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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Laser resurfacing — a popular option in the family of ablative (wounding) skin resurfacing techniques — removes aged or sun-damaged skin to allow younger looking skin to grow in its place.
Laser resurfacing is an effective treatment for minor facial flaws. For example, it can lessen the appearance of fine lines around your eyes, mouth and cheeks. It can also improve your complexion if you have yellowish or grayish skin tones.
Though laser resurfacing is an effective treatment for minor facial flaws, it does have limitations. Knowing what you can realistically expect and the benefits and risks involved can help you decide if laser resurfacing is the best procedure to improve the look of your skin.
- Tanzi EL, et al. Skin resurfacing: Ablative lasers, chemical peels and dermabrasion. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=3007358. Accessed March 9, 2009.
- Roy D. Ablative facial resurfacing. Dermatologic Clinics. 2005;23:549.
- Alexiades-Armenakas MR, et al. The spectrum of laser skin resurfacing: Nonablative, fractional and ablative laser resurfacing. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2008;58:719.
- Skin rejuvenation and resurfacing. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Accessed March 9, 2009.
- Anesthesia and you. American Society of Anesthesiologists. http://www.asahq.org/patientEducation/anesandyou.htm. Accessed March 10, 2009.
- Phillips PK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 7, 2009.
