Laser resurfacing is helpful in reducing facial wrinkles, improving skin textures, skin colour, appearance of scars and certain skin lesions. It involves the removal of the top layer of skin and hence new skin formation, and encourages new collagen formation. Other treatment options for improving skin quality include dermabrasion and chemical peel. Before laser resurfacing, you should understand the treatment procedure, including any necessary pre-treatments and precautions, post-operative care, likely outcome of the procedure and the associated risks. You should also be familiar with other treatment options before you agree upon a particular treatment.

Every surgical procedure carries a certain amount of risk, and it is important that you understand the risks involved with laser resurfacing. Redness of the treated area is common after resurfacing, and normally lasts about 10 weeks. In some patients, especially those with fair skin and red hair, it can lasts longer.

Hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin colour) can occur in up to 30% of patients, but usually temporary and rarely lasts more than 2 months.Hypopigmentation (lightening of skin colour) can occur in up to 30% of patients, and may not become apparent until 6-10 months after resurfacing. This is most noticeable in dark skinned or deeply tanned individuals, after resurfacing of just part of the face.

Infection is rare, and occurs in <1% of patients. Antibiotics and anti-viral therapy are given to prevent infection. If you are prone to cold sores, you have to be on a course of acyclovir 1 day before laser resurfacing, and for 5 days afterwards.

Scarring can occur. This can be due to over aggressive resurfacing, or post-operative infection of the resurfaced area. Patients who have recent roaccutane treatment for acne also have higher chance of post-operative scarring. Roaccutane should therefore be stopped at least 6 months prior to laser resurfacing. Some patients are more prone to scarring than the others.