Success of laser resurfacing depends on the physician delivering it

Carla R. Retief, MD answers: What's the best laser for skin resurfacing?

My dermatologist offers a laser treatment for skin "resurfacing" which is different from the laser at my favorite medispa. Are all lasers the same? How do I make sure they use the right one?


Carla R. Retief, MD
3 months ago

First of all, what is laser resurfacing? Laser resurfacing involves removing layers of skin to promote new healthy tighter skin. It is not similar to non-cutting or non-ablative lasers you see in a medi-spa.  This is much more aggressive and must be performed by a physician.  There are a host of resurfacing lasers out there, and I have tried all of them. 

Currently, I use Encore Total FX because of the versatility of full resurfacing and fractionated resurfacing, but there are others that work just as well. It really comes down to the physician performing it and there experience in delivering the right laser energies to achieve what the patient is asking for. Do not get mesmerized by all the laser name ane hype. A good doctor that you trust will have great results with any resurfacing laser. Just find someone you trust.

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