Laser skin resurfacing is a precision treatment for skin renewal. It can improve skin texture, sun damage and scarring by removing a controlled layer of skin and triggering collagen remodelling as the skin heals. Whether you are treating atrophic acne scars or the roughness and fine lines associated with photoageing, the aim is the same: smoother, healthier-looking skin — with realistic expectations and a safety-first plan.
It is most suitable when skin conditions are stable, downtime is acceptable, and you can commit to proper aftercare. A tailored approach matters because scar type, skin ageing concerns, skin type and recovery time all change what is sensible and safe.
At Chiswick Clinic in West London, we use dermatology-led Er:YAG (erbium) laser resurfacing as part of a wider skin quality pathway. That means careful assessment first, conservative settings by default, and honest guidance on what is likely to change — and what may not.
Laser skin resurfacing is a precision treatment for skin renewal. It can improve skin texture, sun damage and scarring by removing a controlled layer of skin and triggering collagen remodelling as the skin heals. Whether you are treating atrophic acne scars or the roughness and fine lines associated with photoageing, the aim is the same: smoother, healthier-looking skin — with realistic expectations and a safety-first plan.
It is most suitable when skin conditions are stable, downtime is acceptable, and you can commit to proper aftercare. A tailored approach matters because scar type, skin ageing concerns, skin type and recovery time all change what is sensible and safe.
At Chiswick Clinic in West London, we use dermatology-led Er:YAG (erbium) laser resurfacing as part of a wider skin quality pathway. That means careful assessment first, conservative settings by default, and honest guidance on what is likely to change — and what may not.
A precision resurfacing treatment designed to improve scars, fine lines, and skin texture when appropriately selected.
Ablative laser resurfacing is powerful, but it is not a “single solution” and it is not right for everyone. We prioritise outcomes that matter to patients — smoother skin surface, reduced scar visibility, pore refinement and more even texture — while being direct about limitations, risk and recovery time.
Our approach is straightforward:
Laser skin resurfacing treatment uses a focused laser beam to remove a very thin outer layer of skin (the surface of the skin) and stimulate repair in the treated skin. As the skin heals, it can look smoother, scar edges can soften, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles may improve.
There are different types of laser treatments, but the two broad categories are:
Er:YAG is an ablative laser valued for precision and control. It can be delivered as fractional laser resurfacing (treating tiny columns with untreated skin between) or, in selected cases, as full-field resurfacing.
Laser treatment can help a range of skin conditions where scarring, uneven skin, sun-damaged skin, and texture change are part of the picture. The key is selecting the right type of laser used, the right treatment area, and a recovery time you can manage.
Many people search for “laser for wrinkles” when the real issue is a combination of roughness, uneven skin tone and surface irregularity. Laser resurfacing can improve texture changes associated with sun exposure and photoageing, and may also soften the appearance of wrinkles in selected areas.
This is where patients often notice improvements in:
Acne scar treatment works best when technique matches scar type. Many patients have atrophic acne scarring (depressed scars) rather than raised scars.
We commonly see:
Fractional laser treatment can soften scar edges and support collagen in the skin, which may reduce shadowing and help pitted skin look less obvious. If scars are tethered, laser resurfacing alone may disappoint, and combination treatment (for example subcision) is often more appropriate.
Post-surgical scars and traumatic scars (for example, after a fall) vary hugely. Some are mainly red early on; others become raised, firm or texturally uneven. A resurfacing treatment may help selected scars once the skin is stable.
Laser treatments may be used to:
We will also be frank when time, silicone-based scar care, or a different treatment approach is better medicine than early intervention.
Patients often ask what type of laser is being used and why. Er:YAG is a type of laser that targets water in the skin, allowing controlled ablation (precise removal) of a thin layer of skin. In clinical terms, that precision can reduce unnecessary thermal damage compared with carbon dioxide laser resurfacing (CO₂), which is one reason erbium is often associated with shorter recovery and a shorter recovery time at comparable treatment depths.
Both are ablative lasers, but they deliver heat differently.
There is no single “best laser” for everyone. The best laser approach is the one that matches your skin type, scar type, downtime tolerance and risk profile.
Most scar plans use fractional laser resurfacing. Fractional laser skin treatment delivers tiny treatment zones and leaves surrounding skin intact, supporting the body’s natural healing process.
