Laser facial resurfacing is a technique that removes the upper layers of the facial skin using a laser. It is a way of improving the look of the skin without having full cosmetic surgery. It can be effective for reducing mild scarring, or the effects of sun damage, such as fine wrinkles. 

Lasers are the most effective tools available today for eliminating wrinkles. Unlike other resurfacing methods, lasers not only exfoliate the surface of the skin, but they also tighten the skin’s collagen fibers, thereby restoring some of the skin’s elasticity. After laser skin resurfacing many patients look 10 to 20 years younger, and results last about 10 years. 

Laser facial resurfacing is most effective for removing superficial wrinkles, generally lightening the skin, evening out pigmentation (coloring), smoothing rough skin and improving the look of shallow acne scars. The laser can be focused on problem areas, for example wrinkles around the eyes, mouth or nose, or the whole surface of the face can be targeted. The procedure shouldn't be used on the neck and jaw, or to treat deep wrinkles, sagging skin and extra fat, which require a surgical facelift. Laser resurfacing can cause changes in the pigmentation of the face, which means that surgeons do not normally use laser techniques on dark skin, and surgery may be advised instead.