Wrinkles of the face may not be removed with surgery alone (i.e. facelift or browlift), especially those around the mouth and crow's feet. Laser resurfacing and chemical peels act by removing the top layers of skin, allowing it to heal in from the bottom layers, which leaves fewer wrinkles.

For wrinkles really to be removed, the laser must go deep enough in the skin. This means that it will take 10-14 days for the skin to heal, and then 2-3 months for the red color of the skin to fade. Shorter healing times (laser on Friday, back to work on Monday, usually done by non-plastic surgeons) means the skin will just be "refreshed", but wrinkles won't be permanently removed.

Surgery: Laser resurfacing requires local anesthesia, takes appx. 1.5 hours, and you go home the same day.

Healing time: Your face is covered with a gauze which will fall off in 3-4 days. This helps the healing process and is less painful. After the gauze is off, creams are used to improve the result. Walking is started immediately, exercise can be started at 10 days. Most people take 10 days to 2 weeks off from work.

Pain level: Variable. The dressing helps, but most people take pain pills for 3-4 days. Rank=3-6 Pain information

Photos: Photo information

Risks: The persistence of the red color is normal for the first few months, and makeup will be required to cover the areas. Infection is extremely rare. Most people will have some permanent lightening of their skin, and this may be more noticeable in dark-skinned people. Other risks. Risk information

Costs: Full face=$6,000 to $7,000. Lips and mouth only=$4,000 to $5,000 Cost information