Remove damaged skin so that new, blemish-free skin can grow

Procedure Summary

Albert Einstein initially came up with the concept that helped develop lasers in 1917. Laser light was initially used in the 1960’s in medical procedures as a cutting device. However, as the technology has improved, so has its range of applications. The use of lasers for ‘ablative’ treatments – that is, where the laser beam removes the top layer of skin – is a relatively recent development, which can help treat facial acne, scars and other skin blemishes.

Two main types of laser are used for skin resurfacing. The Erbium Yag laser is more suitable for people with darker skin. It has a lower risk of redness and irregular pigmentation after the operation. The Carbon Dioxide or CO2 laser is preferable for patients with lighter skin tones. It has been around longer than the erbium laser and appears to have a superior tightening effect on the skin, though it tends to leave the skin looking red for a longer time after surgery.

Laser skin resurfacing works by emitting a gentle micro burst of light onto the skin, removing the outer layer, almost like a laser peel. This is performed in a precise and controlled way to ensure that only the intended amount of skin is removed, so that most fine wrinkles, birthmarks and imperfections in the treated area either diminish or disappear completely. Of course, over time natural facial movements, sun exposure and ageing will cause some of the lines to reappear. So, like most other ablative techniques, laser resurfacing may need to be repeated to maintain optimum results. An ablative treatment in where the top layer of the skin is removed so that new skin can grow back without it's previous blemishes.

Are you a suitable candidate for laser skin resurfacing?

There are few people that are not suitable for this treatment, however there are some general prerequisites that will improve your chances of success. You should be physically and psychologically healthy, a non-smoker and have no active skin infections, including acne. In addition, you should not be taking Accutane (or have taken it in the previous 18 months) and not have any unusual scar formations, such as keloids. Also, because laser resurfacing can cause uneven skin tone formation on people with darker skin tones, your doctor or practitioner may advise you that the risk of skin damage is too great for your particular skin type. Your individual suitability for the procedure will be discussed during your initial consultation with the practitioner.

“When I discussed cosmetic skin procedures with my doctor,” said one man in his twenties, “we went through a number of possible options before finally deciding that laser skin resurfacing was the best option for my particular skin type and colour.”

Undergoing the procedure

As laser light can damage the skin’s pigment, it is advisable to test out the procedure on a small, unobtrusive area and check for signs of discolouration or scarring before undergoing extensive treatment. Many practitioners will recommend applying a special cream for two weeks before the operation to condition the skin and aid the healing process. You will also be advised to stop taking any aspirin or non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs a week or so before the procedure to reduce bleeding and encourage healing after the treatment.

During the procedure, safety glasses will need to be worn to protect your eyes from the laser light, and a local anaesthetic will be applied to the area to be treated as it may be a little painful. As the laser passes over the area of the skin being treated you will hear loud cracking noises. This sound alarming, but is perfectly normal. The treatment will last for anything up to 30 minutes,.

Post-operation recovery process

As with all cosmetic procedures, it is essential to follow the advice of your practitioner to ensure that the outcome will be as successful as possible. After laser skin resurfacing inparticular, your post-operative care must be fastidiously adhered to. Initially, you will need to thoroughly cleanse and moisturise the skin every 2-3 hours. It will take approximately 6 months for the redness to fade, and you must apply sunblock daily for 12 months after surgery. Laser skin resurfacing can cause blisters which can lead to mild scarring and changes in skin pigmentation. As one patient commented, “I experienced swelling and discomfort for a while after my laser skin resurfacing. Cold packs helped to reduce the swelling and slowly my skin returned to normal – but better!”

Who should carry out laser skin resurfacing treatment?

All treatments involving ablative lasers should only be performed by a suitably trained doctor or surgeon with experience operating in an establishment registered with the Healthcare Commission. You should also ensure that your chosen practitioner has the necessary experience and equipment to treat your particular skin pigmentation.

Typical costs for laser skin resurfacing treatment range from around £1,000 for a small area to around £4,000 for a full face treatment. If laser skin resurfacing is something that you are considering, you can discuss all of the issues mentioned here in greater depth during a consultation with your practitioner.

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