Laser Resurfacing (cont.)

Complications of Laser Skin Resurfacing

Although skin resurfacing cannot produce perfect skin, it can improve the appearance of your skin. Potential risks of the procedure include:

• Burns or other injuries from the laser's heat
• Scarring
• Changes in the skin's pigmentation, including areas of darker or lighter skin
• Reactivating herpes cold sores
• Bacterial infection

Milia, which are small white bumps, may appear in the laser-treated areas during healing. Your doctor can treat those.

Cost of Laser Skin Resurfacing

In 2011, the national average cost for laser skin resurfacing was about $2,300, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. However, costs vary widely depending on where the procedure is being done.

Because laser skin resurfacing is considered a cosmetic procedure, most medical insurance companies will not cover it. There may be an exception if you get the procedure to modify scars or remove precancerous growths on your skin.

Talk with your doctor and your insurance company before the procedure about what the costs will be and what, if anything, insurance will pay for. Most doctors offer financing options.

WebMD Medical Reference

SOURCES:

American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Reviewed by Norman Levine, MD on June 26, 2012

Last Editorial Review: 6/26/2012

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Source article on WebMD

Source: MedicineNet.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/laser_resurfacing/article.htm