Laser Resurfacing

Overview

Skin layers

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Laser resurfacing is a good option for treating many minor skin problems, including wrinkles, scars, age spots, sun damage, stretch marks, brown skin discoloration and some types of acne scarring. Board-certified physicians with extensive experience perform laser resurfacing at Mayo Clinic. Patients undergoing elective cosmetic procedures have access to Mayo's world-class experts, facilities and the latest technology.

Laser resurfacing can smooth the tone and texture of your skin, resulting in a more youthful look. It can soften the lines around the eyes, mouth and deep wrinkles, and minimize unevenly colored skin and facial scars. The procedure can be used to treat a small area or the entire face. Skin laser treatment is often used as a more advanced alternative to chemical peel and dermabrasion.

Age, skin color and the extent of skin damage are considerations in determining whether laser resurfacing is appropriate for you, and also which skin laser method will produce the best result.

Types

Different types of lasers produce intense beams of focused, bright light, varying in intensity and pulse duration. The type of light a laser emits is the determining factor in which problems it can treat. Mayo uses ablative and nonablative lasers. Learn more about skin lasers types.