How to Choose Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is done to improve the appearance of your skin if you want to get rid of wrinkles, scars, or fine lines. The procedure can also be done to treat discolored areas of skin on your face and can improve your skin's overall texture and clarity. Although laser skin resurfacing is generally a painless procedure, you should still evaluate whether going through the procedure is the right choice for you. Here are some steps to consider when deciding whether or not you should choose to have laser skin resurfacing.

Steps

    1
    Decide if laser skin resurfacing will improve your skin.

        Look for wrinkles. Laser skin resurfacing will treat all wrinkles, including dynamic and static wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles may appear when you make certain facial expressions or movements whereas static wrinkles will always appear visible regardless of movement.
        Examine yourself for freckles, sun spots and skin discoloration. Laser skin resurfacing will treat pigmentation that results from exposure to the sun and melasma, which is patchy skin discoloration most common in women during their reproductive years between the ages of 20 and 50.
        Look for specific types of scars you want removed. Laser skin resurfacing can treat acne scars or any other scarring that results in having pitted or raised skin, as well as moles, tattoos, and birthmarks.
        Look for unwanted vascular conditions, such visible blood vessels. The laser treatment can eliminate facial redness or any visible blood vessels that are close to the skin's surface.
    2
    Choose the right laser method for your treatment.

        Use ablative lasers to rid of scarring conditions. Ablative lasers will vaporize the skin without burning the surface and work by targeting the tissue beneath the skin's surface to stimulate new collagen growth. This method usually requires only one treatment.
        Use fractionated lasers to treat wrinkles. Fractionated lasers will only target the damaged areas of the skin while leaving surrounding skin untouched, which usually leads to a faster healing process.
        Use the intense pulsed light method to treat skin discoloration and blood vessels. The intense pulsed light method utilizes pulses of light that absorb into the skin and stimulate collagen growth.
    3
    Choose the right doctor or skincare professional.

        Seek out a professional who is experienced with performing laser skin resurfacing. Be sure to ask about credentials, training, and how long the doctor or professional has been performing the procedure.
        Request before and after pictures of other patients from the doctor to determine if laser skin resurfacing will work as you expect it to.
    4
    Make yourself aware of the risks and possible effects of laser skin resurfacing.

        Determine how long it will take your skin to heal. People with olive and dark skin tones, or those with sunburned skin may not regain their normal pigmentation for up to 6 to 9 months after laser skin resurfacing. Use this factor to determine if laser skin resurfacing is worth the healing time.
        Learn about all potential side effects. Although side effects may vary depending on your specific procedure, you may be prohibited from being allowed in the sun and experience swelling or bleeding for a few days after the laser treatment.
        Be aware that dormant viruses may surface. The laser skin resurfacing procedure may trigger dormant viruses in your body such as herpes and infections.

Tips

    If your laser skin resurfacing procedure involved anesthesia, make sure a friend or family member is available to drive you to and from your appointment.