Laser skin resurfacing is a safe and effective way to make old skin look younger. Laser can reduce or eliminate the wrinkles and fine lines on the face, it can smooth scars caused by acne, chicken pox, or trauma, it can remove sun and age spots, and even remove moles and pre-cancers from the face. Laser skin resurfacing is an outpatient procedure taking anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour. Because the laser energy is so precise, the depth of resurfacing can be tailored to meet the patients need.

There are two lasers available for skin resurfacing, the CO2 and the Erbium. The CO2 laser is the strongest and tightens the skin the most. It is best used for reducing deep wrinkles and large scars in patients with light colored skin. The CO2 laser gives the most dramatic results, but because it is such a stronger laser, the healing time is longer than with the gentler Erbium laser. The results of the CO2 laser last longer than the Erbium laser.

The Erbium laser is a gentle laser and is best for fine lines and small scars. Skin pigment and moles can also be removed with the Erbium. Where the CO2 laser is confined to the face only, the Erbium laser can be used to smooth the neck and remove age spots from the hands. The recovery time is shorter and the cost is less with the Erbium compared with the CO2 laser. The Erbium can also be used for patients with darker skin.

Dr. Shuler is certified and experienced with both the CO2 and Erbium lasers. He has performed more laser skin resurfacing than any one else in Kern County and can look at your skin to tell you which laser would be best for you.

To ask Dr. Shuler questions directly, use our emailform and he will promptly answer them for you.