The latest laser treatments

Using a laser to gently 'burn' off years from your face may seem out of this world, but there's probably a doctor practising the treatment near you right now. The procedure of laser 'resurfacing' works by directing a precise and intense beam of laser light back and forth over certain areas of the skin. In the case of the Erbium and CO2 lasers, each pass of light produces a carefully controlled burn to the outer layers of wrinkled or damaged skin. With the Cool Touch Laser there is no burning of the surface skin layer. All resurfacing techniques result in a tightening of the collagen and elastic fibres of the dermis - or middle skin layer - to reveal a skin that is firmer and more youthful-looking. The decision to undergo treatment should be taken with care: results are long-lasting, but some procedures involve an anaesthetic and recovery can be slow and painful.

The CO2 laser
What it is: The CO2 laser used to be the preferred machine for laser resurfacing and is still the most aggressive and effective treatment for severely aged or scarred skin. A qualified physician must perform this procedure, either in an outpatient setting under local anaesthetic or in a hospital with general anaesthetic if the procedure is more extensive. A session can take from a few minutes to more than an hour, depending on how extensive the treatment is.

Costs: About £1,800 to £3,500 for full-face resurfacing, plus you'll pay extra for an initial consultation fee and sedation or general anaesthetic costs.