What to expect from laser skin resurfacing for sun-damaged skin

Sun damage can contribute to uneven colour, rough texture, fine lines, and reduced skin smoothness. Resurfacing uses laser energy to remove a controlled amount of surface skin or heat deeper tissue, depending on the technique. A lighter treatment may involve less recovery, while a deeper treatment can cause more redness, peeling, swelling, and downtime. It can improve selected signs of photoaging but cannot stop future sun damage or replace assessment of a changing pigmented spot.

During consultation, discuss your skin tone, tanning, cold sores, medicines, previous procedures, scarring, and any changing lesions. Follow instructions about pausing irritating products and avoiding sun before treatment. Afterward, cleanse and moisturise exactly as directed; do not peel flaking skin. Use strict sun protection and avoid heat, friction, swimming, or makeup until the clinician says they are suitable. Keep planned follow-up visits so healing and pigment changes can be checked.

Contact the treating clinic for worsening pain, spreading redness, pus, fever, blistering, or delayed healing. Promptly report a new or changing spot, bleeding lesion, or sore that does not heal; resurfacing should not substitute for examination of a potentially concerning mark. Ask for review of persistent darkening or lightening after the expected healing period.

Which resurfacing depth suits my concern and skin tone? How much visible peeling or downtime should I plan for? Which products must I stop beforehand? How will you examine suspicious spots before treatment, and what symptoms should trigger an urgent call?