At a glance
Laser skin resurfacing is a dermatology procedure that uses focused beams of light to remove damaged outer layers of skin and stimulate the growth of new, smoother skin beneath. The laser delivers controlled energy to the skin surface, vaporising or gently injuring the top layers in a very precise pattern.
As the skin heals, the body produces fresh collagen (the protein that gives skin its firmness and bounce). The result is skin that looks smoother, more even in tone, and less marked by lines, scars, or sun damage. Two main types are used: ablative lasers, which remove the outer skin layer entirely, and non-ablative lasers, which heat the deeper layer without removing the surface.
Medical Condition
Laser skin resurfacing is chosen when skin concerns have not responded well to creams, chemical peels, or other non-laser treatments. It is most often used to improve the appearance of skin that has been visibly damaged or aged.
- Fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes and mouth
- Acne scars and other depressed (pitted) scars
- Sun damage, including uneven pigmentation (dark patches) and rough texture
- Age spots and liver spots
- Enlarged pores
- Mild to moderate skin laxity (looseness)
- Superficial (surface-level) skin growths that the dermatologist judges safe to treat with laser
Laser resurfacing is not suitable for everyone. A dermatologist will assess skin type, medical history, and current skin condition before recommending it.
- Active acne breakouts or skin infections in the treatment area
- Very dark skin tones where certain laser types carry a higher risk of permanent pigmentation changes
- A history of keloid (raised, thickened) scarring
- Autoimmune skin conditions such as lupus or active psoriasis
- Recent use of certain oral acne medications (isotretinoin) within the past year, as healing may be impaired
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Risks & Complications
Laser skin resurfacing is generally well tolerated, but like any procedure that affects the skin barrier, it carries recognised risks.
- Redness and swelling, which are normal in the days after treatment and usually settle on their own
- Itching or a burning sensation during healing
- Temporary darkening of the skin (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), more common in medium to darker skin tones
- Permanent lightening of the skin (hypopigmentation) in the treated area
- Infection, including bacterial infection or reactivation of the herpes simplex virus (cold sore virus) in people who carry it
- Scarring, which is rare but can occur if healing is disrupted
- Prolonged redness lasting several months, more common with ablative lasers
- Changes in skin texture that do not fully resolve
- Eye injury if the procedure is performed close to the eye area without proper protective shields
Preparation & Procedure
Preparation starts several weeks before the procedure, not on the day itself. The dermatologist will usually ask the patient to avoid direct sun exposure and to stop using any skin products that contain retinoids (vitamin A derivatives that increase skin sensitivity) for a set period. Smoking slows skin healing, so doctors typically ask patients to avoid it for at least two weeks before and after treatment.
Patients with a history of cold sores are usually given antiviral medication to take before the procedure to reduce the risk of a viral flare-up. Some doctors also prescribe a course of antibiotics as a preventive measure. Blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medications may be paused as directed by the treating doctor.
Pre-procedure tests vary by clinic, but may include a skin assessment under specialised lighting, photographs for baseline comparison, and patch testing (applying a small laser pulse to a discreet area of skin to see how it responds). For ablative treatments, some clinics carry out basic blood tests.
On the day of the procedure, patients are usually asked to arrive with clean, product-free skin. For more intensive ablative treatments, fasting may be required if sedation is planned. The typical sequence of steps is as follows.
- The skin is cleansed thoroughly to remove oils and bacteria.
- A topical anaesthetic cream (numbing cream) is applied and left for a set time, usually around 30 to 60 minutes, to reduce discomfort. For deeper treatments, local injections or sedation may be used instead.
- Protective eye shields are placed over the eyes.
- The laser handpiece is moved across the treatment area in a controlled, overlapping pattern. The doctor or technician adjusts settings based on the area being treated and the patient's skin type.
- Cooling air or a cooling device is often applied alongside the laser to manage heat.
- After the laser pass is complete, the skin is treated with a soothing ointment or dressing to protect the raw surface.
Aftercare
Recovery after laser skin resurfacing depends heavily on which type of laser was used. Non-ablative treatments typically allow the patient to return to daily activities within a day or two, with only mild redness. Ablative treatments can require one to two weeks of at-home recovery, during which the skin weeps, crusts, and then peels before the new surface forms.
- The treated skin is usually kept moist with prescribed ointments or gentle barrier creams; letting it dry out slows healing.
