Does a cosmetic dermatology perform laser skin resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing uses laser energy to heat or remove selected layers of skin. The purpose may be to improve the appearance of texture, fine lines, acne scarring, sun-related changes, or uneven tone. The clinician chooses an approach based on the concern, skin type, treatment area, and the amount of recovery you can manage.

Some treatments are superficial, while others affect deeper skin and require more healing. Redness, sensitivity, swelling, peeling, or temporary colour change can occur. A medical assessment is especially useful if you have active infection, a tendency to form raised scars, recent tanning, or a history of cold sores.

Bring a complete list of medicines and skincare products, and mention previous peels, injections, lasers, surgery, scarring, cold sores, and pigment changes. Ask which laser will be used, how deeply it will treat, whether antiviral or other preparation is needed, and how long you should plan for visible recovery.

Use only the preparation recommended by the clinic. Afterward, keep the area clean as instructed, avoid picking peeling skin, protect it from sunlight, and use the prescribed ointment or moisturiser. Delay elective treatment if the skin is sunburned or infected until a clinician reassesses it.

Contact the treating clinic if pain, swelling, redness, oozing, blistering, or crusting is increasing rather than settling. Seek urgent care for eye pain or vision change, breathing difficulty, rapidly spreading swelling, high fever, or severe pain. Prompt review is also needed for pus, worsening warmth, or sores that are not healing.

Ask: Which resurfacing depth suits my concern and skin type? What preparation and recovery will I need? How will you reduce the risk of infection or pigment change? Which medicines or products should I pause, and what symptoms require urgent review?