Laser facial resurfacing Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, February 2009.
Answers to questions about laser facial resurfacing
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Can laser resurfacing treat my acne?
- Will laser facial resurfacing hurt?
- What is the difference between ablative and non-ablative laser resurfacing?
Can laser resurfacing treat my acne?
Laser resurfacing can treat shallow acne scars but isn't appropriate if you have deep acne scars or active acne.
Explanation
If you have active acne you should talk to your GP who will recommend the best treatment for you. As acne can't be cured, treatments aim to control the symptoms by:
- preventing new spots forming
- improving those already present
- preventing scarring
Your GP may start your acne treatment by prescribing a preparation containing benzoyl peroxide. If this doesn't work, or if you have more severe acne, there are a range of other treatment options. These come as creams or lotions that you can rub on to your skin, or as tablets. If medicines don't help your acne your doctor may recommend other types of treatment.
There is some evidence to suggest that pulse lasers can be used to treat severe acne. These destroy the glands (sebaceous glands) that overproduce the oily substance (sebum) which causes spots.
Mild to moderate acne can be treated using photodynamic therapy. This involves a chemical that can destroy targeted tissue when activated by a special light.
Laser resurfacing can be used to treat some acne scars. Shallow acne scars can be treated with laser resurfacing. Deeper, 'ice-pick' scars can't be treated with laser resurfacing.
Further information
- British Association of Dermatologists
020 7383 0266
www.bad.org.uk
Sources
- Skin resurfacing: laser surgery. emedicine. www.emedicine.com, accessed 26 June 2008
- Simon C, Everitt H, Kendrick T. Oxford Handbook of General Practice. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007:644-645
- Layton AM. A review on the treatment of acne vulgaris. Int J Clin Pract 2006; 60:64-72. www.blackwellpublishing.com/ijcp_enhanced
Will laser facial resurfacing hurt?
You may have some discomfort during the procedure and some pain after the procedure. You will be given an anaesthetic to prevent you feeling pain during the procedure.
Explanation
Laser facial resurfacing works by destroying the top layer of skin and heating the lower layers which can cause pain.
However, a number of options are available to stop you feeling any pain.
- Local anaesthetic cream - if you're only having a 'single-pass' procedure (where the laser is only used once on each area of skin) you may be given a cream containing lidocaine (eg EMLA).
- Local anaesthetic injection - commonly used for small areas of your face.
- Regional anaesthesia - this is used if you're having larger areas treated, such as your entire face.
- General anaesthesia - this is used as an alternative to regional anaesthesia.
Local or regional anaesthesia completely block feeling from the area and you will stay awake during the procedure. General anaesthesia means you will be asleep during the procedure and feel no pain.
You may be offered a sedative with a local or regional anaesthetic to help you relax during the procedure.
Sources
- Cutaneous laser resurfacing: Erbium:YAG. eMedicine. www.emedicine.com, accessed 26 June 2008
- Joint Formulary Committee, British National Formulary. 54th ed. London: British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, 2007:672
- Alster TS, Lupton JR. Erbium:YAG cutaneous laser resurfacing. Dermatol Clin 2001; 19:453-466. www.derm.theclinics.com
- Lasers in plastic surgery. British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS). www.baaps.org.uk, accessed 18 June 2008
- Personal communication, Mr P Mahaffey, Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Bedford Hospital Laser Treatment Centre, 24 September 2008
What is the difference between ablative and non-ablative laser resurfacing?
Ablative techniques destroy the top layer of your skin, non-ablative techniques don't destroy any skin but heat up your skin to encourage new growth.
Explanation
'Ablation' refers to the removal of unwanted growths from the body. For laser resurfacing techniques this means destroying the top layer of your skin to expose the lower layers and encourage new growth.
Ablative laser facial resurfacing uses either a carbon dioxide or an Erbium: YAG (a type of metal enriched crystal) laser.
Non-ablative laser facial resurfacing uses a variety of techniques.
- Intense pulsed light - this targets the pigment in your skin to remove areas of discolouration.
- Infrared lasers - these can treat wrinkles caused by sun damage by encouraging new skin to grow.
- Radiofrequency - this treatment tightens the skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
- Photodynamic therapy - this is a technique used to treat some skin cancers but can also be used to treat certain skin conditions.
Non-ablative techniques aren't as effective as ablative techniques but have a lower risk of side-effects and faster recovery.
Sources
- Alexiades-Armenakas MR, Dover JS, Arndt KA. The spectrum of laser skin resurfacing: nonablative, fractional, and ablative laser resurfacing. J Am Acad Dermatol 2008; 58:719-737. www.eblue.org
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: February 2009
Laser facial resurfacing factsheet
Visit the laser facial resurfacing health factsheet for more information.
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