Does the actual process of laser skin resurfacing hurt?

Question:
Does the actual process of laser skin resurfacing hurt? Do over the counter pain medications suffice for before and after the procedure?

Answer:
Depending upon the type of laser skin resurfacing procedure performed the procedure can be quite uncomfortable. In my experience, laser skin resurfacing performed for the correction of significant skin wrinkling or sun damage is best performed with either mild oral or IV sedation or with the use of topical numbing agents and a Zimmer Chiller. By the nature of the procedure, the more that you need to do to correct various skin changes, the more powerful and aggressive the laser that will need to be used in order to properly address these issues. The more aggressive the laser skin resurfacing performed, the more uncomfortable the procedure.

Posted by Dr. Philip Schoenfeld