• The best candidates for skin resurfacing are light-skinned non-smokers and healthy.  One should be free of any active skin infections, including acne. Those who are unsuited for the procedure include people who take or have taken certain medications (including but not limited to Accutane and some steroids) within the previous 18 months. People who tend to have unusual scarring, such as keloids, are also not considered good candidates for laser resurfacing.

• Those who can benefit from a skin resurfacing procedure include patients with skin imperfections like wrinkles, loose skin, scars (including acne scars), vascular lesions (like broken capillaries or spider veins), enlarged pores, rough skin texture, dark spots (hyperpigmentation) on the skin, or unwanted tattoos, hair, or birthmarks. Even pre-cancerous lesions on the skin can be effectively removed with laser resurfacing.

• Anesthesia is given. Depending on the type and depth of the procedure, skin resurfacing may be performed using only a topical anesthetic (a cream which is placed on the skin’s surface to numb it). In this case, a waiting period is usually required before beginning the actual procedure, to allow time for the anesthetic to work. For deeper peels, the area may be injected with a local anesthetic. An oral sedative may be given to help you relax. In rare cases, or when other procedures are being performed in conjunction with resurfacing, IV sedation or even general anesthesia may be used.
• The skin and surrounding areas are prepared. The skin is thoroughly cleansed, and any areas that will not be treated may be marked or draped to protect them. Usually, the patient will have some sort of barrier put in place to protect the eyes during the procedure. The skin is then slathered with a special gel substance to facilitate the movement of the device over the skin and improve conductivity of the laser energy.
• Laser procedure is performed. The Co2 laser is an ablative laser, which means that it literally removes upper layers of damaged skin. Your surgeon passes a wand-like device over the areas to be treated, and the laser emits a beam of light which vaporizes the top layers of damaged skin in a precise and controlled manner.
• Cooling preparation is applied. Many surgeons will apply some sort of cooling preparation to the skin for a brief period post-operatively. The purpose is to reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Protective skin barriers are applied. Your surgeon will apply some sort of protective barrier to the skin. Sometimes, this consists only of a healing ointment and sunscreen, while other cases may require the application of bandages and/or a silicone dressing.

Post-Operative Care:

• Skin resurfacing is usually performed on an outpatient basis. You will be required to keep the skin moist and to stay out of the sun completely during the healing period,
•  One should  wear some type of sterile dressing over the treated area.
• Your surgeon will provide instructions for washing the skin.
• You can expect some swelling, discomfort, and possible crusting and weeping of the skin.
• Do not pick at the skin, as this can lead to infection and scarring. Over-the-counter medications are often sufficient to manage pain, or you may be given prescriptions for pain medication and/or antibiotics.

Recovery & Downtime:

• It is generally recommended that the patient rest indoors for at least 7 to 10 days, except in the case of a very light peel.
• The redness, crusting, and/or peeling subsides within 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on the depth of your peel.
• Even if you do decide to return to work before healing is complete, you must absolutely continue to follow the recommendations of your surgeon in regards to sun exposure and the use of protective skin barriers.