Loose, wrinkled or discoloured skin can be improved with skin resurfacing. These problems are usually brought on or aggravated by age, sun exposure, heredity, smoking or acne. Skin resurfacing removes layers of skin, thereby revealing a newer, younger-looking, more evenly coloured layer of skin underneath. Skin resurfacing can be used on the entire face or just on specific areas such as the upper lip or eyelids. Resurfacing produces a tightening effect on the skin which can result in a smoother, less wrinkled or lined look. If you are having other facial cosmetic surgery such as a face lift or eyelid surgery, you may choose to have skin resurfacing done at the same time.

Skin colour is not necessarily a barrier to treatment, but fair skin tends to produce better results. Skin thickness and texture may determine whether you are an ideal candidate for laser resurfacing.

Consultation
We will assess your skin type, sun damage, wrinkle and line depth and then discuss with you which type of resurfacing may be best for you.

Procedure
There are many types of skin resurfacing procedures.
Most of them remove the upper layers of the skin and it will take some time for healing. The more skin that is removed, the smoother, more evenly coloured and wrinkle free the skin will be.
However, the more the skin is removed, the more prolonged will be the healing process, redness and risk of skin pallor.

There are technologies that do not remove the upper layer of skin, but instead attempt to tighten the deeper layer of the skin with light, ultrasound or radiofrequency.

While less invasive methods like these do not require a healing period, the results are also less likely to be striking. Deep skin resurfacing can be achieved with dermabrasion, chemical peeling, or with lasers such as the carbon dioxide or erbium devices. More superficial skin resurfacing can be obtained with creams such as retinoic acid or procedures such as microdermabrasion.

Following skin resurfacing, you must avoid sun exposure until the redness of your skin has faded. In fact, it is better to avoid the harmful effects of the sun permanently with sun block and head covering. Sunburns are the major cause of what you are trying to improve with skin resurfacing.

Camouflage makeup can be used after the skin is healed.
Remember that the deeper the burn, the better the result, but the longer will be the time you need to wait until the redness settles to the point where you can conceal it with makeup.

Side Effects
Side effects include temporary swelling, discomfort, lightening of treated skin, acute sun sensitivity, increased sensitivity to makeup, and pinkness or redness in skin that may persist for up to 6 months.

Risks
The risks of laser resurfacing are few, but include infection, pallor, or abnormal healing. If you have had herpes, skin resurfacing can cause a recurrence of these conditions. Burns or injuries may be induced by laser heat if not applied properly. Hypertrophic scarring and keloid are uncommon side effects.

Recovery
Most patients can be back to work in 2 weeks. More strenuous activities can be resumed between 4 to 6 weeks. Complete fading of redness may take up to 6 months. Return of pigmentation / light sun exposure should wait until 6 to 12 months later.

Duration of Results
The result is usually long-lasting, but the procedure does not prevent aging. New wrinkles and facial expression lines may form as skin ages.