Which layer of skin is primarily targeted in laser resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing targets the epidermis and the dermis. The procedure is designed to improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and treat various skin imperfections. The epidermis, which is the outermost layer of skin, is first affected to remove damaged skin cells and stimulate new cell growth. However, for more significant skin rejuvenation and to reach deeper issues such as scarring or wrinkles, the dermis, which lies beneath the epidermis, must also be targeted. The enhancement of collagen production in the dermis leads to improved skin elasticity and firmness, contributing to overall skin rejuvenation.

Other options are limited in scope: only targeting the epidermis would not achieve the deeper benefits associated with skin remodeling, while focusing solely on the dermis would neglect the important surface-level improvements that the epidermis contributes. The subcutaneous layer, which is deeper than the dermis, is typically unaffected in laser resurfacing procedures, as the primary focus is on the upper layers of skin for aesthetic enhancement.