A Beginner's Guide to Laser Skin Resurfacing

Do you ever catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and pause for a second? Maybe your face tells the story of a life filled with laughter, love, and experiences, marked by lines that represent both joy and struggle. Do you wear those lines proudly, as a symbol of a life fully lived? Or are you looking for a way to turn back time?

For those hoping to combat visible signs of aging, laser skin resurfacing could be the solution you're seeking. This treatment directs a focused light beam to various skin layers, addressing wrinkles, discoloration, scars, and other age spots. After the procedure and a brief recovery, you might be left with rejuvenated, younger-looking skin [sources: ASPS, Goldman].

Laser skin resurfacing generally involves two main types of lasers: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative lasers work by removing the outer layer of skin, burning it down to the dermis. As the skin heals, the body produces more collagen, leading to the formation of stronger, younger-looking skin [source: Tanna].

Non-ablative lasers, on the other hand, focus on the tissue beneath the skin, targeting specific areas without damaging the surface. This results in the growth of clearer, younger skin beneath [source: Goldman]. Furthermore, the precise nature of non-ablative lasers typically leads to a shorter recovery period compared to ablative treatments [source: Goldman].

While laser skin resurfacing is a relatively new procedure, it is gaining popularity due to its avoidance of harsh chemicals or treatments that are commonly used in older ablative techniques [source: Tanna]. Continue reading to discover if this treatment could give you the skin you desire and how it stacks up against other skin resurfacing methods.

Effectiveness of Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing, often categorized as a skin rejuvenation technique, is believed to be effective in enhancing skin appearance, although it doesn't guarantee perfect results [source: AAFPRS]. Some surgeons note that laser resurfacing is less invasive, provides more predictable outcomes, and can sometimes offer a faster recovery time compared to other treatments like chemical peels or dermabrasion [source: Goldman].

Factors such as skin tone, type, ethnicity, existing skin damage, and overall skin health can all impact the effectiveness of laser skin resurfacing [source: AAFPRS]. Additionally, a doctor's experience with the procedure and the quality of the medical facilities can also play a role in the outcome. It's important for patients to ask questions, educate themselves about the treatment, and understand the potential risks and set realistic expectations before proceeding with the procedure.

Laser skin resurfacing may not be suitable for everyone. Those with darker skin tones should be cautious, as the treated facial area may remain lighter than the rest of the body for up to a year. If you are prone to scarring or are on certain medications, these factors could affect the results as well [source: Goldman].

After undergoing laser treatment, you should plan for a recovery period of at least several weeks. The treated skin might need to be covered with a bandage, and swelling, scabbing, and discomfort can last for about 10 days [sources: Goldman, Mayo Clinic]. The skin may appear bright pink for several weeks and will be highly sensitive to the sun for up to a year, so it's essential to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 as recommended by doctors.

There are several risks associated with the treatment, including hyperpigmentation (darker-than-normal skin), hypopigmentation (lighter-than-normal skin), and the potential for cold sores if the herpes virus is present [source: Mayo Clinic].

Multiple treatments might be suggested, and as you age and develop new facial lines, it may be necessary to repeat the procedure to maintain results [source: Mayo Clinic].

All this in the quest for youth and beauty. But what is the price of looking young? Discover more on the next page.

Cost of Laser Skin Resurfacing

In 2008, the average cost for laser skin resurfacing in the U.S. was over $2,100 for ablative treatments and more than $1,300 for non-ablative treatments [source: ASPS]. These costs only reflect the physician’s fees. Additional expenses such as facility charges, anesthesia, and recovery costs may further increase the total price.

Where you have the procedure performed can influence the cost. Choosing a private practitioner's office typically costs less than a hospital setting. However, if you’re planning extensive treatment, it might be more beneficial to schedule your procedure in a hospital with proper facilities to manage the intensive procedure and its possible aftereffects.

Local anesthesia, which numbs a specific area of your body, is generally less expensive than general anesthesia, which typically induces sleep. However, your choice should depend on what makes you most comfortable [source: DocShop]. The decision may also be influenced by whether you opt for an ablative or non-ablative treatment.

Some patients may choose to purchase special makeup post-treatment to conceal the skin's appearance until healing is complete. The overall cost typically covers initial ointments, bandages, and creams provided by the physician right after the procedure. However, pain medications and sleeping pills may not be included in the treatment’s total price.

If you're contemplating laser skin resurfacing, make sure to explore your options and discuss the costs with your doctor ahead of time. Each patient’s needs differ, so the cost will vary depending on the level of treatment required.

This procedure is rarely covered by insurance, but many clinics may offer flexible payment plans or assist in finding financing options [source: Goldman]. Even if your insurance doesn't cover resurfacing itself, it may cover certain associated costs. Continue reading to see what your insurance might include.

Laser Skin Resurfacing and Insurance

If a treatment is purely for cosmetic reasons and elective, your insurance likely won’t cover it. However, in cases where the procedure is needed to address significant facial deformities or injuries, you might qualify for some insurance reimbursement [source: AAFPRS].

Insurance companies often use definitions from the American Medical Association (AMA) to decide whether a procedure will be covered. The crucial distinction is whether the surgery is deemed reconstructive or cosmetic. Reconstructive surgeries are done to fix abnormalities caused by conditions like birth defects, diseases, or injuries that affect the body's functionality. If the surgery is not essential, it is generally classified as cosmetic or elective, aimed at improving appearance rather than function [source: Freedman].

There’s no definitive answer here. Insurance companies have the flexibility to interpret the terms 'reconstructive' and 'cosmetic' as they see fit. For example, if someone has drooping eyelids, an insurer may require the surgeon to confirm whether the eyelid problem affects vision. If vision is compromised, the procedure will likely be covered, but if vision remains unaffected, coverage could be denied. Insurance providers typically need detailed documentation from the surgeon to decide whether the procedure is reconstructive or cosmetic [source: Freedman].

Most laser skin resurfacing procedures are categorized as cosmetic. To determine if your insurance will cover the treatment, consult your physician or their office staff for further details.