Laser skin resurfacing, also known as laser peel, is a modern technique used to improve the general look of facial skin. The technique involves removing upper layers of the skin’ s surface using a CO2 laser. Shallow wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage and areas of rough skin can be eliminated with this technique, rewarding the patient with a fresher, youthful and toned facial appearance, without having to endure full facelift surgery.

How does it work?
Under local anaesthetic, the patient will have a CO2 laser beam remove the upper skin layers, known as the epidermis, from specific predetermined areas of the face, so revealing the lower pink dermis layers of the skin beneath. Skin problems such as light wrinkles and acne scars, which are mostly confined to the epidermis layers of the skin, are largely or completely removed by the laser procedure.

How long does surgery take?
Laser skin resurfacing can take anything from a few minutes to an hour to complete, depending upon the extent of work required. Patients will be under a local anaesthetic during the procedure and rarely need to stay in hospital overnight.

What is the recovery time?
The face will heal from this procedure typically within 7 – 10 days, although redness of the face, a side effect of laser resurfacing, may persist for up to six months following surgery.

Where can it be used?
Laser skin resurfacing is a procedure specifically designed for use on the face. Areas around the eyes, on the forehead, cheeks, nose, chin and around the mouth can all be improved using this technique.

How long will it last?
The positive effects of laser skin resurfacing are variable depending upon the patient’ s motives for undergoing the procedure. Patients who wish to reduce the signs of their acne scars for instance will achieve long-lasting or even permanent results. However, patients who use the procedure to combat the visible signs of ageing may enjoy a smooth facial appearance for 10 or 20 years only.

Are there any side effects?
Swelling and soreness are temporary side effects to be expected after this procedure, but will subside after a few days. Scabbing of the skin may also occur as it heals, but again is only a temporary side effect. Of more concern is redness of the face, which may persist for up to six months after surgery.