Laser resurfacing procedures have become increasingly popular as more and more patients are seeking out aesthetic treatments that produce dramatic results. Considered the gold standard procedure for atrophic acne scarring and skin regeneration, laser resurfacing achieves more superior results than chemical peels and has a safer profile than more traditional methods such as dermabrasion. In this article, the author will differentiate between the various laser resurfacing technologies available, describe the mechanisms of action for ablative and non-ablative lasers in both fractionated and unfractionated modalities, explore the expected treatment outcomes, and outline the short-term and long-term complications associated with each procedure.

Lisa Mason - Aesthetic Nurse and Medical Standards Manager, skin clinics, Birmingham.