What Is Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing is a skincare treatment performed by a physician, using lasers to help address the texture and appearance of the skin. Depending on your specific skin and goals, your physician may recommend an ablative or non-ablative laser.
Ablative and Non-Ablative Lasers
Ablative lasers, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and Erbium lasers, work on the outer layers of the skin and are commonly discussed for scars and deeper lines. Both types of ablative lasers remove the skin’s outer layers as part of the treatment.
Non-ablative lasers, including pulsed light, pulsed dye lasers, and fractional lasers, do not remove any layers of skin. These are commonly discussed for conditions such as rosacea, spider veins, and acne-related skin concerns.
How the Procedure Works
Laser skin resurfacing applies heat to the outer layer of skin and the layers beneath it. Your physician can explain how this process relates to your specific skin and the concerns you’d like to address, as part of your personalized treatment plan.
What Happens During Treatment
Your physician will typically prepare the skin in the weeks leading up to treatment, following a specific pre-treatment routine designed to help the skin respond well to the procedure. On the day of your appointment, a topical anesthetic is applied to help keep you comfortable, and a sedative or pain reliever may be recommended if a larger area is being treated.
The skin is then cleansed to remove any oil, dirt, or bacteria. Your physician will apply the chosen laser across the treatment area, then cover the area in wraps to protect the skin afterward.
Cost Considerations
Because laser skin resurfacing is considered a cosmetic procedure, it is generally not covered by medical insurance. Non-ablative treatments are typically priced around $1,031 per session, while ablative treatments are typically priced around $2,330 per session, though pricing varies by provider, number of sessions, and the area being treated.
What to Expect From Results
Non-ablative treatments are less likely to involve significant side effects, though more than one session may be needed. Ablative treatments may address certain concerns in a single session. In both cases, changes to the skin’s appearance depend on the concerns being addressed and can last for an extended period, though the effects are not permanent. Individual results vary, and your physician can discuss what a realistic outcome may look like for you during a consultation.
