Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is a precisely controlled skin renewal treatment that targets the surface of the skin (the outer layer of skin) and signals a repair response in the deeper layers of the skin. Depending on the type of laser and the treatment settings, resurfacing can:

• smooth rough texture and help the skin feel softer
• soften lines and wrinkles (especially fine lines)
• improve enlarged pores and “orange peel” texture
• refine acne scarring and textural scars (selected scar types)
• reduce the “tired” look created by long-term sun-damaged skin (selected cases)

Resurfacing is not a single thing. It ranges from light fractional treatments with minimal social downtime, through to ablative laser resurfacing with more significant recovery but greater potential change.

A helpful way to think about it:

• Light fractional resurfacing = refinement and glow (often a series)
• Medium-depth fractional resurfacing = stronger texture and wrinkle improvement (more downtime)
• Full-field resurfacing (in selected areas, such as around the mouth or eyes area) = highest impact, highest aftercare commitment

Ablative vs. Non-Ablative Laser Technology

There are different types of laser treatments used for skin rejuvenation. The two broad families are:

Ablative laser resurfacing

Ablative laser resurfacing removes (ablates) a controlled portion of the top layer of your skin and can also heat the deeper layers to stimulate collagen in the skin.

• Potential benefit: strongest results for texture, lines and certain scars
• Trade-off: more visible recovery time, more aftercare, higher risk of complications if poorly selected or overly aggressive

Erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) lasers are widely used in modern resurfacing because they are very strongly absorbed by water in the skin, allowing precise ablation with a relatively controlled thermal profile.

Non-ablative laser resurfacing

Non-ablative laser resurfacing heats skin tissue without removing the outer layer of skin.

• Potential benefit: less downtime, lower wound-care burden
• Trade-off: typically subtler results; often requires multiple sessions

Where your treatment sits on this spectrum should be decided medically, based on your skin type, the area being treated, your lifestyle and your tolerance for downtime.

Conditions Treated: Acne Scars, Wrinkles & Large Pores

This page focuses on resurfacing as a texture-first treatment. We do not present laser resurfacing as a cure for ageing or as a guaranteed “tightening” solution.

Acne scarring and textural scars

Resurfacing can soften certain scar patterns by blending edges and encouraging more organised collagen remodelling.

• Best response patterns: shallow boxcar scars, mixed textural scarring, superficial rolling scars
• More difficult scars: deep ice-pick scars, very tethered scars (often need combined approaches)
• Time course: improvement is gradual; collagen remodelling continues for months

Lines and wrinkles

Laser resurfacing can improve lines and wrinkles by creating controlled renewal of the surface and stimulation of collagen.

• Best response patterns: fine lines, early wrinkling, “crepey” texture
• More resistant concerns: deep wrinkles (often improved but rarely erased)
• Perioral lines: can respond well but carry higher swelling/HSV risk and require careful settings

Enlarged pores and rough texture

Pores are complex (genetics, oil production, collagen support, photodamage). Resurfacing can improve how pores look by smoothing the surrounding texture and supporting the surface structure.

• Expectation: smaller-looking pores and smoother skin, not “pore removal”
• Maintenance: results are supported by good skincare and sun protection

Uneven tone (selected cases)

• Resurfacing can help selected types of sun-related uneven tone, especially when texture and tone are both issues.
• If your uneven tone is melasma-type pigmentation, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), or active inflammatory redness, we may recommend medical skincare first and/or a different laser pathway.

Treatable Areas: Face, Neck, and Body

Laser skin resurfacing treatment is most commonly performed on:

• Face: cheeks, forehead, chin; carefully around the mouth and eyes in suitable patients
• Periorbital area: selected patients, with strict safety boundaries and eye protection
• Neck and décolletage: possible, but typically requires more conservative settings due to slower healing and higher irritation risk
• Body areas: selected scars or texture change; recovery can be more variable

Different areas heal differently. The same settings that are reasonable on cheeks may be inappropriate on eyelids or neck.

Am I a Candidate for Laser Resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing is the right fit when you:

• want measurable improvement in texture, fine lines, pores or scarring
• can commit to the healing process and aftercare
• have realistic expectations: improvement, not perfection
• are willing to protect your skin from UV exposure before and after treatment

Skin type considerations (including brown or black skin)

We treat a range of skin types, but the pathway differs.

