What to Know Before Laser Skin Resurfacing

What Is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing uses concentrated beams of light to target damaged skin cells, stimulate new collagen production, and improve the appearance of the skin’s surface. There are two main approaches — ablative and non-ablative — which differ in intensity, results, and recovery time.

• Ablative lasers remove the outer layer of skin and heat the deeper layers, triggering a powerful healing response for more dramatic results
• Non-ablative lasers heat the deeper layers without damaging the surface, offering gentler results with less downtime
• Fractional lasers treat only a fraction of the skin at a time, striking a middle ground between the two

Common Concerns It Can Address

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Acne scars and other scarring
• Uneven skin tone and discoloration
• Sun damage
• Overall skin texture

What to Expect During Recovery

• Ablative treatments — More significant downtime, often several weeks; skin may be red, swollen, or peeling as it heals, with full recovery taking up to about three months
• Non-ablative/fractional treatments — Much shorter recovery, often just a few days; skin may feel mildly sunburned at first with some pinkness or swelling
• Most people need only one ablative treatment for lasting results, while non-ablative treatments often require a series of sessions

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Works by stimulating collagen production for firmer, smoother skin
• Treatment choice depends on your skin type, concerns, and how much downtime you can manage
• Ablative options offer more dramatic, longer-lasting results but longer recovery
• Non-ablative and fractional options offer minimal downtime but may need multiple sessions
• Often combined with other treatments like Botox, fillers, or microneedling for enhanced results
• A consultation helps determine which laser type is right for your skin