physically healthy
• A non-smoker
• Has realistic expectations for appearance post-treatment
• Committed to sun protection

Laser skin resurfacing may be looking to target:

• Acne or chickenpox scars
• Sun-damaged skin
• Uneven skin tone and texture
• Wrinkles and fine lines
• Birthmarks
• Age spots or liver spots
• Rosacea
• Loose or dull skin
• Stretch marks
• Varicose veins or vascular tumor
• Lesions (precancerous or malignant)

Types of Laser Resurfacing

Different lasers are better suited to some treatments. Your dermatologist or plastic surgeon can determine the most appropriate treatment for your skin condition or desired results.

CO2 Laser Resurfacing

CO2 laser resurfacing uses carbon dioxide lasers to treat scars, wrinkles and fine lines, warts, and other skin conditions. This type of treatment is considered ablative because it removes top layers of skin.

Erbium Laser Resurfacing

Erbium laser resurfacing is used to treat surface level (superficial) or moderately deep wrinkles and lines on face, hands, neck, and chest. It has fewer side effects than CO2 laser resurfacing.

Neodymium Yag Laser

The neodymium YAG laser is a crystal-based solid-state laser with a high-intensity beam and very short pulse times. It’s non-ablative and targets melanin or skin pigmentation. While it's not a resurfacing lader, it treats superficial skin lesions, age spots, or vascular concerns, including varicose veins, spider and thread veins, and haemangioma (vascular tumor).

Pulse-Dye Lasers

Pulse-dye lasers are typically non-ablative, heating the deeper layers of skin and absorbing pigments. This reduces redness, hyperpigmentation, broken capillaries, and rosacea.

Fractional Laser Resurfacing

Fractional laser resurfacing treats a fraction of the skin area with thousands of tiny beams, effectively reducing downtime compared to solid-state lasers. Fractional lasers can be ablative or non-ablative and are used primarily for cosmetic purposes such as treating age spots.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is not a laser technology but is similarly used to treat skin conditions and concerns, including sun damage, vascular lesions, acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation.

How to Prepare for Laser Skin Resurfacing

If you decide to pursue laser skin resurfacing, the first step is consulting with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. They will review your medical history, conduct a physical exam, and discuss realistic expectations.

If you have a history of herpes infections, pre-treatment may include taking antiviral medication to reduce the risk of infection. Oral antibiotics may also beprescribed to prevent bacterial infections.

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

One of the first things you can expect is that local anesthesia will be used to numb the area. For extensive skin resurfacing, general anesthesia is used. Sedatives may also be prescribed to help promote relaxation. Next, your skin will be thoroughly cleaned. You may be given eye protection.

Afterward, a protective dressing is applied to the skin. Reapplication may be necessary. You can also expect post-procedure pain relievers to help manage pain and discomfort.It will be necessary to modify certain activities to reduce the risk of possible infection (i.e., avoiding swimming or excessive sweating).

Benefits and Risks of Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing is a non-surgical procedure. The advantages are that it's less invasive, which typically reduces overall cost, risk of complication, and recovery time.

There are still potential side effects and risks to consider, listed below:

• Infection
• Burns
• Scarring
• Hypersensitivity and increased risk of sunburns
• Allergic-type reactions
• Light spots or dark spots
• Wound healing delays (especially if you've taken the acne medication known as Accutane)
• Textural skin changes
• Activation of herpes zoster infection (for people with herpes)
  

Precautions and post-treatment care instructions focus on protecting your skin from sun damage. It's advised to practice total sun protection for the first year and diligent sun protection for life to prevent irregular pigmentation and maintain results.

Laser Skin Resurfacing Cost

The average cost of laser skin resurfacing is $1,829—this doesn’t include other associated costs such as consultations, anesthesia, and pre- and post-operative medications.

Other cost factors include:

• Provider’s level of expertise and qualifications
• Proceduretype
• Time spent
• Geographic office location

Summary

Laser resurfacing effectively treats a range of skin concerns and conditions. Benefits include healthier, rejuvenated skin. As with any procedure, some risks are involved. Whether or not laser resurfacing is right for you depends on several factors, including your overall health and expectations. If you’re thinking about laser resurfacing, consult with a professional.