Where is a laser skin resurfacing usually done? at a hospital?

Not necessary: Currently laser skin resurfacing is more often performed with a fractional laser, which decreases the amount of discomfort, downtime and potential undesirable side effects of the procedure. It is often performed in a doctor's office or clinic, but also could be performed in an outpatient surgery facility or in a hospital.

Hospital or clinic: Laser resurfacing can be safely performed in an outpatient clinic setting, but depends on the depth of skin tissue that is being removed. Deep resurfacing usually requires anesthesia for comfort, and needs to be done in a surgical suite. Superficial laser peels are quite comfortable so can be performed in an office with little discomfort, as can the newer technique of fractionated resurfacing.

In Office: Laser resufacing, using fractioned laser technology, is typically done in office. We use a strong topical anesthetic, nerve blocks, cold air (zimmer chiller). Patients optionally may take an oral Xanax (alprazolam) or similar to relax them a bit. We don't use IV sedation, and are very comfortable performing this in office.

Outpatient : It is typically performed in an office or outpatient setting.

Outpatient setting: Laser skin resurfacing is primarily done in an outpatient setting (eg, ambulatory surgery center or doctors office). In some communities it may be done in a hospital setting. The location depends on type of anesthesia selected (general vs IV sedation vs oral/intramuscular sedation) and availability of laser equipment (some lasers are too large to move back and forth between facilities).