Healthy, beautiful skin. Everyone wants it. But wrinkles, dull patches, and scars can happen to everyone too. When your skin needs a serious refresh, don’t keep trying creams or use harsh chemicals—turn to laser power!

Toronto laser skin resurfacing expert Dr. Mike Roskies has spent countless hours in the operating room, at the bedside and in the office, learning and listening to patients who just want to look the way they feel. He creates lifelong bonds with his patients by going through the transformative journey together.

What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

When your skin ages, it’s common for its elasticity and resilience to decline. Sun, environmental, and genetic damage accumulates, making it difficult for your skin to resist wrinkles and retain the natural glow it once had. Add to that the problem of scars and reduced collagen production, and your face can ultimately look more tired and aged than you really are.

Laser skin resurfacing counteracts these issues by safely removing damaged skin and stimulating your body to heal and rejuvenate your skin. Using highly-focused light energy, this technology removes the damaged outer layer of skin. Doing so allows your body to replace it with new, healthy skin while simultaneously promoting the natural production of collagen and other compounds necessary for youthful skin.

What is the difference between an erbium laser and CO2?

Almost all laser skin resurfacing treatments will use a laser powered either by erbium or CO2 (carbon dioxide). While these lasers perform similarly, there are significant differences, the most important of which is wavelength.

CO2 lasers produce infrared light in the 9,000 to 11,000 nm (nanometre) range. This wavelength is very effective at heating and destroying damaged skin cells, but it is also susceptible to being absorbed by surrounding healthy tissue. This can cause pain and damage underlying tissue or damage cells adjacent to those that are targeted by the treatment.

Erbium lasers, meanwhile, produce infrared light at a much shorter wavelength—less than 3000 nm. This means that they are more readily absorbed by water and do not penetrate as deeply as those produced by CO2. Thus, they are much less likely to damage surrounding tissues and cause undesired effects.

Toronto laser skin resurfacing model with brown hair

How do I know if Laser Skin Resurfacing is right for me?

—Mike Roskies, MD, MSc, FRCSC

Laser skin resurfacing is an excellent option if you want to reduce or eliminate the appearance of:

Wrinkles and fine lines
Uneven skin tone and texture
Dark or discolored spots
Rosacea
Enlarged pores
Scars, including those from acne or chickenpox
Warts
Skin laxity

During your consultation for laser skin resurfacing Toronto Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Mike Roskies will discuss your current condition and your goals for the treatment. Most patients require multiple treatments to achieve their ideal results, but together, you and Dr. Roskies will determine the right course of action for your needs and lifestyle and craft a personalized treatment plan.

Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure & Recovery

Mike Roskies, MD, MSc, FRCSC

Toronto Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr Mike Roskies with laser skin resurfacing model with red hair

Dr. Roskies performs all his laser skin resurfacing treatments in-house at his Toronto clinic. It will vary depending on the extent of your treatment plan, but most procedures can be performed in less than an hour. You’ll be seated comfortably, your skin will be cleaned, and a light anesthetic is typically applied to ensure comfort. Then, Dr. Roskies will activate the laser and apply it to the targeted area.

Typically, he will perform the ablation as a series of passes over the damaged skin to ensure balanced results. After he is finished with the laser, he will apply a soothing balm to your skin to help the healing process begin. When your procedure is complete, you’ll be free to go home to rest. You may experience some redness and tenderness over the first few days. It will be important that you follow my aftercare instructions closely, especially when it comes to nourishing and protecting your skin. Sun exposure should be carefully avoided for the first week, but you should be able to return to your normal daily activities and skincare routine after that.

Laser Skin Resurfacing Results

Your results will be unique to you, but you can expect to see a reduction or elimination of aging signs like wrinkles, scars, or discoloration once your course of treatment is complete. You should also observe that your skin now has an even tone and texture, with a healthy glow. Keep in mind that the duration of your results will depend on how well you care for your rejuvenated skin. Also, multiple treatments are often needed to achieve desired results.

Laser Skin Resurfacing Frequently Asked Questions

Does Laser Skin Resurfacing hurt?

Laser skin resurfacing is a non-invasive treatment and produces very little discomfort. Typically, Dr. Roskies uses a mild topical anesthetic and carefully performed facial nerve blocks to make sure there is no pain. Patients sometimes report feeling a slight warming sensation, but it is usually not uncomfortable. Your skin may be tender following your treatment, but Dr. Roskies will equip you with the knowledge and strategies you need to protect your skin as it heals.

What are the risks?

Skin resurfacing treatments with an erbium laser are considered very safe within the cosmetic medical community. While uncommon, there are potential side effects, as with any procedure. Some of these can include:

Infection
Scarring
Dark spots (hypopigmentation) or light spots (hypopigmentation)
White bumps (milia)

Before your procedure, Dr. Roskies will discuss all of the potential risks thoroughly, and will answer all your questions and address any concerns. Throughout the process, Dr. Roskies always wants you to feel informed and comfortable.

How much does it cost?

Costs vary according to the extent of the laser skin resurfacing treatment, the number of treatments needed, and the skill of the provider. Dr. Roskies will provide you with a detailed breakdown of your expected costs before we begin your treatment. Typically, costs range from $3,500-$8,000 per treatment session.

Schedule a Consultation Today

This life is what we make of it. Dr. Mike Roskies helps patients like you determine their own futures through innovative, meticulous, and gorgeous facial plastic surgery in Toronto. As one of the rising stars of plastic surgery, patients come from around the country to receive Dr. Roskies’ life-changing procedures. Ready to give your story an exciting new chapter? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Roskies today.

66 Avenue Road #1, Toronto, Ontario M5R 3N8

Laser Skin ResurfacingToronto, Ontario