Laser skin resurfacing is a non-invasive procedure performed to resurface and tighten the skin. This technique treats wrinkles, skin with uneven color or pigment, textural changes associated with sun damage/aging, and scars. The result of laser resurfacing is a "fresher" appearance, with tighter, more youthful looking skin.

Procedure:
Smooths fine wrinkles of the face using a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser device that treats layers of damaged skin. Softens lines around the eyes and mouth and minimizes facial scars and unevenly pigmented areas.

Length of Surgery:
A few minutes to 1 hour. May require more than 1 session.

Anesthesia:
Local with sedation, or general.

Outpatient:
Usually outpatient, unless combined with other surgical procedures that require hospitalization.

Side Effects:
Temporary swelling, discomfort. Lightening of treated skin. Acute sun sensitivity. Increased sensitivity to makeup. Pinkness or redness in skin that may persist for up to 6 months. Risks: Scarring (very rare). Abnormal changes in skin color. Flare-up of viral infections ("cold sores") and other infections (rare).

Recovery:
Back to work: 2 weeks. More strenuous activities: 4-6 weeks. Complete fading of redness: 6 months or less. Return of pigmentation/light sun exposure: 6-12 months.

Duration of Results:
Long-lasting, but does not stop aging. New wrinkles, expression lines may form as skin ages.