The laser peel is a laser skin resurfacing procedure able to restore a smoother and more youthful appearance to the face. Laser resurfacing can improve a variety of skin imperfections including facial lines and wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and scars.

Laser skin resurfacing, or a laser peel as it is also known, is a procedure which is designed to restore a smoother and more youthful appearance to the facial skin. Using a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser device, the damaged top layer of skin is instantly vaporized, thus improving the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles, scars, and uneven pigmentation. Laser resurfacing may be performed on the whole face or just on target areas.

If you are considering laser resurfacing, it’s important that you be in good physical health and that you have realistic expectations for your procedure’s outcome. There tends to be an increased risk of unwanted pigmentation changes for patients with olive, brown or black skin tones.

The procedural time for laser resurfacing may last as little as a few minutes for smaller treatment areas to as much as an hour for the whole face. Local anesthesia and sedation is commonly used, though general anesthesia may be advised for more extensive resurfacing. Patients with extensive skin damage may require more than one session. During the procedure, the activated laser is carefully passed back and forth over the skin until the correct level has been reached to make the imperfection less visible.

After laser treatment, a bandage may be applied to the treatment area which can remain in place for five to ten days. Mild swelling may occur as well as some redness which can last for several weeks. Discomfort can also occur and pain medication can be prescribed. After about ten days, crusts which have formed on the treatment area will fade. It will take about two weeks before work and other normal activities can be resumed and about four to six weeks before resuming more strenuous activities. Sun exposure will need to be limited for six months to a year.