The two methods which have been used for decades are chemical peeling and dermabrasion. The CO2 laser, in use for facial skin for the last four years, allows more precise, controllable, gentler resurfacing and rejuvenation of facial skin. Unlike these other methods, the area treated can be visualized as the treatment is given. Two types of wrinkles are present in facial skin. The first type involves the upper layers of skin, and is caused by a combination of aging, sun exposure, exposure top smoke, heredity, and other factors.
Fine wrinkles develop, usually first apparent on the upper lip and eyelids.
The second type, a deeper wrinkle or crease, is caused by facial muscle connections and movement, sometimes called the lines of facial expression. Both can be treated, but the more shallow wrinkles respond much more readily. For greater effect on the deep lines of facial expression, deeper surgery to the muscles beneath the skin is needed. These lines cannot be completely removed by laser, only improved. With good skin care, no smoking, and avoidance of excess sun exposure, the results should last at least 5 to 7 years, perhaps more.