Resurfacing skin

Skin resurfacing employs a variety of techniques to change the surface texture and appearance of the skin. Common skin resurfacing techniques include chemical peels, dermabrasion, and laser resurfacing.

Skin resurfacing procedures may be performed for cosmetic reasons, such as diminishing the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth or eyes. They may also be used as a medical treatment, such as removing large numbers of certain precancerous lesions called actinic keratoses. Physicians sometimes combine techniques, using dermabrasion or laser resurfacing on some areas of the face, while performing a chemical peel on other areas.

Do I need a skin resurfacing?

You may be a good candidate for skin resurfacing if you have one or more of the following conditions:

wrinkled or sun-damaged facial skin
vertical wrinkles around your mouth, such as those that cause lipstick "bleed"
"crow's feet" lines around your eyes and perhaps some skin laxity in your lower eyelid area
fine wrinkling of your upper eyelids
brown spots or blotchy skin coloring
certain precancerous skin growths
acne or chicken pox scars
superficial facial scars from a past injury