How many layers of skin does laser resurfacing remove?

Author: Prof. Garret Pollich  |  Last update: Monday, March 31, 2025

During ablative laser resurfacing, an intense beam of light energy is directed at your skin. This laser beam destroys the outer layer of skin, also called the epidermis. At the same time, the laser heats the underlying skin, called the dermis.

How deep does laser resurfacing go?

The CO2 10,600nm fractional laser is recommended for both superficial, medium and deep skin resurfacing with maximal penetration depths in excess of 750um (0.75mm) Downtime ranges from 7-10 days. It is the laser of choice for lighter skin types with more severe imperfections.

How many years does laser resurfacing take off your face?

Even if you don't see immediate improvement, your initial results will continue to improve throughout the year. On average, most patients get to enjoy silky-smooth skin that lasts for anywhere between three and five years after undergoing laser therapy.

Can you overdo laser resurfacing?

Overexposure to laser light can result in skin burns, varying in severity from mild redness and discomfort to more blistering, severe burns. Individuals with sensitive skin or undergoing multiple laser therapy sessions in a short timeframe are at a higher risk of experiencing these burns.

How many times should you do laser resurfacing?

Most patients need 3 to 4 laser skin resurfacing sessions for optimal results. But some patients also need a lot more sessions. You should also opt for maintenance treatments once or twice a year to maintain flawless skin.

5 Things to Know About CO2 Laser Resurfacing

What are the cons of laser resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing can lead to a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. The most common infection is a flare-up of the herpes virus — the virus that causes cold sores. Changes in skin color. Laser resurfacing can cause treated skin to become darker or lighter than it was before treatment.

What is the best age for laser resurfacing?

Individuals up to their 50s benefit greatly from laser fractional resurfacing treatments. Skin concerns like sun damage and deeper wrinkles are common in this age group.

Why is laser resurfacing so expensive?

Laser skin resurfacing prices will be based on the expertise and qualifications of the person performing the procedure, the type of procedure used, the time and effort the treatment requires, as well as geographic office location.

What happens if you laser too frequently?

Not mention undergoing laser too frequently can lead to skin irritation, burns, or other complications. Reputable clinics, like those Skin Perfection London, will create a personalized treatment plan based on your hair growth patterns to ensure you will receive the best results.

Who is not a good candidate for laser resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing helps reduce the appearance of acne scars; however, it is not for clients who still have active acne. Patients who have very dark skin, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take specific medications like Accutane may not be viable candidates for laser resurfacing.

How much younger does laser resurfacing make you look?

A typical result is an 8-10 year reduction in age appearance when laser treatment on the face is done on a highly effective setting so that a 55 year old may look 46 after treatment and healing is complete. Milder treatments can be done, but are not as effective.

How long does it take collagen to rebuild after resurfacing?

The journey of collagen rebuilding after laser skin resurfacing is a gradual but transformative process. Patients can witness immediate improvements in the weeks following the procedure, with continued enhancement over the next several months.

How much does skin resurfacing cost?

Determining the Laser Skin Resurfacing Cost

A single treatment session usually costs between $500 and $3,000. But it's important to keep in mind that you might need more than one lesson to get the results you want.

What is the strongest laser resurfacing?

Co2 laser resurfacing is by far the most powerful skin rejuvenation technique available for facial skin. It is performed in order to: Completely renew facial skin. Tighten the skin to help reduce the consequences of laxity.

How many layers of skin does a CO2 laser remove?

This process removes the outer layer of skin (often called the epidermis) and heats the underlying skin (the dermis). As we mentioned above, this process also stimulates the growth of new collagen fibers. By stimulating the deep dermis layer, the skin grows new collagen fibers.

What will I look like after laser resurfacing?

Immediately after treatment, your skin will be red and feel sensitive and sunburned. Redness, swelling, itching or stinging may last for a few days. Depending on the treatment, skin may even appear raw, ooze a yellow liquid and even blister.

Does hyperpigmentation come back after laser treatment?

There's always a risk that laser hyperpigmentation might return. To mitigate this risk, it's essential for patients to align their expectations and adhere strictly to conscientious skincare practices along with consistent sun protection measures.

Can you over laser your face?

Yes, indeed you can overdo laser. Not only by having too many session in a short period of time, but even by overlapping the same area during a single session. Overdoing laser hair removal can result in skin irritation, redness, and swelling.

Does skin look worse after laser?

After laser resurfacing, your skin may look worse than before. Flakiness, redness, and crusting are commonplace. You may be tempted to cover these imperfections with makeup to hide scabs and flakes, but this will irritate healing skin.

What is better than laser resurfacing?

MicroLaserPeel is different and much more effective at rejuvenating the skin than microdermabrasion or chemical peels. It is also less invasive than Laser Skin Resurfacing, so the recovery time is significantly less.

Does insurance cover laser resurfacing?

Does insurance cover laser skin resurfacing? Because laser skin resurfacing is an elective cosmetic treatment, insurance does not cover the costs. However, if you are getting a resurfacing procedure to treat precancerous skin conditions or improve certain types of scars, insurance may cover at least some of the costs.

Is 70 too old for laser resurfacing?

However, treatments are still highly effective beyond these years, with amazing results, so it's never too late! We will always champion people's right to feel good about themselves and to look their best at ANY age.

What is the best laser for a 60 year old?

If you're in your 50s-60s: At this point, you want your laser skin resurfacing treatment to remove the topmost dermis layers, as that's the best way to reveal glowing skin. For these reasons, we suggest using one of the following laser resurfacing systems: EndyMed Intensif, Fraxel Dual, and Fraxel CO2.

What is the best moisturizer after laser treatment?

Searching for over-the-counter products meant for dry, sensitive skin will be a good place to start finding the right moisturizer for you. Drugstore brands such as CeraVe, Cetaphil, Eucerin, and Neutrogena make gentle, hydrating moisturizers that can be used after laser treatments.

How many sessions does laser resurfacing take?

While the typical recommendation is three to five sessions, the ideal number varies based on your specific goals, skin condition, lifestyle habits, and other unique factors.

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