How long do the results (on average) do face laser resurfacing treatments last?

Question

I know that specific maintenance & care would be taken in consideration. But are the face laser resurfacing treatments needed periodically, over a six-month period, one year, more or less?

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

Laser resurfacing is done to stimulate new collagen growth which will help diminish fine lines and wrinkles, and improve any scars such as acne scars.  There are a lot of different options for this, and if you do the most aggressive, CO2 full resurfacing,  you will see the most dramatic results which will last for years. However it also as the most downtime and possible complications.  But the results last for years. Many patients now do the fractionated laser treatments, either CO2 or erbium for faster healing.   For all of the ablative laser treatments, the new collagen production starts a few weeks after the procedure, and continues for several months.  The less intensive lasers can be repeated after a few months. In addition to the laser, other things can be done to help keep the skin looking young such as IPL, peels, and good skin care.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

William Groff, DO · Answer

If you go for an ablative CO2 laser such as Fraxel, you could have stronger, more resilient skin and youthful collagen stores for up to several years. I generally recommend a touch-up every two years to maintain the benefit. Light nonablative lasers are more convenient because they have no downtime. But they need to be repeated several times to get the same results as one ablative treatment. And I usually recommend a touch up every six months to a year after you’ve attained the benefits you want, with those lasers. Be sure to consult a board-certified dermatologist who is an expert at rejuvenating the face with lasers.

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. The results of skin resurfacing depend on the type of laser used and the aggressiveness of treatment. Often, the benefits can be seen for years. See     an experienced Oculofacial Surgeon for detailed evaluation and guidance.Good luck,

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, you'll need periodic and a combination of treatments to get the best outcomes with laser resurfacing. Co2 or Fraxel are best for laser resurfacing. Typically I recommend adding clear and brilliant, fraxel, viva 4-6 weeks after co2 to improve results along with microneedling/prp to get the best outcomes with texture and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

R. Stewart Collins, MD · Answer

The biggest determining factor when it comes to how long the effects from a laser resurfacing treatment will last is how aggressive the treatment is. Depending on which treatment you go with, your results could last a few weeks, to months, to even years with full field ablative resurfacing. Your best bet is to go schedule an in-person consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your goals and to review which treatment options will work best with your schedule.

Lichun (Li) Huo, MD · Answer

Hi! Depending on which specific laser treatments you choose, you will probably need a repeat or a maintenance treatment in 4-6months.   I offer ICON IPL & PicoSure for spots, redness, fine lines and wrinkles, skin tones, skin texture.  Usually a series consists of 3 procedures.  Once completed, depending on the patient and her/his goals, I recommend returning in 4-6 months.  Of course in the meantime, a targeted skincare regimen is absolutely essential!  
Good luck,
Dr. Huo

Diana Tamboli, MD · Answer

Hi Grannya!
Great question. It really depends on the type of laser that is used and how aggressive of a treatment you get. I do a lot of Erbium and CO2 laser ablative resurfacing and while the downtime maybe longer than fractionated ablative lasers or other nonablative treatments, the results should last many years in fact patients should continue to see improvement in their skin texture and firmness over a year. 
All the best!
Dr. Tamboli

Stephen Mandy, MD · Answer

It depends which laser and what it is being done for.  If the treatment is for scars, such as acne or surgical scars,  then the treatment usually is one time and is permanent, but on occasion a follow up second procedure may be done.  If it is done for facial rejuvenation due to aging, the results  of invasive lasers last for a long time, but unfortunately the aging process does continue so eventually it may need to be repeated unless an alternate such as face lift is done.  Non invasive lasers have a shorter benefit duration;

Patrick Flaharty, MD FAACS · Answer

Ablative laser resurfacing with either the CO2 or erbium lasers is a procedure that removes a fraction (fractional laser resurfacing) or the entire surface (full field ablative resurfacing) of the skin and then directs the laser energy at the middle layers of the skin which will tighten the collagen fibers leading to a tighter, smoother skin with fewer wrinkles and imperfections.  This treatment also eliminates most sun spots as the superficial layer of skin is removed with the teatment. The new skin heals in 1 to 2 weeks depending on the depth and intensity of the treatment and that new layer of skin will thicken and become more robust over a few months. The results of ablative laser resurfacing are remarkable in creating a new layer of skin that is tighter, smoother, thicker and without sun spots. These results will last many years (5 to 10 years) and the longevity will be influence by how you care for your skin after the treatment. Protecting your skin from the sun (sunblock), avoiding environmental hazards like smoking, and being proactive with topical products and a thorough skin care regiment will help prolong these amazing results.