- The face is cleaned with plain water or a mild saline solution (salt water) several times a day as directed, avoiding any scrubbing.
- Sun exposure must be avoided completely during healing. After healing, a broad-spectrum sunscreen is worn every day without exception, as the new skin is highly vulnerable to UV damage and pigmentation changes.
- Makeup is usually not allowed until the skin has fully re-epithelialised (grown a new surface layer), which the doctor will confirm at a follow-up visit.
- Strenuous exercise, saunas, and hot baths are typically avoided for one to two weeks because heat and sweat increase the risk of infection and prolong redness.
- Alcohol should be avoided during the healing period as it can dilate blood vessels and worsen swelling.
- A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled within the first week to check healing, then again at four to six weeks to assess the result.
- The full result of ablative laser resurfacing is usually visible at three to six months, once collagen remodelling (the rebuilding of the skin's support structure) is complete.
- If multiple sessions are planned, as is common with non-ablative approaches, the doctor will advise on timing between sessions.
Cost & What Determines It
The price of laser skin resurfacing varies widely from one patient to the next, because the treatment is highly customised. No two patients have exactly the same skin condition, treatment area, or choice of laser type, and each of those factors changes the cost.
- Type of laser used: ablative lasers (such as CO2 or erbium lasers) are generally more resource-intensive than non-ablative or fractional (partially ablative) approaches, and are priced accordingly.
- Size and number of areas treated: resurfacing the full face costs more than targeting a small scar or one area around the eyes or mouth.
- Severity of the skin concern: deeper acne scars or more advanced sun damage typically require more aggressive settings or additional sessions.
- Number of sessions required: non-ablative treatments are often done in a series, so the quoted price per session may not reflect the total investment.
- Type of anaesthesia: topical cream adds little to the cost, but sedation or anaesthetist involvement adds a significant separate fee.
- Hospital or clinic class and country: a hospital accredited to international standards in a major city will price differently from a local clinic.
- Consumables: the laser tips, dressings, and post-procedure skincare products used during and after the session.
- Post-procedure products: prescription ointments, high-factor sunscreens, and any antiviral or antibiotic medications prescribed for home use.
A package price at a clinic or hospital typically covers the consultation, the laser session itself, and basic post-procedure dressings. Items that are commonly billed separately include pre-procedure skin-priming products, additional sessions if the first result is not sufficient, prescription medications for home use, and any follow-up visits beyond those included in the original package.
BPJS Kesehatan does not cover aesthetic procedures, and most Indonesian private health insurance policies also exclude them. Patients travelling abroad for laser skin resurfacing almost always pay out of pocket, unless they hold international private insurance that explicitly covers elective aesthetic treatment, which is uncommon. Before booking travel, requesting a written itemised cost estimate from the clinic covers the procedure fee, anaesthesia, consumables, and follow-up visits separately, so there are no unexpected bills on arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions of laser skin resurfacing will I need?
The number of sessions depends on what your skin needs and the type of laser used. Ablative lasers (those that remove the outer skin layer) often deliver noticeable results in one session, while non-ablative lasers (those that work beneath the surface without removing it) usually require several sessions spaced weeks apart. Your dermatologist will recommend a plan after assessing your skin concern, whether that is acne scars, wrinkles, uneven tone, or sun damage.
Does laser skin resurfacing hurt?
Most people feel a warming or stinging sensation during the procedure, similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin. A numbing cream is usually applied beforehand to reduce discomfort, and for more intensive ablative treatments a local anaesthetic or sedation may be used. After the session, the treated area can feel tender and sensitive, like a mild sunburn, for several days.
How soon will I see results from laser skin resurfacing?
Some improvement is often visible once initial redness and peeling settle, which can take one to two weeks for ablative treatments and less time for non-ablative ones. Full results, including collagen remodelling (the process where your skin rebuilds its deeper support structure), can take several months to appear. Most people see gradual, progressive improvement rather than an overnight change.
How much does laser skin resurfacing cost?
The price varies depending on the type of laser used, the size of the area being treated, the number of sessions in your plan, and the class of clinic or hospital you choose. Ablative treatments, which are more intensive, tend to cost more than non-ablative ones. Requesting a written estimate from your chosen hospital is the clearest way to get a figure that matches your specific skin concern and treatment plan.
This page is general information, not a substitute for medical advice. Every case is different. Your doctor decides what is right for you.
