Laser skin resurfacing aims to give you smoother, brighter skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Whilst it can’t help with sagging skin, it can make skin feel tighter and firmer by stimulating new collagen growth.
It’s also a relatively quick treatment with little downtime so you don’t need to take weeks off work to recover, or halt your social plans.
This is one of many reasons why laser skin resurfacing is becoming an increasingly popular treatment as people want skin that feels fresher without the downtime associated with traditional full-surface laser treatments.
Searches for “fractional laser resurfacing” rose 30% in 2025 showing an increased interest in this aesthetic procedure.
With 40 years combined experience in surgical and non-surgical treatments, we’re discussing all there is to know about laser skin resurfacing, including what to expect from the treatment, any side effects, and preparation techniques. At LASE Cosmetic, we want all of our patients to be informed about any treatment before they commit, so we always insist on a one-to-one consultation before anyone goes ahead.
Let’s start by delving into laser skin resurfacing more.
What Is Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing uses lasers to help reduce fine lines, smooth out wrinkles, and to even out skin tone when the skin has been damaged by sun exposure or aging.
There are different types of laser resurfacing: ablative and non-ablative which we’re covering below. In both cases, the laser directs short, concentrated pulsating beams of light at irregular skin, helping to remove skin very precisely. It works by removing the outer layer of your skin (known as the epidermis) and heats the underlying layer of skin (known as the dermis).
The lasers stimulate the growth of new collagen, resulting in new skin that is smoother and tighter.
Different Types of Laser Skin Resurfacing
There are different types of lasers used for skin resurfacing, with CO2 and erbium (Er) lasers being among the most popular.
Both lasers can be used to improve wrinkles, scars, sun damage, and uneven skin texture, but the way they are delivered to the skin differs:
Full-Field Laser Resurfacing
Full-field laser resurfacing treats the entire surface area of the skin. This means all of the skin is being treated at once, so results can be dramatic as you’re targeting a whole area, whether that’s your face, neck, or hands. That said, recovery times are generally longer as more of the skin has to heal to achieve your desired look.
Fractional Laser Resurfacing
Fractional laser resurfacing creates thousands of tiny treatment columns within the skin, so you’re not treating the whole area. By using a series of microscopic laser beams (each the size of a human hair), the surrounding tissue is untouched. This means recovery is generally quicker, as the undisturbed skin helps speed up the healing process of the treated skin.
At LASE Cosmetic, we use Erbium Fractional Laser Technology, making it possible to achieve significant skin rejuvenation with less recovery time. Learn more about the treatment here, along with FAQS and the cost of laser treatment.
What Are the Benefits of Laser Skin Resurfacing?
The main benefits of laser skin resurfacing is that skin is left feeling tighter, smoother, and firmer. Below are some further benefits of laser treatment, helping you decide if this is a good option for you:
- Improves the texture of skin, helping to minimise rough or uneven areas
- Helps scarring as a result of acne for a smoother complexion
- Reduces skin damage from sun exposure by improving signs of pigmentation and discolouration
- Helps reduce visible signs of aging by targeting lines and wrinkles
- Boosts the production of collagen which can help the skin appear firmer
- Refreshing dull / tired skin to create a brighter appearance
Every individual and skin type is different so results will vary. That’s why choosing a trusted aesthetic clinic is key and ensuring you have a one-to-one consultation first so you can ask any questions about what to expect.
How Much Does Laser Skin Resurfacing Cost?
Like any cosmetic procedure, the cost of laser skin resurfacing varies depending on the clinic you use and location. For example in London, you could pay anything from £800-£1500 per session.
At LASE Cosmetic, we are a premium plastic surgery hospital, laser centre and non-surgical cosmetic treatment provider in Newcastle. We always insist on a consultation before any treatment goes ahead, but as a guide, our prices for Erbium Fractional Laser Technology start from £500.
Cost of treatment will also depend on whether you are having a larger or smaller area treated.
What Areas Can Be Treated With Laser Skin Resurfacing?
You might think laser skin resurfacing is only for your face, but it’s a versatile treatment which can improve the skin’s appearance on various areas of your body. For example, discolouration from sun exposure does not just affect your face – it can also leave visible signs of aging or pigmentation on your neck and chest.
Take a look below to see how this treatment can be used across your body:
- Neck – improves the texture of skin and reduces signs of ageing.
- Décolletage (chest area) – helps even out sun damage, pigmentation, and fine lines.
- Hands – can reduce age spots and improve the general appearance of skin.
- Back and shoulders – often used to improve the appearance of visible scarring.
- Arms and legs – helps treat damage from the sun damage and certain types of scarring.
During your consultation, your practitioner will assess the suitability of treatment depending on the area being targeted, your type of skin, and the issues you would like to address.
Laser Skin Resurfacing FAQs
Below are some laser skin resurfacing FAQs helping you quickly get the answers you need.
What types of skin lesions can Erbium laser treat?
Erbium YAG laser is indicated for skin lesions such as sun keratosis, atrophic facial scars (acne, chickenpox), dyschromia (melasma, freckles), facial wrinkles, stretch marks, sagging skin and large pores. Using pulses of variable depth, even patients with deeper wrinkles can achieve excellent results.
Does skin colour make a difference?
All types of skin colour can be treated except dark Afro-Caribbean skin.
Are there any side effects?
A sunburn sensation including moderate redness and swelling of the skin usually occurs and lasts 1 to 3 days. Expect mild peeling to take place usually at day 4 to 7. Dryness of the skin is treated using a recommended moisturiser, forming a seal that prevents further water loss. There is a very small risk of pigment change, infection and scarring following treatment. Laser treatment may produce temporary grid patterns in the skin. This is very rarely permanent.
How does the skin look afterwards?
The skin looks pink afterwards ranging from slightly pink for a micropeel, to intense red for a deeper peel. Microscopic holes (pixels) will be visible, which is normal. In the case of a micropeel the pinkness settles over 1-2 days. In the case of deeper peels, the skin looks deep red and there may be some oozing and the redness settles over 7-10 days. It is important to use good sun protection as the skin recovers to protect the fresh new skin from being damaged again. As the skin heals it reveals fresher, younger looking skin and reduces surface irregularities and brown spots. New collagen continues to develop over 3-6 months.
Need Help Deciding Which Treatment Is Right For You?
Book your consultation with our experts here.
Is Laser Skin Resurfacing Worth It? Benefits, Results, and Treatment Areas
Laser skin resurfacing is an effective, non-surgical cosmetic procedure that can make skin appear more youthful and more radiant.
By using direct, concentrated pulses of light, it removes the outer layer of skin and stimulates new collagen production, which is responsible for keeping the skin firm and smooth.
Before deciding to have any type of skin treatment, doing your research first is key. We hope we’ve managed to answer some of your questions around laser treatment so you can make an informed decision.
At LASE Cosmetic, we are a premium aesthetic hospital located in Newcastle. We offer a range of surgical and non-surgical treatments from our CQC-certified clinic so you know that any treatment is delivered to the highest standards of safety and care.
To discuss your individual goals in more detail, book your consultation here and a member of our team will be happy to help.
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