Resurface Laser Treatment

The Resurface Laser does exactly that, it resurfaces your skin. It evaporates tiny columns of skin.

This process retextures the skin for maximum smoothness, reducing the appearance of lines, tightening pores, and erasing irregularities. Long term collagen production is also boosted for better quality skin.

  If you have any of the following skin concerns, This may be recommended for you;

• Uneven/Dull Skin
• Ageing Skin/Sun Damage
• Scars from Acne/Trauma/Surgery
• Stretch Marks

The decision to undergo is a personal decision and should be made after careful research, consideration and consultation with one of our cosmetics doctors who will advise you.

The following are contra-indications for undergoing the treatment.

• Sun Tan/Sunbeds/Skin infection or irritation
• Darker skin Types – Fitzpatrick 4-5
• Skin cancer/raised moles/Tattoos in the area to be treated
• Melasma/Pigmentation near the treatment areas
• Recent use of certain drugs and other photo-sensitive medication
• Keloid/raised scars
• Diabetes/Immunosupression (assessed case by case)
• Smoker/Excess alcohol consumption (can reduce results).
• Prone to cold sores/herpes infection (can go ahead with anti-viral treatment).
• Pregnancy/(breastfeeding is safe)
• Photosensitive conditions – E.g Lupus/Porphyria

After a full consultation and assessment of your skin, your Doctorwill explain the treatment to you and carry out a patch test, this is done on a separate day to your treatment.

On your treatment day, photographs will be taken to document your treatment. You will be given a hand held electronic cooling fan to keep you cool during the procedure.

Your skin will be medically cleansed followed by the application of protective eye wear. If you would like your upper and lower eyelids treated. your Doctor will insert special eye shields to protect your eyes. Your practitioner will then start the Resurface Laser treatment, which involves moving the laser device over the area to be treated. This can be mildly uncomfortable and generate some heat. Cooling of the skin using your fan will help.

The procedure takes 20-30 minutes. Some lesions may darken post treatment, this is normal and temporary.

Most patients require a course of 3 treatments.

Resurface Laser is well tolerated and very safe.

Typical side effects will include, redness, white dots on the skin, mild flushing, mild swelling, tight and flaky/dry skin.

Delicate skin may have some swelling. Some patients may find the procedure uncomfortable, let your Doctor know so we can adjust the settings.

The skin will flake and darken around day 2-3, this is a good sign the skin is regenerating. Use of a gentle cream exfoliator such as the exfo cleanse, use of the post recovery moisturiser and sun protection cream is essential. Do not pick or pull at any dry skin.

By day 7, almost all patients have recovered fully from the treatment with no visible signs of having the procedure.

Extremely rare side effects include, scarring, burns, blisters, infection, herpes reactivation and pigmentation (if no spf protection used).

There is an aftercare programme which your practitioner will advise you on.

Treatment Around the Eyes

Where treatment is performed close to the eyelids, protective intra-ocular eye shields may be used. These are inserted after anaesthetic eye drops have been administered.

Patients may experience:

• Awareness of the shield during treatment
• Temporary watering of the eyes
• Mild irritation or a gritty sensation for several hours afterwards

Very rare risks include:

• Corneal abrasion
• Eye irritation
• Infection

Patients should notify their practitioner immediately if they experience persistent pain, light sensitivity, reduced vision or significant redness following treatment.

To gain the best results from your treatment, please follow the aftercare plan below.

To see real patient downtime day by day click here. 

• Stop all strong retinoids/strong acids/irritating creams 10-14 days before and 7-10 days after treatment to minimise redness (or until skin fully healed).
• Redness, tightness, dryness, flaking, small scabs and flushing and small blood spots (petechiae) after treatment is normal.
• Wash your hands and avoid touching the treated area. This reduces the risk of infection. Avoid make up.
• Occasionally mild swelling may occur. This will settle after 1-4 days. An anti-histamine tablet and extra pillows will help swelling and cool clean flannels can be used to help discomfort and heat.
• Always avoid direct UV exposure and avoid saunas, steam rooms and vigorous exercise for 48 hours.
• Allow the skin to breathe/recover for a few hours and if possible apply nothing to the skin.
• Wash the treated area gently with tepid water or pHformula EXFO/FOAM cleanse for the first 1-2 days. From day 3 – You may massage gently with the cleanser and flannel to remove any flaky skin, do not pick!
• Apply pHformula recovery/SOS cream/Lynton laser gel/SOS mask serum regularly and liberally and if desired return to wearing make-up after 2+ days.
• If you are prone to pigmentation – Ensure you are using the Mela serum as part of your usual skincare routine.
• Avoid alcohol or strong acid based facial products for at least 7 days, depending on skin sensitivity.
• Full skin recovery may take up to a week or longer.
• Apply pHformula UV protect liberally every day – Minimum spf 30-50+. Use a large hat, scarf and sunglasses if outside.
• Avoid direct sun exposure and do not use sun tanning beds. Results are best seen after a minimum of 3 treatments at 4-6 week intervals.
• If you have any concerns, please contact your practitioner or email us at dramber@cosmeticsdoctor.co.uk