Laser resurfacing

Laser resurfacing removes the top layer of skin. This is also known as laser dermabrasion or laser peel. The laser releases short pulses of energy that cause a carefully controlled burn of the skin. This promotes new skin and collagen growth. Because it can be finely controlled, laser resurfacing has largely replaced chemical peels and dermabrasion as the preferred method for treating most acne scars.

Doctors use a variety of lasers, including the CO2 laser and the YAG laser.

As in dermabrasion and chemabrasion, redness and tenderness can last from several weeks to months after the procedure. Further scarring is possible, although rare.

To prevent skin discoloration, avoid sunlight for several months after treatment by using sunscreen and hats outdoors.

For more information on this surgery, see the topic Laser Resurfacing.

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Last Updated: March 1, 2007
Author: Monica Rhodes
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

Acne Vulgaris

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Other Treatment
Your doctor may suggest other types of therapies to treat acne or acne scars.

Other Treatment Choices
For acne scars, you may have:
Collagen injections and gelatin implants, to improve the look of acne scars.
Dermabrasion or dermaplaning, to remove scars.
Chemabrasion, a chemical peel that removes surface scars.
Microdermabrasion, a gentle skin buffing for mild acne scarring.
Laser resurfacing, to remove the top layer of skin.

Chemabrasion, dermabrasion or dermaplaning, and laser resurfacing are techniques that remove the top layers of skin. This promotes skin regrowth and collagen production. The results are better-looking skin with less noticeable scarring. At this time, laser resurfacing is the most popular technique.
What To Think About

Health professionals no longer use X-rays or ultraviolet light (from a sunlamp) to treat acne. These treatments may have more risks than benefits.

Last Updated: March 1, 2007
Author: Monica Rhodes
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology

© 1995-2009 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.