Laser resurfacing
Laser resurfacing is an advanced procedure to permanently remove pigmentation, the signs of ageing, sun damage and acne scars.
Advanced skin rejuvenation and resurfacing procedure
Delivered by specialist doctors and nurses only
Treats scars, line sand wrinkles, pigmentation and sun damage
Consultations with a nurse are free, and from £110 with a doctor
Laser resurfacing at sk:n
Medically reviewed by: Helen Green, Nurse Prescriber and Non-Surgical Lead, 1st July 2023. Next review July 2024
Laser resurfacing is one of the most advanced skin rejuvenation treatments available. It is hugely effective as a rejuvenation treatment which removes fine lines and wrinkles, tightens skin, evens out discolouration, repairs sun damage and smooths out rough skin. It can also treat deeper skin concerns such as scars, acne scars, hyper-pigmentation and pigmentation. Our skin experts can focus on specific areas such as around the eyes or mouth, or treat the whole face. We can also treat the neck, chest, hands and arms.
How do laser resurfacing treatments work?
The laser creates beams of thermal energy which penetrate deep into the skin. The laser beams vaporise damaged skin and by stimulating your body’s natural healing process, encourage collagen production and cell regeneration to reveal glowing renewed skin.
Is laser resurfacing right for me?
If you have lines and wrinkles around your mouth, eyes or forehead and are looking for noticeable rejuvenation and younger-looking skin, this treatment will give you exceptional results. It can also treat skin conditions including scarring, acne scarring, hyper-pigmentation and pigmentation such as age spots and sunspots.
Laser resurfacing – the options
There are two types of laser treatments – ablative and non-ablative. Ablative destroys the top layer of skin which means more recovery time, non-ablative lasers do not destroy the top layer of skin but penetrate beneath to encourage new cell generation. Depending on your individual needs, your doctor will recommend the best laser treatment for you. Ablative lasers include carbon dioxide (CO2) or Erbium. CO2 laser resurfacing treatments are used to remove or reduce scars, warts, and deep wrinkles. Fraxel is used for finer lines and wrinkles, along with other superficial skin concerns.
Erbium Yag
The Erbium Yag laser is for superficial skin concerns, such as minor wrinkles as it doesn’t travel deep into the skin. This laser resurfacing is mild compared to the other laser treatments and has a shorter recovery time.
Fraxel®
The Fraxel® laser has two treatment modes – one to specifically target deeper wrinkles, scars and acne scarring, and the other to effectively combat pigmentation, uneven skin tone and superficial signs of ageing. The Fraxel® laser also treats only a fraction of tissue at a time, leaving the surrounding tissue untouched, which promotes rapid healing. Fraxel® treatment is not suitable for people with skin type 4 – 6.
Find out more about Fraxel® Laser Resurfacing
CO2RE
The CO2RE laser is a Carbon Dioxide laser which offers four different treatment modes. CO2RE treatments range from reducing the appearance of pores on the top layer of your skin to working deep into the dermis to smooth the appearance of acne scars. Whatever your concern, CO2RE can help, especially if you are looking for a deep resurfacing treatment.
What results can I expect?
The results of laser resurfacing are both immediate and progressive. Soon after the treatment, the surface of your skin will feel softer and smoother, look brighter and have a more even tone. The next 3 to 6 months will bring further improvements as the deeper layers of the skin continue to produce new collagen. Some ablative laser treatments (which may have a longer recovery time) will require few treatments and will last for several years. Other non-ablative laser treatments may require several sessions to see the best results but have less downtime.
Three simple steps to start your journey
Step 1
Book a no obligation consultation with an experienced laser resurfacing doctor to examine and discuss your treatment. You can call us directly or request a callback.
Step 2
Visit your sk:n clinic and meet your doctor for a one to one consultation. During this consultation we will:
- Assess the area and your suitability for treatment
- Explain the procedure, recovery, likely outcomes and costs
- Go through your past medical history
- Answer any questions you have regarding the treatment
Step 3
Begin your laser resurfacing treatment at the UK’s leading skin clinic. All of our treatments are performed in a clinical environment. We will also prescribe Pre and Post Treatment Programme which includes a range of home care products. This will ensure you get the best possible results.
sk:n are regulated through the Care Quality Commission (CQC) the same regulator as the NHS and the equivalent in Scotland (HIS) and Wales (HIW). Trust the experts, we perform many laser resurfacing treatments every year so you can rest assured you’re in safe hands.
Laser resurfacing before and afters
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After
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After
Laser resurfacing reviews
Here’s what our clients have to say…
Good range of treatments and offers.
Laser resurfacing pricing
The prices shown are a guide, and your price will be confirmed in your consultation with your doctor or nurse.
