Crow’s feet, frown lines, marionette lines, all undesirable signs of aging.  And though nothing can stop the aging process as a whole, some treatments now claim to reverse these particular elements.  Though there are a number of options such as chemical peels, dermabrasion, facelifts, etc, many are starting to turn to laser resurfacing. 

            So how does it work?  Your physician uses an intense beam of light or a laser directed at the specific areas you want treated.  These can include areas of acne or chickenpox scarring, sun damage, moderate wrinkles, age spots, or uneven skin tones.  Theoretically, this treatment kills the upper layer of skin and stimulates growth in the lower skin layers, creating soft, wrinkle free skin.

            Many patients of laser resurfacing experience redness, swelling, itching, tenderness, sensitivity to sunlight, and a sunburn-like sensation at the site of treatment.  For these reasons, among others, patients are given an ointment and the face is often covered with a bandage immediately following the procedure.  Recovery can take one to two weeks, during which time it is suggested that patients stay inside and refrain from strenuous activity.

            Unfortunately, unlike many surgical or laser procedures, laser resurfacing does not provide guarantees.  You will suffer many of the side effects and recovery time commonly associated with major physician administered procedures.  However, you will not see the dramatic results often associated with such procedures.  If looking for significant and efficient results, something more comparable to a surgical facelift should be considered.  But if looking for minor, yet progressive results without significant recovery time, there are a number of emerging wrinkle creams and serums to consider containing more innovative ingredients than ever before.