Laser Skin Resurfacing

A laser resurfacing treatment of the upper lip can take just a few minutes. To do the whole face, it generally takes 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the anaesthetic and the severity of the wrinkles or scars.

Laser skin resurfacing without anaesthesia can cause a sharp stinging sensation on the skin while it is being performed. Pain medications, sedatives, or local or general anaesthetics are usually given to patients to make the procedure comfortable. After the laser skin resurfacing treatment is complete, there is very little pain for most patients.

It generally takes 3 to 10 days on average to recover from a laser skin resurfacing treatment. Recovery time will depend on how deep and difficult the scar and wrinkling are, as well as other factors that affect healing.

Usually, 2 weeks is sufficient (generally 1 week for an Erbium laser skin resurfacing treatment).

Some patients can appear in public with make-up on as soon as 10 days after a laser skin resurfacing treatment. There is usually pinkness in the skin, which persists for a few days to a few months following a laser peel.

The laser skin resurfacing treatment has a favourable benefit-to-risk ratio. Undesirable effects rarely occur, but can potentially include scarring, infection, blotchy discolouration of the skin, and a few other less common complications.

The possible risks associated with laser skin resurfacing are far fewer than with any other procedure used to remove medium-to-deep wrinkles.

Skin lightening products can help condition the skin and suppress pigment blotches, which frequently appear from hormones and sun exposure.

Normally, 2 to 3 weeks of skin preparation can help the skin heal faster after treatment. Sun screen and sun protection before and after the peel is also very helpful to encourage a good result.

During the recovery period, there may be some oozing and swelling of the skin for a few days. Dressings or ointments are usually applied to the skin to prevent crusting and scabbing. The skin will gradually heal within 14 days. Most patients avoid public appearances for a week after laser surgery.

Many patients worry about whether or not their skin will be normal in appearance after treatment. About two weeks after laser skin resurfacing you may notice your skin might be pink and smooth.

Make-up may be used at this time. Strict sun avoidance is necessary until the pink discolouration disappears. There are creams that can be applied to help heal and perfect the skin.