Have you ever watched the show "10 Years Younger" on TLC? It is quite amazing what they can do for participants in a week or less. Most people "lose" about 12 years or more simply by a beauty makeover and often laser skin procedures.

Your skin says a lot about you. Skin tags, age spots, wrinkles and more. They can all give away your true age, or make you look a lot older than you are. Some of these issues are hereditary and some result from whether you take steps to keep up a youthful appearance.

A daily skin care routine certainly helps. Regularly cleansing, toning and moisturizing your skin will improve its overall appearance. Of course, using products with sunscreen of at least 15 SPF can help stop damaging UV light from prematurely aging you. But, if you are doing your best in your skin care routine and are still bothered by fine lines, spots or scars, you may want to consider discussing the potential of laser skin procedures with your doctor.

Compared to other resurfacing treatments, laser resurfacing is more comfortable, lasts longer, and produces quicker results. This procedure is generally used to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation (age spots and other dark, discolored areas). Laser skin resurfacing can also improve the appearance of some scars, and to remove skin tattoos.

Compared to chemical peels or microdermabrasion, a patient undergoing laser skin resurfacing will experience less bruising, swelling and bleeding. With a quicker recovery time, you'll be able to enjoy a more youthful looking, glowing appearance in no time!

A licensed medical professional uses laser light to treat several layers of skin, going deeper than microdermabrasion. Depending on the depth of the wrinkle, scar, or discoloration, the doctor may pass the laser over the area repeatedly. The laser penetrates and removes the outer skin layers to reach the layer that is not affected by imperfections. Once that layer is exposed, healing can begin to rebuild new skin that looks younger and does not have the imperfections.

Patients may be sedated, but awake during the procedure. On occasion, general anethesia may be required. Most laser skin treatments last less than an hour.

Often, only one laser skin treatment is required to achieve results. Because the laser removes several layers of skin, there will be redness and swelling for a period of 10 days to several weeks.  Patients are advised to use ice packs and may be prescribed medication by their doctor.

Obviously, after care is critical to maintaining the best results. Use of ointments, bandages and products to carefully clean the new skin and prevent scarring.

Before and after photographs show the dramatic results that can be achieved by laser skin resurfacing and other laser procedures. While the results can take years off your appearance, new discolorations, wrinkles and scars can occur during the natural aging process. Discuss with your doctor the use of anti-aging lotions and creams to help maintain your youthful look.

In general, laser skin treatments should not be done on people with dark skin, or those with certain skin conditions. Your doctor can help evaluate to determine if you are a good candidate.

Laser skin procedures are quite safe. In fact, among rare complications include skin discoloration or burning. Scarring may result afterwards if the patient is not careful during the healing process. Some patients report a burning sensation during the treatment. Your skin will definitely feel different during the healing process, as well.

You are advised to consult a plastic surgeon or dermatologist with extensive laser experience before undergoing any treatment. Only trained professionals will be able to select the appropriate laser to use for the treatment desired.  For instance, the intense pulsed light system (IPL) is used to remove brown spots and facial veins.  A CO2 laser is used for treating scars. 

Cost varies for laser skin treatments, but expect to pay at least $2,000 per procedure, or more. While some people may be tempted to try their own laser treatments at home, or at a spa, the safest, most effective laser treatments must be done by a doctor at either a clinic or hospital.

Don't skimp on cost when it comes to plastic surgery procedures! The last thing you want to do is risk damage or injury with a do-it-yourself kit, or an untrained beautician.  When you consider the dramatic results that can be achieved through laser skin treatments, it will be worth your considered investment.