Ablative resurfacing entails removal of the epidermis and partial thickness dermis, and is considered by most as the gold standard for pitted scars and some box-car scars.

For patients who suffer from facial wrinkles and age spots, laser skin resurfacing can be a good option for facial rejuvenation.

In most cases the results are a moderate to marked reduction in facial lines and wrinkles, a more even skin tone and texture, and fresher, healthier-looking skin.

HTML clipboardHTML clipboardHow Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Work?
The two types of lasers most commonly used in laser resurfacing are carbon dioxide (CO2) and erbium. Each laser vaporizes superficial, damaged skin cells and both reduce the risk for the patient because they limit the amount of heat absorbed by the skin.

CO2 Laser Resurfacing
This method has been used for years to treat different skin conditions including wrinkles, scars, warts, birthmarks, enlarged oil glands on the nose (rhinophyma), skin cancer and other conditions.
The newest version of the CO2 laser resurfacing uses very short pulsed light energy (ultrapulsed) or continuous light beams that are delivered in a scanning pattern to very precisely remove thin layers of skin with minimal heat damage to the surrounding structures. Recovery time from the procedure is up to two weeks.
Patients should seek out surgeons with documented training and experience in laser skin resurfacing.

Erbium Laser Resurfacing
Erbium laser resurfacing is designed to remove superficial and moderately deep lines and wrinkles on the face hands, neck, or chest. One of the benefits of erbium laser resurfacing is minimal burning of surrounding tissue. This laser causes minimal side effects, such as swelling, bruising and redness, so your recovery time should be more rapid than with CO2 laser resurfacing - one week in most cases.
If you have a darker skin tone, erbium laser resurfacing may work better for you. Your doctor will determine which laser is best for you after he or she fully evaluates your medical history, current physical condition, and desired results.