What is skin resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing uses a carbon dioxide laser beam or various chemical agents to remove very precisely the outer layers of skin. The process removes wrinkles, sun damaged skin, aged spots, acne scarring and some other scars allowing new, unblemished, more youthful looking skin to come to the surface. There is no cutting, bleeding or bruising. A single day only treatment can reverse years of sun and age damage to the skin and can be expected to last 5-10 years. Laser resurfacing is currently very popular but the techniques of dermabrasion and deep chemical peeling are still Gold Standard in skin resurfacing. Skin resurfacing is often done as part of composite facial rejuvenation (facelift and resurfacing). We do not advise that both procedures be done at the same time as this increases of complications from both procedures. The facelift should be done first and the chemical peel 3 months later.

Where does the new skin come from?

Once the old superficial layers of skin are removed, new skin cells grow up out of the pores and recover the surface of the skin.

Is the treatment painful?

Local or general anesthetic is used to numb the skin so the procedure itself is not painful.

How will I look after the treatment?

With the outer layers of skin removed the skin is moist and looks shiny and may be covered with a crust. It takes about a week for the new skin cells to cover the face and make up can the be worn . During the first few days of healing the skin feels as if it has been sun burnt and the most patients get relief with a simple analgesic such as Panadol. After the first week, the new young looking skin is slightly pink but this is not noticeable under make-up. The new skin is also sensitive to the sun and it is important to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 15+ and a hat when outside for the next 6 to 12 weeks. After that there are no special requirements other than following a skin care and sun protection routine recommended by your doctor which will maximise the benefits of laser skin resurfacing over the years to come.

Will I look natural?

Yes. As the new skin cells grow they stimulate your own collagen to be laid down under the skin surface providing a new supporting structure, this fills out wrinkles and other defects naturally.