Erase wrinkles

A form of laser surgery first used for cosmetic procedures nearly 20 years ago could help wipe out wrinkles, experts have found. Carbon dioxide laser resurfacing fell out of favour because of side effects such as skin colour changes, scarring and acne. But new research suggests most of these clear up within two years, leaving patients with up to 50 per cent fewer lines and wrinkles.

The treatment works by removing layers of damaged skin, similar to the way a piece of sandpaper is used to smooth a piece of wood. It also 'fills in' wrinkles by stimulating the face to produce more collagen, according to a report in the journal Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery. It said American researchers who studied treatments on 47 people had concluded that the side effects almost always cleared up.