Laser Skin Resurfacing questions

ASPS lists up to two weeks after CO2 and one week after erbium. In the first non-ablative fractional study, the surface healed within 1 day. Pink skin can take up to a year to fade after ablative treatment.[1][2]

ASPS reports an average of $1,829 for skin resurfacing procedures such as laser resurfacing. That figure leaves out facility, anesthesia and prescription costs. Most health insurance plans do not cover cosmetic treatment.[1]

Darker skin has a higher risk of darkening after treatment. Darkening followed 4% of fractional 1,550 nm sessions in skin types IV to VI. Picosecond lens-array treatment in 56 patients of skin types IV to VI caused only redness and darkening that resolved.[1][2][3]

Ablative lasers (CO2, erbium) remove the epidermis and heat the dermis. Non-ablative lasers heat the skin and leave the surface intact; in the first fractional study the surface healed within 1 day. Non-ablative treatment usually takes a series of sessions.[1][2][3]

Ablative resurfacing is usually one treatment and can be repeated later. Studies used 4 or more IPL sessions 3 weeks apart, 4 monthly fractional diode sessions, and 6 picosecond sessions for acne scars.[1][2][3]

No. IPL is a non-laser light treatment that emits many wavelengths. It targets pigment, blood vessels and hair follicles. IPL wavelengths run from about 500 to 1,200 nm.[1][2]

ASPS advises an antiviral before and after treatment for people with a history of cold sores, especially around the mouth. Herpes simplex followed 7.4% of CO2 treatments regardless of prior history. Famciclovir for 14 days prevented any reactivation in 60 patients.[1][2][3]

Results last for years, but wrinkles return with normal aging. CO2 improvement held at an average 24 months of follow-up in 104 patients.[1][2]

In 24 people, the CO2 laser improved periorbital wrinkles more than a medium-depth peel but left redness longer (4.5 vs 2.5 months). Phenol peel matched the laser on thin-skinned areas; the laser did better on thick skin of the nasolabial fold and chin and caused more lightening.[1][2]

ASPS advises a physician with specific experience in the procedure; when another professional delivers the laser, it should be under the surgeon's close supervision. AAD advises a medical consultation before any laser treatment.[1][2]