There is no incision. You can choose. It depends a lot on the amount of skin to be resurfaced. Topical anesthetics, including ice and EMLA cream, have been used but except for small areas are not commonly used. Most of the time this is an outpatient operation and a stay in the hospital is not needed.
All operations have some risk.
The risks of surgery can be divided into two groups. First those that are seen in all operations and second those that are unique or special for this operation. In the first group, the main risks are swelling, bruising, infection, scarring and change in feeling. Herpes infections after surgery are especially dangerous and require vigorous treatment. Remember that in all cases, even the laser , the surgeon is performing a controlled burn to achieve the beneficial effetcs.