Skin damaged by the sun, age, protruding acne scars, and wrinkle removals are just among the skin conditions that can be treated or improved with laser resurfacing method. The laser beams zero in on scars and wrinkles and vaporize them. This is a more precise method because the laser can control the depth of penetration and makes it a very safe treatment.

Your doctor may choose from two types of layers to use. There is the carbon dioxide laser, releasing short bursts of extremely high energy. The layers of the skin are removed one at a time, revealing fresh new skin underneath. This method lowers risk of complications and scarring and is more effective for patients whose skin has been brutally damaged by the sun and whose wrinkles have gone deep.

The Erbium Yag laser delivers a wavelength softly penetrating the skin and greatly absorbed by water. This technique removes skin layers with high quality precision. This is why surgeons usually choose it for patients with low to moderate discolorations, superficial scars and facial wrinkles. This laser is soft and suited to the more sensitive skin areas around the hands, neck, mouth and eyes.

This method is likewise considered the best option for patients with low or no tolerance to prolonged redness (after the operation) and those with darker skin types. Acne resurfacing has been a complaint effectively treated by lasers. Harsh effects of the environment are mostly seen on our skin's outer layers. With lasers used to treat acne resurfacing, the external damage can be treated with the carbon dioxide laser.

This laser treatment removes the damaged cells and stimulates new collagen to grow to lift and support the surface of the skin. The stimulation of collagen and the regeneration of skin cells will improve the sight of the acne scars. Depending on the scar depth, patients would need one or up to three treatments.

Costs

Laser skin and acne resurfacing costs, in general, cover the surgeon's fee, post-operative medication, ointments, pre- and post-operative care, anesthesia, cost of the facility and camouflage makeup some practitioners apply after the procedure. Cosmetic surgeons cost, on the national average, is around $2,317, depending on the area of treatment and the surgeon's location. Acne resurfacing is relatively expensive and in general, not covered by medical insurance. If used to treat pre-cancerous skin growths or to modify scars, the procedure is declared a medical necessity and thus, gets to be covered by medical insurance.

Recovery

After surgery, your skin would look pinkish to reddish. The new skin comes out after 2-3 days. By the 4th day, your surgeon would let you put on make up. After three months, you will see clear improvement in your skin texture and the appearance of the wrinkles.