In general the more aggressive the resurfacing procedure is, the longer the recover period will be and the higher the risk of complications. Light resurfacing procedures offer shorter recovery times but often the treatments need to be repeated. Laser resurfacing should improve your appearance and self esteem, but it will not completely remove all facial flaws or prevent you from ageing. The skin type of individual patients must be carefully assessed prior to surgery as some skin conditions and skin types are not suited for laser skin resurfacing with Lasers. Special care is also taken in patients who have had recent cold sores or acne treatment with Ro-Accutane.
All surgery carries some risk and uncertainty.
When Laser resurfacing is carried out by a qualified, experienced Plastic surgeon complications are infrequent and usually minor. However, because individuals vary greatly in their anatomy, their physical reactions and their healing abilities, the outcome is never completely predictable. Smoking should be stopped and regular medications need to be checked with your surgeon. Depending on the size of the area to be treated your surgeon will recommend a topical anaesthetic cream, a local anaesthetic, a local anaesthetic with sedation, or a full general anaesthetic. Most treatments will be same day procedures however some surgeons prefer their larger resurfacing patients to stay over night in hospital.