Once upon a time, fighting the signs of aging meant invasive procedures like a rhytidectomy (otherwise known as a facelift), in which the excess, droopy skin of a patient is surgically removed and the remaining skin is redraped on the patient's face and neck in order to create a tighter, firmer appearance. Such procedures were time-consuming, risky, and could produce unnatural results in which the patient looked drastically younger than he or she actually was.

In recent years, more patients are opting for non-invasive methods in their quest to look younger. Besides tackling loose skin, fine lines and other visible signs of ageing, some laser treatments are also able to address other skin issues such as acne scarring, uneven skin tone, and pigmentation marks.

Unlike traditional facelifts which required the patient to be under general anaesthesia and took weeks or even months to heal completely, laser treatments usually have a much shorter downtime and do not require the patient to be sedated. Such treatments can stimulate the skin to become healthier and more resilient, thus appearing more youthful.

Here's what you need to know about laser treatments.