The latest laser treatments

Reality check: Recovery takes about 10 days to two weeks, during which time the patient's skin will be swollen, raw and oozing (you probably won't want to go out in public). You'll feel pain - similar to that of severe sunburn - for several days, and eventually the treated skin will form crusts and flake off. Skin can remain bright pink for three to six months, and complete recovery can take up to a year. Because of the risk of abnormal pigmentation changes after treatment, this procedure isn't recommended for darker skin types.

Erbium laser
What it is: Similar to the CO2 laser in the way it works (by 'burning' off outer layers of skin and causing the skin underneath to produce collagen), the Erbium laser resurfaces with less heat. The upshot is that healing takes place in about a week, with most redness fading in one to two weeks. One month later, most patients are fully recovered. The long-pulsed Erbium laser is thought to be more effective (but is also more invasive) than the short-pulsed one, so consult your doctor about which is right for you.

Costs: About £1,800 to £3,500 for full-face resurfacing, less for partial resurfacing.

Good for: Eradicating wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage and irregular pigmentation.

Reality check: In general, the Erbium laser is gentler than the CO2 laser, with fewer side effects and a shorter recovery time (one week instead of two). However, it doesn't tighten the skin as much or offer the same dramatic results. Still, the Erbium laser is becoming the machine of choice for many doctors, mostly because patients see significant improvement with less trauma to the skin and fewer post-op complications.