If you’re thinking about undergoing laser surgery to take care of some issues you’re having, you need to know what you may be in for before you follow through with the process.

First, you need to know what laser is.  Laser is really only light, but very concentrated light.  In the case of skin rejuvenation, it’s not concentrated enough to cut into the skin.  Instead, it uses light waves to rejuvenate the skin.  If you need more invasive skin procedures, the intensity is stronger, enough that it can either remove all or parts of your skin, called ablation, or it can be part of a surgical procedure that can go into the skin to stimulate collagen production.

Second, you need to be open with your physician about the specific issues you have, and be ready to answer questions such as whether you have problems healing, if you have blood clotting problems, or if you have a tendency to scar.  One of the things that can come from laser surgery is keloid scarring, and no one wants that to occur.

Third, you need to know what’s going to happen during your procedure, which depends on what you’re having done.  For instance, if you’re having a skin resurfacing procedure done, such as if you have rosacea (skin reddening, especially on the face), laser works by stripping away the top layers of dead skin, which will allow new cells to take its place.  If it works out, your skin, once it heals, will look healthier, and any issues you had before will be gone.  You’ll only be under local anesthesia, which means you’ll be awake while it’s going on, and the full procedure only takes about an hour.  The doctor will then put a dressing on you to protect your skin for the first day, and give you instructions on how to care for yourself once you leave.

If you’re having a laser skin resurfacing done, it’s a lot less invasive, and only takes about 30 minutes to complete. What happens here is, instead of removing skin, it passes through the upper layer of your skin, heating up the collagen underneath it to help rejuvenate your skin over time.  This may take a series of treatments for the best results, but it’s not an unpleasant experience, no scarring, and the results can be amazing.

Fourth, possible side effects.  We already talked about possible keloid scarring with resurfacing therapy, but that’s rare.  In general, there might be a little regular scarring, swelling, and some mild discomfort.  Your skin might be a little bit pink also, but it will eventually go away.  With rejuvenation, you might feel a little burning or stinging, but you won’t feel much else, though you might also have some mild redness, some itching and light peeling.

Price?  Price will vary depending on where a person is and the type of physician they go to for the procedure, so we can’t help you there.  However, like everything else, it’s best to shop around to see what the average price might be.  It’s also a good thing to ask for references, and then check those references.  Laser, even what’s considered as minor procedures, is still cosmetic surgery, and nothing to be taken lightly.  Make sure the person you select is someone you won’t have to worry about later on.