What Is Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing uses a focused beam of light to work on the skin layer by layer. It’s often discussed for its ability to address the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, acne scars, and other blemishes, while working on skin tone and tightness. Because lasers vary widely in type and depth of effect, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of devices and methods out there. We want you to feel informed rather than overwhelmed, so here are the key points worth understanding before your consultation.
When Is the Best Time to Get Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Many physicians suggest scheduling laser resurfacing during the fall or winter months, when daylight hours are shorter and you’re likely spending more time indoors. That’s because laser-treated skin can be more sensitive to sun exposure for up to a year after certain procedures. After treatment, regardless of the season, your physician will typically recommend wearing sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day and reapplying as needed to help protect the treated skin.
Will the Treatment Be Painful?
Patients often compare the sensation during laser treatments to a rubber band snapping against the skin. The feeling varies depending on the specific laser used, the depth and area of treatment, and individual pain tolerance.
To help keep patients comfortable during deeper, ablative laser treatments, local anesthetic injections or intravenous sedation may be used. CO2 lasers and Erbium YAG (Er:YAG) lasers are examples of ablative lasers.
Some non-ablative laser treatments, meaning the laser works through the skin without removing surface layers, are generally more comfortable and may use a topical numbing cream to help with any discomfort. Pulsed dye, Nd:YAG, and Alexandrite lasers are examples of non-ablative lasers. Mild tenderness in the treatment area is common afterward, and your physician can advise you on managing it.
How Many Treatments Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Involve?
Some patients see their concerns addressed with a single laser treatment, though most non-ablative plans involve a series of sessions spaced several weeks apart. This is part of the trade-off with a lower-downtime procedure. Individual results vary, and your physician can walk you through a realistic timeline during your consultation.
Will This Treatment Need Downtime?
Laser treatments are usually non-surgical, but recovery time varies depending on the type of procedure used, as well as an individual’s health and how quickly their body recovers. Non-ablative lasers often involve little to no downtime, while ablative lasers can involve a two- to three-week period, depending on depth, until new skin has fully formed. This doesn’t mean staying home for a month. Rather, the skin may be raw, red, and scab over as it heals, so you may want to plan around social commitments and follow your physician’s guidance on activities like swimming or workouts while the area heals.
We recommend speaking with a board-certified physician if you’re considering laser treatments for your skin.
