Laser resurfacing

Laser resurfacing is a procedure that uses an energy-based device to improve the look and feel of skin. It's usually used to reduce fine lines, age spots and uneven skin color in the face. But it can't fix sagging skin. Laser resurfacing can be done with various devices:

Laser resurfacing is used to treat: Fine wrinkles. Age spots. Uneven skin color or texture. Sun-damaged skin. Mild to moderate acne scars.

Laser resurfacing can cause side effects, though they're milder and less likely with nonablative approaches than with ablative methods. Inflamed, swollen, itchy and painful skin. Treated skin may swell, itch or have a burning sensation. Your skin may look inflamed for several months following ablative laser treatment. Acne. Applying thick creams and bandages to your face after treatment can worsen acne or cause tiny white bumps to form for a short time. These bumps also are called milia. Infection. Laser resurfacing can lead to a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. The most common infection is a flare-up of the herpes virus — the virus that causes cold sores. Changes in skin color. Laser resurfacing can cause treated skin to become darker or lighter than it was before treatment. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation when the skin darkens and postinflammatory hypopigmentation when the skin loses color. People with brown or Black skin have a higher risk of long-term skin color changes. If this is a concern, seek out an expert with experience in selecting lasers and settings for a range of skin colors. Also ask about other facial rejuvenation techniques that are less likely to cause this side effect. Radiofrequency microneedling is one such option. Scarring. If you have ablative laser resurfacing, you are at a slightly higher risk of scarring. Laser resurfacing isn't for everyone. You may be cautioned against laser resurfacing if you: Have taken the medicine isotretinoin in the past year. Have a connective tissue disease or an autoimmune disease or a weak immune system. Have a history of keloid scars. Have had radiation therapy to the face. Have had laser resurfacing before. Are prone to cold sores or have had a recent outbreak of cold sores or herpes virus infection. Have brown skin or are very tan. Are pregnant or breastfeeding. Have a history of an outward-turning eyelid. This condition is called ectropion.

Before your laser resurfacing, a member of your healthcare team: Asks about your medical history. Be prepared to answer questions about current and past medical conditions and any medicines you are taking or have recently taken. You also might be asked about previous cosmetic procedures you've had and how you react to sun exposure. For example, do you burn easily? Rarely? Does a physical exam. A care team member inspects your skin and the area to be treated. This helps show what changes can be made and how the features of your skin might affect the results of treatment. The exam also helps find out your risk of side effects. Talks with you about your expectations. Be prepared to talk about why you want a facial rejuvenation treatment, what kind of recovery time you expect and what you hope the results will be. Together, you and your healthcare team decide whether laser resurfacing is right for you and, if so, which approach to use. Before laser resurfacing, you might also need to: Take medicine to prevent side effects. You may be given a prescription for an antiviral medicine before and after treatment to prevent a viral infection. Avoid sun exposure without protection. Too much sun up to two months before the procedure can cause a permanent change in skin color in treated areas. Ask a member of your healthcare team about sun protection and how much sun is too much. Stop smoking. If you smoke, stop. Or try not to smoke at least two weeks before and after your treatment. This improves your chance of avoiding side effects and helps your body heal. Arrange for a ride home. If you're going to be sedated during laser resurfacing, you'll need help getting home after the procedure.