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Ablative laser resurfacing involves an intense beam of light energy (laser) that is directed at the area to be treated. The laser beam destroys the outer layer of skin (epidermis). At the same time the laser heats the underlying skin (dermis), which stimulates the growth of new collagen fibers. As the wound heals, new skin forms that's smoother and tighter.
During the procedure
Ablative laser resurfacing is usually done on an outpatient basis, meaning no overnight stay in the hospital. Your face will be thoroughly cleaned before the procedure. You may be given eye protection, and your hair may be covered.
Because these procedures can be somewhat painful, your doctor numbs the skin with local anesthetics and may provide a sedative to help you relax. For extensive resurfacing — such as treatment to your whole face — or if you're undergoing other cosmetic procedures, your doctor may use general anesthetics. In this case, you're unconscious during the surgery.
Ablative laser resurfacing procedures typically take between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on the technique used and the size of the area treated.
After the procedure
After resurfacing, you look and feel as if you have a severe sunburn. Your skin may be raw, oozing and may blister. The yellowish liquid that oozes from treated areas may form crusts. Never pick at crusts or pieces of skin, to avoid scarring.
You may have pain after the procedure. Tingling, burning and itching sensations are also common. Take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) as instructed to relieve your symptoms.
An ointment and dressing is applied to your skin. Your face may be covered with a mask bandage and possibly a head wrap for a few days. If only a small part of your face is treated, the bandage may cover only the treated area. The mask bandage is removed a day or two after the procedure.
During recovery, you need to keep your skin moist by using over-the-counter protective creams and ointments, such as petroleum jelly. Remain at home and limit your activity level. Once new skin has completely covered the treated area — usually after one or two weeks — you may use cosmetics to conceal any lingering redness.
- 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.
