BILLINGS - A Montana woman who has lived most of her life on a ranch, says she never considered cosmetic surgery until years of working in the sun started to show on her face. Once Julie Jorgenson noticed how damaged her skin was, she decided in favor of a cosmetic resurfacing procedure. She says it rejuvenated her skin as well as her spirits.

Jorgenson grew up on a farm, working outside, playing outside and sunbathing; all without the protection of sun screen. "I started wearing sunscreen about 20 years ago, but then I was 40, I didn't wear it when I was young." And by 40 the damage was done. "I had lots of discoloration on the jaw line and lots of wrinkles."

This summer a friend who works with cosmetic surgeon Dr. Matthew Wolpoe suggested she try fractional ablative skin resurfacing. It was new and they needed a volunteer patient, Doctor Wolpoe said she was a great candidate.

Dr. Wolpoe explains the technique he uses in the surgery. "We do a low setting first and it opens up the skin, then we increase the energy for a final pass and that's when we get the deep resurfacing." It is generally a one time procedure using a laser to lessen wrinkles and sun-spots and tighten skin. Jorgenson says she was very nervous, but just days after she saw amazing results. After her first procedure, Dr. Wolpoe decided to give her one more treatment, now that he knows how aggressive he can be. "We're going to be really aggressive in this wrinkled area, around the eyes, cheeks and the vertical lines on the lips."

It takes 45 minutes to go over the whole face, and about a week to heal. And Jorgenson says it is entirely worth it. It makes you feel better, when you look better you feel better." At age 62 Jorgenson still works outside every day, but not without slathering on spf 70 every morning.

Doctors say the results of fractional ablative skin resurfacing last about 5 years. The cost is around $3,500.