Laser skin resurfacing is one of the most advanced innovative treatments for addressing a variety of skin concerns, such as wrinkles, acne scars, and cellulite. With controllable depth of penetration, even the most delicate facial features can be treated safely and effectively, irrespective of skin type.
Skin resurfacing helps to generate a healing response in the body, repairing and rejuvenating areas of damaged skin. The treatment also helps to promote a more youthful appearance by removing pigmentation (Melasma), and can address skin concerns relating to mild laxity, wrinkles, tone and texture. Skin resurfacing can also be effectively used for scar treatment.
Our recommended specialists have extensive training in the latest laser technologies, such as the SmartXide CO2 Laser (by Deka) , AcuPulse™ by Lumenis and more, for both fractional and complete ablative laser resurfacing. This powerful treatment incorporates state-of-the-art technology and precision to meet your aesthetic needs.
Treatments
1Results
2-3 weeksDowntime
1-2 weeksRepeat
2-3 years for full, 6-12 months for fractional modesLaser Skin Resurfacing – Before and After Photos
What is Laser Skin Resurfacing Used For?
Skin resurfacing can treat the following skin concerns on the face and body:
- Reduce mild to moderate lines and wrinkles (with the laser acting as a fractional resurfacing tool)
- Reduce deep wrinkles (with the laser acting as an ablative resurfacing tool)
- Remove different types of pigmentation and pigmented lesions caused by sun damage, such as age spots or patches of darker skin
- Improve acne scarring and other traumatic scarring
- Tighten and revitalise the skin’s surface, tone, and texture
Our recommended surgeons also use the SmartXide CO2 laser as an ablative tool for minor surgical interventions, such as warts removal or other small skin lesions, blepharoplasty (upper and lower eyelid reduction) or lip reduction.
How Much Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Cost?
Laser skin resurfacing is a procedure that requires vast expertise and experience. Prices vary depending on a range of factors, including the size of the area treated and the precise techniques employed. As such, an exact cost breakdown will only be available after you have finalised your bespoke treatment package with your surgeon.
In general, prices for laser skin resurfacing of the face start at £2,800, and £4,200 for both the face and the neck. Prices for treating scars with skin resurfacing lasers vary depending on the size and complexity of the scar. Prices for small scars treatment start at £590 while larger scars start at £990.
How Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Work?
SmartXide is a CO2 laser used as an advanced method for skin resurfacing treatments. The CO2 laser beam is absorbed by the water molecules in the skin, thereafter producing heat and creating controlled trauma to the skin.
Our recommended surgeons use the SmartXide laser in two modes:
- The fractional ablative mode – used for treating small, pixel-sized sections of the skin to create dots of micro-trauma, approximately 1mm deep. The healthy skin surrounding each dot stimulates a rapid healing response to the damaged tissue. Thereby, clinicians are able to repair and revive the affected area by utilising new skin ‘building blocks’ directly in the targeted area.
- The full ablative mode – used to remove the surface layers of the skin in their entirety for comprehensive skin regeneration. While requiring longer downtime, the full ablative mode achieves a far drastic result. Other settings and hand-pieces allow us to use the SmartXide laser as a precise surgical tool.
When performing eyelid surgery, surgeons can utilise this laser technology to incise the skin around the eyes in order to significantly reduce scarring and encourage faster healing. Additionally, our curated specialists developed an increasingly popular protocol for this procedure, utilising the SmartXide laser for treating Festoons (or malar mounds), the swollen bags that appear under the eyes, beneath the lower eyelid and around the cheek.
FAQ
How do I know if I am suitable for laser skin resurfacing treatment?
During your consultation, you will discuss your concerns with your chosen surgeon and whether laser skin resurfacing, either fractional ablative resurfacing or full ablative resurfacing, is suitable to achieve your desired results. The consultation will include a thorough skin assessment and a ‘patch-test’ to assess the skin’s response to the laser.
If you are pregnant or currently breastfeeding you will not be suitable for the treatment and will need to await the period of weaning your child before we can embark on a treatment plan.
What can I expect to happen during laser skin resurfacing treatment?
Prior to treatment, your skin will be cleansed and a numbing cream will be applied to ensure minimal discomfort. You will then be given special eyewear to protect the eyes from any damage during the procedure. You may sense a flickering or snapping sensation as the laser light reaches your skin.
How many laser skin resurfacing treatments will I need?
When using the SmartXide laser in its full ablative mode, one treatment session for most patients is sufficient. However, some patients might require 2-3 treatments depending on their situation and the surgeon’s evaluation. Repeated treatments every 6-12 months are advised when using the laser in its fractional ablative mode.
Does skin resurfacing hurt?
Treatment with the CO2 laser for facial skin resurfacing is performed using a topical local anaesthetic or numbing cream. For alternative ablative options and surgical interventions, a local anaesthetic injection can be used.
Our selected surgeons are experts in pain management and will make sure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. For patients who prefer it, or are particularly sensitive to pain, ablative resurfacing and surgical interventions can also be performed under sedation or general anaesthesia.
What are laser skin resurfacing possible side effects?
Immediately after your treatment, the lasting effect of the anaesthesia means that you may experience no discomfort. As the anaesthesia wears off, any additional pain can be managed with over-the-counter or prescription pain medication.
Expect redness and swelling, as well as tenderness in the treated area for up to 7 days after fractional laser skin resurfacing. Full ablation resurfacing may require longer downtime – up to 14 days.
You may notice very small, white dots on the surface of the skin where the laser light has created the micro-trauma spots. You must avoid scratching or picking these, as you could scar the skin or create an infection.
You will be provided with full aftercare advice and a comprehensive treatment guide by your surgeon.
What results can I expect?
Results from laser skin resurfacing are visible after 2-3 weeks as the area heals, and new skin cells repair the targeted skin area. This will continue to improve over the following weeks and months.
How long do results last?
CO2 laser skin resurfacing results are long-lasting, depending on the applied laser mode. Concurrently, results from full ablative laser resurfacing are expected to last 3-5 years and fractional ablative laser resurfacing 12 months.
When evaluating optimal results and maintenance post treatment it is important to remember that our bodies, and skin, vastly rely on healthy lifestyle choices that continue to guide the efficacy of results as well as our overall health.