How Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Work?

A fully ablative treatment vaporises the outermost layer more extensively, while fractional treatment creates narrow treated columns between areas of untreated skin. Non-ablative settings heat deeper tissue without removing the surface. The choice depends on the concern, skin type, treatment area and recovery time being considered. New collagen formed during repair may gradually soften fine lines and uneven texture. Laser resurfacing can also address some effects of sun-damaged skin; it does not stop new damage from ultraviolet exposure.

A clinician should assess your skin, current medicines, history of cold sores, tendency to form raised scars and recent tanning before treatment. Follow the planned skin-care pause and use broad-spectrum sun protection as directed. Afterward, redness, warmth, swelling, peeling or sensitivity can occur, depending on the depth. Keep the treated area clean, avoid picking flakes and use only products approved for healing skin. CO2 and thulium lasers are examples of technologies that may be selected for different treatment goals.

Contact the treating clinic promptly for worsening pain, spreading redness, pus, fever, blistering or a delayed change in vision after treatment near the eyes. Sudden swelling of the face or breathing difficulty needs urgent medical care. A clinician can distinguish expected healing from infection, a burn or a pigment change that needs treatment.

Ask which laser and depth are proposed, what problem it is intended to improve, how your skin tone affects pigment risk, what recovery will look like, and which medicines or products should be paused. Ask how sun protection and follow-up will be managed.