What Is Laser Resurfacing? A Quick Guide

ilustration waves
woman receives laser skin resurfacing on face

Table of Content

  • What Is Laser Resurfacing?
  • What Does Laser Resurfacing Treat?
  • The Benefits of Laser Resurfacing
  • How Laser Resurfacing Works
  • How Much Does Laser Resurfacing Cost?
  • Learn More About Laser Resurfacing and Other Skin Treatments

Laser resurfacing is an alternative to skin fillers and plastic surgery that can help remove lesions, even your skin tone, and tighten your skin. Learn more about how laser resurfacing works and the conditions it treats.

What Is Laser Resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing uses a concentrated laser light pulse to remove discoloration or blemishes and stimulate new collagen growth. There are several types of lasers, and your dermatologist can help you choose your treatment based on your specific skin condition.

What Does Laser Resurfacing Treat?

Laser resurfacing is an effective treatment for several skin problems, including the following:1

  • Age spots and liver spots
  • Acne or chickenpox scars
  • Uneven skin pigmentation
  • Fine wrinkles or lines around the mouth, forehead, or eyes
  • Birthmarks or skin scars
  • Sun-damaged skin

The Benefits of Laser Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing stimulates the growth of new skin cells and the production of collagen.2 Collagen is the protein under your skin that gives it structure. Laser resurfacing is non-surgical, so unlike facelifts, you don’t have to worry about the side effects of anesthesia. 

If you have laser resurfacing to treat scars, the results are permanent. Following laser resurfacing, your skin looks smoother and softer. You can safely repeat your laser skin resurfacing treatments to maintain your results.

How Laser Resurfacing Works

Professionals use ablative lasers to remove the top layer of skin (epidermis). They work by heating the water in your skin to make cells evaporate. Ablative lasers help with skin problems like deeper wrinkles, scars, or warts.3

Non-ablative lasers heat the underlying layer of the skin (dermis). This stimulates the body to produce more collagen. Non-ablative lasers are effective for problems such as spider veins, minor scars, and finer wrinkles. 

How Much Does Laser Resurfacing Cost?

The average cost for non-ablative skin resurfacing is between $1,400 and $1,500.4 Ablative laser resurfacing costs around $2,500. There may also be other expenses, such as using the facilities and physician-related fees. The price fluctuates based on where you live, your dermatologist’s expertise, how many treatments you need, and other factors.

Talk to your dermatologist about your treatment options if you are considering laser resurfacing. They can let you know if you are a good candidate and give you a better idea of your final cost.

Learn More About Laser Resurfacing and Other Skin Treatments

Laser resurfacing is an effective, safe way to treat your skin without invasive plastic surgery. Learn more about laser resurfacing and other treatments to help your skin look younger and healthier at My Skin Treatment.

SOURCES:

  1. Cleveland Clinic: “Laser Skin Resurfacing.”
  2. Medical News Today: “How Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Work?”
  3. Healthline: “Everything You Need to Know About Laser Skin Resurfacing.”
  4. American Society of Plastic Surgeons: “Laser Skin Resurfacing.”