Laser Skin Resurfacing in Ireland

Laser resurfacing uses concentrated light energy to remove damaged skin cells and stimulate collagen production. This controlled resurfacing improves texture, pigmentation, scars, and fine lines for smoother, clearer skin.

As with all treatments, please consider planning social events around treatments. Any potential complications will be discussed during consultation, and you will be given a copy in writing.

Laser resurfacing is effective for wrinkles and fine lines, acne scars, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, rough texture, uneven tone, and mild skin laxity.

This varies by laser type and treatment goals. Ablative lasers may provide significant results in one session, while non-ablative or fractional lasers often require 3–5 sessions spaced weeks apart.

Non-ablative treatments may feel warm or prickly, while ablative lasers can be more intense. Topical numbing, local anesthesia, or mild sedation are commonly used to keep patients comfortable.

Downtime depends on the laser type:

• Non-ablative: minimal downtime (redness 24–72 hours)

• Fractional: light peeling and swelling (3–7 days)

• Ablative: more intensive recovery (7–14 days) with visible skin renewal

Full healing and collagen remodeling continue for several weeks.

Initial improvements may be visible within 1–2 weeks, with continued enhancement over 3–6 months as new collagen forms. Results can last years with proper skincare and sun protection.

Laser resurfacing improves the current condition of the skin, but natural aging and sun exposure continue which will affect the results with time. Maintenance treatments and healthy skincare habits help prolong results.

Possible side effects include redness, swelling, peeling, temporary pigment changes, and sensitivity. Rare complications include scarring, prolonged discoloration, and infection, typically avoidable with proper aftercare and surgeon expertise.

Lighter skin tones have full access to most laser types. Darker skin tones can still be treated safely, but require careful device selection (often fractional or non-ablative) to avoid pigmentation issues.

Most patients receive numbing cream. For stronger ablative lasers, local anesthesia, nerve blocks, or mild sedation may be used for comfort.

Makeup is typically allowed once the skin has re-epithelialized and no longer has open or peeling areas, usually around 7–10 days for ablative resurfacing and within 24–48 hours for non-ablative treatments. Exercise should be avoided until swelling and heat sensitivity have settled, as increased blood flow can worsen inflammation; this is generally 7–10 days for ablative lasers and 2–5 days for milder treatments. Your Surgeon will give a precise timeline based on your skin response and treatment strength.

Yes. Ablative lasers remove the outer layers of damaged skin while heating the deeper dermis, which offers more dramatic results for wrinkles, scars, and texture but with longer downtime. Non-ablative lasers heat the deeper layers without removing surface skin, stimulating collagen with less downtime but more gradual, multiple treatment results. Fractional lasers can be ablative or non-ablative and work by treating microscopic “fractions” of the skin, leaving surrounding tissue intact to accelerate healing. This makes them a middle-ground option for patients seeking significant improvement with faster recovery.