Cosmetic laser resurfacing or laser rejuvenation is a type of anti-aging cosmetic procedure that can give a man or woman younger looking skin. As its name suggests, the procedure used lasers - intense light - to improve the surface of the skin. Cosmetic laser surgery can make skin look better, but it is very important that you investigate carefully before considering surgery.

Cost of Laser Rejuvenation Treatments

The cost of laser resurfacing depends on how large an area is treated and the type of laser therapy used. Generally the cost of cosmetic laser surgery ranges from $1500 to $3000.

• Sun damaged skin - Laser resurfacing can eliminate some signs of sun damage, including splotchiness, wrinkling, freckles uneven skin tone. The cost for one area, such as the forehead, would start at $800.
• Wrinkles and fine lines - Cosmetic laser resurfacing can reduce wrinkling that makes the skin look older. This can can result in a smoother complexion. The cost of this anti-aging treatment for one area would start at $800. Examples of where this can be used include:
  • laugh lines or frown lines around the mouth (also called marionette lines)
  • worry lines or creases on the forehead
  • crow's feet by the eyes
• Scar removal - Cosmetic lasers resurfacing treatments can remove scarring, such as acne scars and scars due to minor injuries. The cost for the entire face, would start at $3000.
• Liver spots - Lasers can rejuvenate skin and remove brown skin spots, known as liver spots, which are areas of highly pigmented skin, that arise due to sun exposure. The cost for removal of several liver spots would start at $500.
• Spider veins - Lasers can remove spider veins, which are small starbursts of red or blue veins that can appear on the face or body. The laser can destroy the vein without damaging the skin.
• Melasma or chloasma - Cosmetic lasers can treat melasma, which is a skin condition characterized by areas of darker uneven pigment.
• Hyperpigmentation - Lasers can treat hyperpigmentation, which occurs when there are patches of skin that are darker than the surrounding skin. This is often do to an excess of melanin. People with very dark brown or black skin often do not have successful outcomes with laser treatment for this.
• Stretch marks - Lasers can sometimes be used to remove or lighten red stretch marks.
• Large pores - Although nothing can actually shrink pore size, laser resurfacing can make pores appear smaller.

Types of Laser Resurfacing

Cosmetic laser resurfacing is done under anesthesia. There are different types of lasers used for skin resurfacing. They fall under two types:

• Ablative lasers - In ablative laser resurfacing, the laser vaporizes the topmost layers of skin. The carbon dioxide laser (called the CO2 laser) was one of the early lasers. Other ablative lasers include the erbium (YAG) laser. These types of ablative lasers are used for scars as well as cosmetic skin resurfacing. They can remove wrinkles, fine lines, sun damage, dark pigment, liver spots, and spider veins. Since they are burning the top layers of skin, there will be peeling and pain. Recovery can take several weeks. This type of laser resurfacing can be an alternative to dermabrasion.
• Non-ablative lasers - What are called non-ablative lasers cause less surface damage. They are said to work under the top layers of skin, and are used mostly for skin rejuvenation and anti-aging treatments and procedures. Sometimes, these procedures are referred to as laser face lifts. Examples include pulse-dye lasers, visible light lasers (VLLs), NLite lasers, Genesis laser, Titan laser, Coolglide XEO, Nd: YAG. Technically a laser face lift is not the same as a surgical neck or face lift. Pulsed light or photo facial rejuvenation can remove uneven pigment and liver spots. Fractional laser surgery or photothermolysis (examples include Fraxel and fraxel repair, Pixel, Palomar and Affirm) are used for pigment and skin texture improvement. Some of these types of lasers can be used for skin discoloration and spider veins. Some non-ablative lasers are also said to stimulate collagen. Collagen is the connective tissue that gives our skin strength and elasticity. This type of laser resurfacing can be an alternative to chemical peels. Examples of other lasers used for skin resurfacing include the Medlite Peel, Smoothbeam, IPL Laser therapy (also known as phot rejuvenation), Gentlelase / APOGEE.

When lasers are used on the skin, it is important that you match the right laser with your skin type. For example, are you fair-skinned or light skinned? Or do you have a darker complexion? Do you have dark skin as well as dark hair? Do you tan easily or do you sunburn easily? These are all things that your doctor should find out before any laser procedure.

There are other types of lasers too, for example lasers can be used for tattoo removal or permanent laser hair removal. Lasers can also be used for tooth whitening and contouring in cosmetic dentistry.

This is considered to be a serious surgical procedure. So spend a lot of time considering if this is really the right thing for you. Women and men who have laser resurfacing may also be considering other types of cosmetic rejuvenation surgery such as an eye lift, or even hair grafts. They may also consider structural changes such as a nose job or cosmetic ear surgery.

Men and women who are thinking about laser resurfacing or rejuvenation, should make sure to choose a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon. Done incorrectly, laser surgery can leave you with scars and many other issues. Anytime there is anesthesia, there is also that to worry about. Talk to your surgeon beforehand so you know what to expect. Ask to see before and after photos of people with skin similar to yours. Before and after any laser treatment, make sure you avoid the sun.