Laser Facial Skin Resurfacing

Facial skin surface irregularities including wrinkles, environmental/sun damage, degenerative changes from smoking, some pigmentary discolorations, and certain scars from acne or trauma are often best treated with skin resurfacing techniques. For many years, dermabrasion (mechanical sanding) and deep chemical peels have been employed as modalities to improve these conditions. For the past two decades, the laser has been used as the primary tool in treating these facial skin defects, especially the wrinkles and environmental surface damage. There are many lasers available to treat a variety of skin abnormalities; however, the CO2 laser is the gold standard for resurfacing. This laser remains the most effective laser to make rough, wrinkled skin smoother.