The development of short-pulse high-peak power and rapidly scanned focused beam carbon dioxide lasers and normal mode erbium:ytfrium aluminum garnet lasers, which can remove photodamaged skin layer by layer In a precisely controlled manner while leaving behind a very narrow zone of thermal damage, has revolutionized skin rejuvenation and enhanced our ability to treat scars. This review highlights laser·tissue interactions; the laser used for resurfacing; preoperative, operative, and postoperative issues and how to choose a candidate for the procedure; uses of resurfacing; adverse effects and complications of the procedure; and new developments In the field.

There has been an explosion of interest in the use of this new technology to resurface photoaged skin, as well as to treat scars.