Facial Laser Resurfacing and Rejuvenation

Laser resurfacing is a widely utilized method for skin rejuvenation, targeting wrinkles, photodamage, and scarring. The principal types are carbon dioxide and erbium-doped yttrium–aluminum–garnet lasers, applied in full-field or fractionated modes. Ablative resurfacing offers unparalleled results in addressing rhytids but involves significant downtime and potential side effects like redness, swelling, and pigmentation changes, with rare severe complications such as infection and scarring. Proper technique and strict adherence to pre- and post-treatment care are critical to minimizing the risk. Non-ablative lasers provide benefits with reduced recovery time, particularly in treating pigmentation and textural issues, although their impact on severe wrinkles and laxity is comparatively moderate. Advances in the field may soon alter the balance between efficacy and downtime.