Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing of the face is an excellent option for patients with dispigmentations from sun exposure and fine wrinkles.  While it will not lift or treat jowls and midface descent, it will help create a more uniform appearance to the facial skin and a nice glow.  The main types of lasers used for resurfacing are the Erbium:Yag and CO2 laser.  The CO2 laser is a more powerful laser that creates more heat and can penetrate deeper than the Er:Yag laser.  It therefore frequently only requires one pass with resurfacing.  However, because of this, it can lead to more complications such as hypopigmentation and scarring.  The Er:Yag laser does not penetrate as deeply in the skin and will sometimes require multiple passes to achieve the depth needed for resurfacing.  This procedure may take longer than the CO2 and may not be as tolerable but allows for a little more control of depth and can lead to fewer complications.