How is laser resurfacing performed?
Brief, high intensity emissions of light from the laser remove layers of damaged or wrinkled skin at precisely controlled levels of penetration.

The surgery will follow these steps. First, the doctor, or an assistant, will cleanse your face to remove oils from the skin. Antibiotic is then applied to kill bacteria. A beam of light from a microphone-shaped instrument is passed over the skin to vaporize the outer layers of damaged skin. The laser can be can be programmed for varied levels of penetration. The doctor may choose to penetrate more deeply in some areas, in order to remove deep scars, stubborn spots, and wrinkles. As the laser works, you may hear it zapping, and smell smoke. Finally, your doctor, or a medical assistant, may apply a protective ointment or bandage to the treated area.
 
Will I be awake or asleep?
To treat small areas of the skins surface, your physician will most likely use a local anesthetic with or without an oral sedative. For complete facial resurfacing, physicians most commonly use intravenous sedation or a general anesthesia with monitoring of your ECG, breathing and other vitals signs. Check with your physician to see which method applies to the procedure that you have selected.

Which is better, the CO2 laser or the erbium laser?
The CO2 laser has been in use for several more years than the erbium laser. It seems to tighten the skin more effectively, but it also leaves the patient’s skin red for a longer time after surgery. It is also much more suited to patients with lighter skin tones. Often African-Americans, Asians and Latinos are better candidates for the erbium laser, which has a lower chance of prolonged redness and irregular pigmentation. However, the results may not last as long as results from the erbium laser. Examine this issue thoroughly with your physician to determine which laser is best for you.
 
How long does the procedure take?
The amount of time that the procedure takes varies, depending on the size of the area being treated, as well as the severity of the skin condition. It can last from just a few minutes to an hour and a half. The procedure may later be repeated to achieve desired results.
 
Will I need to stay in a hospital?
Laser resurfacing procedures may be performed in a hospital, an outpatient surgical facility, or surgeon’s office. Extensive laser resurfacing, or resurfacing performed in conjunction with another surgery, such as a facelift, is generally performed in an outpatient surgical facility or hospital.
 
How much pain is there?
Even patients who remain awake during the procedure report feeling only minimal discomfort. Many doctors use a local anesthesia or a local anesthesia with a sedative. This is similar to the anesthesia used by dentists. After the surgery, the pain is mild to moderate.
 
What can I expect afterward?
After the procedure, you may experience some swelling and discomfort. Cold packs are usually recommended to reduce the swelling.

If a bandage was applied after the surgery, it may be changed in a few days, but it will be completely removed after approximately one week, at which time an ointment is applied. Some surgeons use a tape that retains moisture to bandage the treated area. Because this bandage must remain dry, you will not be able to shower normally until the bandages are removed.
If the treated area is not bandaged, you will need to wash your face several times daily. You will need to use caution in caring for the treated area. After each washing, you will need to apply an ointment, such as petroleum jelly, to the treated area. Scabs may form, and last for about 10 days. You must not pick at the scabs. If you experience pain, an over-the-counter pain medication can be taken.
 
What is the recovery period like?
The amount of time needed for recovery depends on the depth of the resurfacing and the individual’s capacity to heal. Redness may persist for several weeks, or longer. The redness gradually lightens to pink, and then to a lighter, more natural color.
Make-up can be applied approximately two weeks after the procedure to cover-up the redness.