Laser skin resurfacing is a fairly new procedure used to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and scars

Laser skin resurfacing and other resurfacing treatments all work in the same general way. The surgeon strips away the outer layers of the skin that is damaged.

This is generally done until scars are less visible. After the procedure, new skin forms over the area treated that is healthier, smoother and younger-looking. With laser resurfacing, a specialized carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is used. It is moved back and forth over the area of skin that is being treated. The skin is vaporized by the laser. This is done until the scars or wrinkles lessen in appearance.

This just means that enough skin was stripped away to be at almost the same level as the scars themselves. Laser resurfacing is useful with the treatment of fine wrinkles near the mouth and the eyes, since the laser can be carefully focused. Local anesthesia is usually used during the procedure, along with a light sedative to help keep the patient relaxed. The procedure usually takes less than an hour, and is sometimes finished in a few minutes.

The use of lasers in medicine is fairly new. Laser skin resurfacing itself is a very new procedure, whose long term effects have not yet been studied. However, in patients, laser skin resurfacing produces less bleeding and bruising.

Aside from that, there are several risks that laser resurfacing poses. These are burns and other injuries from the laser energy, scarring and the darkening or lightening of skin treated. Laser treatments have also been found to activate virus and other infections that the patient previously experienced.

Laser skin resurfacing treatments usually cost between $2000 and $4000.

It’s important to research other resurfacing procedures to decide the best option for your particular situations. Other skin treatments include chemical peels and dermabrasions.