For the first few days after surgery, there is a great deal of oozing tissue fluid while the skin is denuded. Frequent compresses with cool water help absorb this excess fluid. Most surgeons will apply dressings over the treated areas. The dressings speed healing and protect the new skin. There is surprisingly little pain.
Acne scars are much more difficult to treat than are wrinkles.
Such aggressive laser treatment is only possible in areas with thicker skin. Scars in thinner-skinned areas will probably require soft tissue augmentation in addition to laser resurfacing. The skin is invariably red and usually requires the use of make-up. Redness fades over a period of several weeks. Scar formation as a result of laser resurfacing is very uncommon.