Full-field resurfacing can be effective in selected cases, but it is more demanding in recovery time and aftercare. It should only be considered when the risk–benefit profile makes sense.
A scar and texture plan is usually staged.
We assess:
This is where we decide whether laser resurfacing treatment is right, or whether a nonablative laser, non-ablative fractional laser, microneedling/RF, subcision or another option is safer and more effective.
Most people need more than one session. The number depends on scar depth, the area of skin being treated, and how your skin heals.
As a guide:
Some patients notice improved skin texture after one session, but meaningful scar change is usually gradual and continues for months.
For most laser skin resurfacing, we numb the skin to improve comfort. Sensation during treatment varies by treatment area and intensity.
After treatment, skin will be red and may feel warm or tight for a short period. The treated skin then moves through a healing process that may include dryness, flaking or micro-crusting depending on the type of laser used and the depth.
Downtime is not a nuisance; it is part of the result. Recovery time depends on depth, the treatment area, and whether you are having fractional laser treatment or a more intensive resurfacing treatment.
Not everyone wants (or needs) deep scar revision. For patients seeking a “refresh” rather than deep scar revision, we can offer a CoolGlow™ (cold ablation) option.
This protocol uses ultra-short Er:YAG pulse lengths (around 100 µs) to create precise “cold” ablation with minimal thermal damage. It can be delivered using fractional MicroSpot settings, where around 10–25% of the surface of the epidermis is ablated in a session, leaving surrounding skin intact to support the body’s natural healing process.
In practical terms, this aims to polish the skin surface and improve luminosity, uneven skin tone and skin texture with a shorter recovery time than deeper ablative laser resurfacing. Many patients experience 24–48 hours of redness with mild dryness or fine flaking over the next 1–2 days, although this varies with skin type and treatment area. CoolGlow™ is still an ablative laser procedure, so aftercare and sun protection remain essential.
You can expect some combination of:
Following laser resurfacing, the skin heals in stages:
We explain how to protect your skin during recovery, including strict sun avoidance and SPF.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a known risk, especially in darker skin tones. This risk is manageable, but it requires selection, preparation and disciplined aftercare. If you are prone to pigment issues, we will be conservative and may recommend a preparation routine prior to treatment.
Laser treatment is safe when done correctly, but it is not risk-free. Complications are uncommon in experienced hands, but they must be taken seriously.
Possible risks include:
We may advise against laser resurfacing if:
For scars, combination treatment is common and often more logical.
Some patients also have diffuse facial redness or visible thread veins alongside scarring or uneven texture. In those cases, combining a vascular laser step (our QuadroStarPRO YELLOW) with Er:YAG resurfacing can create a more complete skin-quality change: the Yellow laser targets redness and individual vessels, while resurfacing refines texture and scar edges as the skin heals. The planning matters — these laser treatments may be staged, or combined in selected cases, and the overall recovery time is still driven mainly by the resurfacing step.
For scars, combination treatment is common and often more logical:
Sequencing matters. In some situations, combining too many treatments increases risk and should be avoided.
Your consultation and laser session are performed by our experienced laser specialists within a medically governed service at Chiswick Clinic. Medically reviewed by Dr Bela.
It can be, especially for atrophic acne scarring such as rolling scars and boxcar scars. Results depend on scar depth and whether scars are tethered. Many patients need a staged plan and more than one session.
In selected cases, yes. Laser resurfacing can improve surface irregularity and scar edges once a scar is stable. Some scars need time or other scar treatments first.
Fractional laser resurfacing treats tiny zones and leaves surrounding skin intact, often offering a more manageable recovery time. Full-field resurfacing removes a continuous layer of skin and involves more downtime and stricter aftercare.
It can be suitable, but the risk of pigmentation change is higher. Careful selection, conservative settings, preparation and strict sun protection are essential.
Recovery time varies. Most fractional laser treatment involves several days of visible redness and texture change, then gradual settling. Following laser, collagen remodelling continues for months.
There is no single best answer. The best approach depends on your scar type, skin type and treatment area. Sometimes a non-ablative laser resurfacing approach, a nonablative fractional laser, or a different treatment plan is more appropriate.
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