To secure an appointment, your credit or debit card details will be secured against your booking. For free laser resurfacing consultations with a nurse, this is £25. For all other chargeable consultations, appointments, test patches and reviews, please refer to our payment protection and cancellation policies for more information.
| Doctor consultations from |
£110.00
|
| Treatment | Single Treatment From | Course of 3 Price per Treatment From |
| Test patch | £105.00 |
£105.00
|
| Half face or hands | £770.00 |
£693.33
|
| Full face or décolletage | £1,056.00 |
£950.00
|
| Face and neck | £1,419.00 |
£1,277.66
|
| Face, neck and décolletage | £1,922.00 |
£1,729.66
|
The sk:n promise
Our mission to deliver confidence through better skin is at the heart of everything we do. Our promise to you:
- Award-winning, unrivalled medical expertise. No one has more consultants, doctors and clinical expertise than sk:n, so no other dermatology provider comes close.
- Outstanding approach to client care for over 30 years. We’ve consistently delivered unrivalled, personalised client care, that’s always right for our clients. If you have a concern, you can trust us to solve it.
- Standards you can trust. Our market-leading medical, safety and training protocols and strict industry regulation means you can trust that your safety and care is our priority.
- We are the UK’s leading skin clinics. We’ve treated millions of clients, improving their self-confidence for the better – with some life-changing results.
Request a callback
One of our friendly sk:n advisors will call you to book your consultation.
- More than 450 consultants, doctors, nurses and medical practitioners
- Regulated by the Care Quality Commission, Health Inspectorate Wales and Health Improvement Scotland
- Partner of the NHS
- Rated excellent by our clients on Trustpilot
- Strict safety and care protocols
Which Laser Resurfacing Is Right for You?
During your consultation, your practitioner will discuss your needs and assess your suitability for treatment so that your Laser Resurfacing treatment can achieve your desired results.
Erbium Yag
The Erbium Yag laser is for superficial skin concerns, such as minor wrinkles, because it doesn’t travel very deeply into the skin. This laser resurfacing is mild compared to the others we offer at sk:n and so has a shorter recovery time because it is very targeted
Fraxel
The Fraxel laser has two treatment modes – one to specifically target wrinkles and acne scarring, and the other to effectively combat pigmentation, uneven skin tone and superficial signs of ageing. The Fraxel laser also treats only a fraction of tissue at a time, leaving the surrounding tissue untouched, which promotes rapid healing. Fraxel treatment is not suitable for people with skin type 4 – 6.
Find out more about Fraxel Laser Resurfacing
CO2RE
The CO2RE laser is a Carbon Dioxide laser, which offers four different treatment modes, ranging from reducing the appearance of pores on the uppermost layer of your skin, to working deep into the dermis to smooth the appearance of acne scars. Whatever your concern, CO2RE can help, especially if you are looking for a deep resurfacing treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Are there alternative treatments to laser resurfacing?
If you aren’t sure if this treatment is right for your skin concern, we offer a wide range of treatments to rejuvenate your skin. Our skin peels are hugely popular, especially if you are getting ready for a big event and want to look your best. We also offer microneedling which can be a highly effective treatment for lines, wrinkles and sun-damaged skin.
Can I go out in the sun after treatment?
Your skin will definitely be more sensitive to the sun for up to a year after treatment. Wear a high factor sun cream such as sk:n SPF 30 on the treated area, even when it is cloudy. This dual-action product will protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays whilst nourishing and hydrating your skin.
Can laser resurfacing remove acne scars?
This is a very effective treatment for acne scarring. The level of reduction will depend on the type and depth of the acne scar. Your doctor will discuss expected treatment results with you during your consultation.
Does laser resurfacing hurt?
Prior to treatment, your doctor will numb the area using a local anaesthetic to ensure minimal discomfort throughout. Where there is a larger area to treat, it may be necessary to carry out the treatment under general anaesthetic in a local hospital. We will talk you through the whole process in your consultation.
How long does laser resurfacing take to heal?
This will depend on the treatment area and the type of laser used. Your skin will be red for a few days and the skin will then begin to peel which may last 7-10 days. We will confirm all of this during your initial consultation.
How many treatments do I need?
Many of our clients see amazing results from just one treatment. The specific number of sessions required will be discussed in your initial consultation and your doctor will tailor your treatment plan to your goals and desired results, as well as your lifestyle.
How much does laser resurfacing cost?
This will depend on the area required and the number of treatments. One treatment for half face starts from £635. You will make a saving if you purchase a course of three.
Is laser resurfacing permanent?
Results will last for a long time, but they are not permanent. Your skin will continue to age, so you may need further treatments in the future.
What does laser resurfacing do?
Laser resurfacing removes the damaged outer layer of skin, which then encourages new skin to grow. This can effectively remove or reduce scars, lines and wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation, pigmentation and rough skin.
What downtime is required?
Immediately after the treatment, your skin will be red, similar to a sunburn. This may last a few days and, depending on the type of treatment, you may also experience some swelling and or flaking of the skin. If pigmentation is present on the skin, this may darken soon after treatment and last a few days until it gently flakes away revealing fresher, glowing and smoother skin.
What kind of results should I expect?
Results can begin to appear progressively within a week to ten days as your skin heals naturally and new cells develop. The impressive thing about laser resurfacing is that collagen carries on repairing the skin below the surface for months after it has healed on the surface, so your results will get better and better with time.
Will I need time off work?
You may need to take some time off work initially whilst your skin is healing. Your doctor will advise you on the recovery time of your treatment during your consultation.
