Types

• There are two primary types of laser treatments for facial skin. Medically necessary procedures involve laser treatments that are used to correct health-related conditions, such as severe acne scarring or rosacea. Cosmetic procedures involve laser treatment for conditions that are not considered health-related, including laser facial hair removal, skin tightening and spider vein removal.
  
  

Function

• The type of laser used for a facial treatment is determined by the desired function. Laser hair removal treatments use special lasers that target the pigmentation in the hair follicle. The laser light energy from these lasers converts into heat energy, which destroys the follicle from the inside. Ablative lasers may be used to vaporize the surface layer of skin in order to treat acne scarring. Fine line wrinkles and sun damage may be treated with non-ablative lasers, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
  
  

Time Frame

• The amount of time necessary for a laser treatment for facial skin is dependent upon the type of procedure being performed. In most cases, laser facial treatments will take no longer than one hour. Simple procedures may take considerably less time. Some laser procedures, such a laser facial hair removal treatments, may require repeated treatments spaced at specific intervals.
  
  

Considerations

• Laser skin treatments should only be performed by trained professionals. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) recommends only using the services of a board certified plastic surgeon for laser skin rejuvenation procedures. The ASPS further recommends the physician performing the procedure have a minimum of five years of surgical training and two years of plastic surgery experience. Laser facial skin rejuvenation procedures should only be performed in an accredited medical facility.
  
  

Benefits

• Laser facial skin treatments may be used to lift the eyebrows, tighten the skin on the neck, firm the skin on the cheeks and forehead, reduce the appearance of fine line wrinkles, even out skin tone, improve moderate acne, reduce scarring due to severe acne, eliminate spider veins and a number of other procedures, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Most laser facial skin treatments can be performed on an outpatient basis in the doctor's office or clinic. Some laser facial skin treatments may be covered by an individual's health insurance policy. Patients should consult with their insurance company to determine if the desired procedure is covered.