Common Laser Skin Resurfacing Questions Answered

If you want to remove the wrinkles and fine lines that have appeared on your face then laser skin resurfacing can help you to get a skin that is smoother, softer and younger looking. However, many doubts remain in the minds of people who may be considering the laser skin resurfacing option. In the following paragraphs some of the common questions about laser skin resurfacing are answered.

1. Is laser skin resurfacing treatment right for me?

This question is uppermost in people's minds when they consider this procedure. Well, if you wish to get rid of those fine facial lines, wrinkles, freckles, sun damaged skin, acne scars, skin discolorations, traumatic scars, solar spots and aging spots then laser skin resurfacing is possibly right for you. However, you should let an experienced and qualified physician evaluate your case to assess if the procedure is contraindicated in your case. It may not be suitable for some people, especially those with darker skin tone, infections, susceptible to keloid scarring and those taking Accutane.

2. What kind of laser is used for skin resurfacing?

Commonly specialists use erbium, carbon dioxide and Fraxel lasers for skin resurfacing. Of these the carbon dioxide laser is the most powerful and that is why it is used for the pronounced and deep wrinkles and lines. For the moderate wrinkles and lines they use the erbium laser and it has a shorter recovery period.

3. Will I have to be admitted into a hospital for laser skin resurfacing?

No. This is because laser skin resurfacing procedures are outpatient procedures and they can be easily performed in the doctor's office or a hospital's outpatient facility.

4. Will I be conscious during the procedure?

In most cases of laser skin resurfacing only a local anesthetic is applied and you will be fully conscious. However for anxious patients the surgeon may give an oral sedative to help them to relax. In a few cases involving extensive laser treatments for skin resurfacing your physician may decide to apply a general anesthesia or give a sedative intravenously.

5. What is the recovery period for laser skin resurfacing procedures?

The recovery time depends on the type of laser used. The recovery period is 2 weeks for carbon dioxide laser treatments as the treatments are deeper. In the case of erbium lasers the recovery period is typically one week as only the superficial wrinkle and lines are dealt with. Recovery in case of Fraxel lasers is usually only a few days. However, the recovery period also depends on the general health of the patient and that is why it can vary from one patient to the other.

6. Does laser skin resurfacing have any side effects?

Yes, there are a few temporary side effects like the reddening of the facial skin for a few weeks following the procedure. In some patients it can cause temporary discomfort and swelling. In some cases there may also be crusting of the skin which typically clears within ten days. Your physician will help you to deal with the temporary side effects and hence they should not bother you much.

7. How much does laser skin resurfacing cost?

Cost of the laser skin resurfacing procedure varies depending on the type of laser used and the extent of the procedure. The cost will usually include surgeon's fees, cost of medications, cost of pre and post operative care and cost of tests and other services. It is estimated that on an average surgeon's charge around $2500 for each session.