When is laser skin resurfacing recommended for sun-damaged skin?

Photoaging can cause uneven colour, rough texture, fine lines and changes in skin elasticity, most often on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, chest and hands. Resurfacing removes or heats targeted layers of skin to encourage a smoother surface and more even appearance. It is not a substitute for examining a changing or suspicious spot, and it cannot reverse every effect of long-term ultraviolet exposure.

Arrange a skin assessment before treatment so pigmented or scaly lesions can be identified appropriately. Discuss whether an ablative or non-ablative approach fits your concern, skin tone and available recovery time. Share a history of cold sores, poor wound healing, keloid scars, recent tanning, medicines and previous procedures. Use sun protection before and after treatment and follow the prescribed cleansing and moisturising plan.

Seek prompt review for a spot that changes in size, shape or colour, bleeds, crusts repeatedly, or fails to heal. Those features need diagnosis before cosmetic resurfacing. After treatment, contact the provider for worsening pain, spreading redness, pus, fever, or delayed healing rather than applying unapproved products.

Ask which changes can be treated, whether any lesion needs testing first, what recovery will involve, how pigment alteration will be reduced, and which daily sun-protection measures should continue afterward.