Laser Resurfacing

About

Laser resurfacing is an outpatient cosmetic surgery procedure used to treat minor skin problems such as wrinkles, scars, age spots, sun damage, stretch marks, brown skin discoloration and some types of acne scarring. Laser resurfacing is often used as an advanced alternative to chemical peel and dermabrasion.

Mayo Clinic specialists consider your age, skin color and the extent of your skin damage when determining which skin laser method is best for you. Mayo surgeons use these types of laser resurfacing:

• Ablative laser resurfacing. Removing the epidermis and heating the dermis cause the skin to produce more collagen (a protein that gives skin its texture and elasticity). Healing results in smoother and tighter skin. Recovery can take weeks to months, depending on the type of laser and depth of the treatment.
• Nonablative laser resurfacing. Nonablative lasers heat the dermis and cause new collagen to form without damaging the epidermis. Healing time is shorter than ablative laser resurfacing, but the effects are less dramatic and sessions typically need to be repeated more often. These treatments don't significantly tighten the skin, but they can soften brown pigmentation and spider veins.

Your doctor may ask you to take antiviral and antibiotic medications before laser resurfacing to help prevent infection and scarring. He or she will also instruct you about follow-up care for your skin while it heals.