Laser skin resurfacing is a nonsurgical, in-office treatment that heats up the skin’s superficial and/or lower layers, to cause controlled microdamage and trigger the body’s healing response. The most aggressive versions of laser resurfacing completely remove the top layer of skin. As it regenerates, the skin’s tone and texture improve.Â
This treatment is commonly used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, certain types of dark circles, crepey skin, and dullness.Â
Some laser skin treatments can also help tighten mildly sagging skin, for a younger appearance.
There are two primary categories of laser skin resurfacing treatments: ablative and non-ablative.
Ablative laser treatments
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Non-ablative laser treatments
Fractionated lasers
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Your laser skin resurfacing cost will depend on what type of laser your dermatologist uses, how many treatments you need, and a few other key factors.
You can finance your treatment with CareCredit.
The laser resurfacing photos in our gallery have been shared by the provider who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.
The details of your treatment will depend on the type of laser your provider uses.
For an ablative laser skin resurfacing treatment:Â
For a non-ablative laser skin resurfacing treatment:
Your recovery time and aftercare instructions will depend on the type of laser resurfacing you’ve gotten.
Recovering from an ablative treatment:
Recovering from a non-ablative laser resurfacing treatmentÂ
You’ll see ablative laser resurfacing results once the peeling and (some of) the redness has subsided post-treatment: usually after 10–14 days.Â
You’ll see optimal results in three to six months; it can take that long for all new collagen to develop.
Non-ablative laser resurfacing results appear over the course of several months, so they may feel more subtle than those from an ablative treatment. But once you’ve completed your series of treatments, you should notice a significant difference in skin tone and texture, with further improvement for several more months.
Most RealSelf members say that laser skin resurfacing (both types) are “Worth It,” reporting such improvements as a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles; more even tone; softer skin; smoother texture; diminished scarring; and tighter, firmer skin.Â
See laser resurfacing before and after photos
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Laser skin resurfacing treatment results should last several years, though nothing will stop the effects of time. “My ablative patients still see significant improvement in their skin as long as a decade beyond their procedure, while my non-ablative patients usually are ready for a touchup after two to five years,” says Dr. Clevens.
In both cases, Dr. Clevens says, daily and diligent sun protection is essential for maintaining results. He also suggests combining laser resurfacing with IPL (intense pulsed light) photofacial treatments, to keep sun damage or age spots under control.Â
Likewise, routine pulsed dye laser treatments can improve the skin’s overall appearance by minimizing red tones in the skin.
While laser skin resurfacing treatments are considered safe when done by a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon, people do (very rarely) have infections, acne breakouts, or other problems during healing, particularly with ablative facial laser procedures.
Additionally, patients with olive, brown, or deep skin tones run the risk of developing hyperpigmentation after ablative laser resurfacing. There’s also some risk of deepening pigment on light skin that’s tanned and worsening melasma in those who are prone.Â
Ask your doctor to outline these risks and develop a plan to minimize them.
Consider these nonsurgical skin treatments for rejuvenation too, if improved tone and texture is your goal.
Related: Chemical Peel vs. Laser: Which Treatment Is Right for You?
Updated May 6, 2022