Laser Resurfacing

In laser resurfacing (a laser peel), a laser is used to remove areas of damaged or wrinkled skin layer by layer. The procedure is most commonly used to minimize the appearance of fine lines, especially around the mouth and the eyes.

Laser resurfacing is also effective in treating facial scars, areas of uneven pigmentation, and treating old acne scars. Laser resurfacing may be performed on the whole face or in specific regions.

Often the procedure is done in conjunction with another cosmetic procedure such as facelift or eyelid surgery. Redness can last for up to six weeks or longer, and it is not uncommon for patients to have areas hyper and hypopigmentation.

The downtime for this procedure is approximately 12 days when aggressive resurfacing is performed. However, a light laser peel may require only four to six days of downtime.

In general, makeup is required after healing is complete in order to prevent the redness from showing through, and sunblock must be worn, especially in the early phases after the procedure. This procedure, while part of our cosmetic surgery palette, gets great results, but with the longest downtime of any of the procedures in our office.

Examples of laser resurfacing are shown below.

Click any image for a closer look at before and after photos.