• In Fitzpatrick I–III (very fair to light–medium skin that usually burns or burns then tans), we can often use a wider range of resurfacing intensities.
• In Fitzpatrick IV–VI (medium to dark brown and black skin, which usually tans easily and rarely burns), the key issue is PIH risk and the tendency for pigment cells to react to inflammation. This does not mean resurfacing is “not possible” — it means it must be approached more conservatively, with careful priming, strict sun avoidance, and realistic discussion of risk.

If your primary goal is pigment change (rather than texture), we may recommend a pigment-first plan rather than leading with ablative resurfacing.

Medical and lifestyle factors

We assess:

• history of PIH, melasma, keloid tendency
• eczema/dermatitis, rosacea activity, acne activity
• medication history (including photosensitising drugs)
• history of cold sores (HSV) — especially around the mouth
• ability to follow aftercare and avoid sun exposure

Our Commitment to Safety & Clinical Expertise

Laser resurfacing is effective when done well — and unforgiving when done casually. Our approach is dermatologist-led, diagnosis-led, and structured.

CQC Regulation & Clinical Oversight

We operate within UK clinical governance standards, with medical oversight, documented protocols and safety-first decision-making.

Specialist Laser Credentials

Resurfacing requires more than “laser familiarity”. It requires:

• proper patient selection and risk stratification
• knowledge of anatomical risk zones (periorbital and perioral regions)
• early recognition of complications (infection, delayed healing, pigment shift)
• appropriate escalation and follow-up

Medical-Grade Technology (Erbium:YAG)

In clinical terms:

• Erbium:YAG is a well-established resurfacing laser used for precise, controlled ablation of the surface of the skin with a relatively controlled thermal profile.
• Within Erbium:YAG resurfacing, we can tailor intensity from light fractional treatments (often chosen for “refresh and refine”) through to deeper fractional resurfacing in suitable patients.

Your plan is chosen based on your skin and goals — not on a device brochure.

Insurance & Patient Safety

We maintain appropriate clinical safeguards, documentation, and consent standards, including clear advice on downtime and risks.

Mandatory Patch Testing & Skin Priming

Patch testing and skin priming are not “extras” — they are part of safe care where indicated, particularly for:

• higher PIH risk
• history of sensitivity or dermatitis
• treatment on neck/décolletage
• more intensive resurfacing plans

Your Treatment Journey: What to Expect

1. Consultation and assessment
   We review your medical history, skin type, and risk factors while examining your specific skin concerns. We discuss potential outcomes, limitations, and downtime, followed by treatment area mapping and photography where appropriate.
2. Preparation (prior to treatment)
   Your plan may include sun avoidance, pausing active skincare (e.g., retinoids, acids), and barrier support. In selected cases, we use pigment-modulating skincare or HSV prophylaxis for perioral/periocular treatment.
3. On the day
   The skin is cleansed and prepared. We may apply numbing cream for comfort depending on the intensity. The laser is applied in a controlled fractional or full-field pattern, followed by immediate cooling and protective care.
4. Follow-up
   A structured review is scheduled based on treatment intensity. We support the healing process, manage any early complications, and plan next steps for maintenance or a series.

Recovery & Aftercare: Managing Your Downtime

Downtime is not a failure — it is part of how resurfacing works. Visible settling is typically 3–10 days depending on the treatment area and intensity, with ongoing improvement over weeks to months.

What you may feel and see (expected)

• redness and warmth (like sunburn)
• swelling (especially around the eyes and mouth)
• dryness, tightness, flaking/peeling
• fine crusting or “sandpaper” texture as the skin heals

The healing process (practical guidance)

Following laser resurfacing, your skin may be temporarily more sensitive.

• keep skincare simple and non-fragranced
• use prescribed or recommended occlusive moisturisers where advised
• avoid picking or exfoliating
• strict sun avoidance and high-SPF protection
• avoid heat exposure (saunas, hot yoga) during early recovery

When to contact us urgently (red flags)

• increasing pain, pus, or spreading redness
• fever or systemic symptoms
• clusters of blisters or suspected HSV
• darkening that looks rapidly worsening rather than settling
• delayed healing beyond the expected recovery time