Facial Laser Resurfacing

We were all born with smooth, baby-soft skin. As we go through life, our skin is subject to numerous experiences that leave it less than perfect. Our problems with our skin can start at a very early age, such as chicken pox scarring and acne scarring. With aging, photodamage, cigarette smoke, and other environmental agents can drastically alter the quality and texture of our skin (i.e.- wrinkling, photo damage, and blotchy pigmentation). Dermatologists are constantly researching new and effective ways to reverse the effects of premature wrinkling from sun-damaged skin and from facial muscle contraction. Men and women can now benefit from procedures such as laser resurfacing, chemical peeling, dermabrasion, collagen and Botox injections. Today, techniques and technologies in laser resurfacing offer safe and effective ways to improve the texture of the skin.

Each year, hundreds of people enjoy smoother skin as a result of their laser resurfacing. As long as they remember to protect their skin, they will continue to enjoy their younger looking skin for many years to come.

1. What is CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing?

2. What Skin Conditions Can a CO2 Laser Improve?

3. Am I a Good Candidate for CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing?

4. Who should perform Laser Resurfacing?

5. What are the risks of CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing?

6. What is a Pre-Op Evaluation?

7. How is CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure done?

8. How long is the Recovery from CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing?

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1. What is CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Using the CO2 Laser, doctors are now able to remove surface imperfections and dramatically reduce lines and wrinkles with a new procedure called laser skin resurfacing. Using the CO2 laser with a computer controlled hand piece, your doctor will gently remove sun-damaged, aging skin, layer-by-layer, helping to protect and stimulate regeneration of the deeper, healthy skin producing smoother, fresher, younger-looking skin. The laser uses a very high-energy beam of light to vaporize scarred, lined, wrinkled, and other skin imperfections. Laser light penetrates to a very precise, controlled depth, making the procedure safe and predictable, and reducing the risk of scarring or pigmentation problems. Because the laser is gentle, comfort both during and after the procedure is improved, and helps provide you with a more rapid return to your normal routine.

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2. What Skin Conditions Can a CO2 Laser Improve?

Laser resurfacing is removes very precise layers of skin, which will be replaced during the healing process with a fresh, new skin surface. CO2 laser resurfacing can effectively improve a wide variety of skin conditions including:

• Fine Lines and Wrinkling

• Age Spots

• Uneven Pigmentation

• Many Scars

• Sun-Damaged Skin

• Freckling

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3. Am I a Good Candidate for CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing?

CO2 laser can enhance the appearance of the skin on the face, however we do not use it on other skin surfaces. While CO2 laser is available to almost everyone, skin type and coloring are important considerations. The best candidates are usually those with fair, thin skin that has a tendency toward fine wrinkling or scarring on the face. This procedure will not prevent aging; however, laser resurfacing can erase, fade or reduce fine facial wrinkles and remove other surface imperfections. Before your surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with us. Remember, improvement, not perfection, is the goal, since no procedure will give 100% perfection. For certain types of scars and pits, other types of corrective procedures may be suggested. You should discuss your skin condition with your doctor to see if CO2 laser resurfacing is right for you.

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4. Who should perform Laser Resurfacing?

Dermatologists were the first doctors to perform laser resurfacing and are thoroughly trained in their residency program on laser physics and surgery. Dermatologists are the experts when it comes to the SKIN. This does not mean plastic surgeons or other physicians should not perform laser resurfacing, but it is imperative that you check into the background of your physician.

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5. What are the risks of CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing is a normally safe and popular way to treat facial wrinkling and fine scarring. While complications are unusual, some of the risks are hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin), hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin), reactivation of the "cold sore" virus, and scar. You should have realistic expectations and realize that the true results may not be apparent for up to a year.

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6. What is a Pre-Op Evaluation?

During your initial consultation, your doctor should discuss the level of skin improvement you hope to achieve. An examination of your skin, general health and medical history will also be addressed. Your doctor should discuss the expected outcome with you and your expectations. If you are taking certain types of medications or smoking, you may be asked to stop at least two weeks before and after the procedure.

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7. How is CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure done?

CO2 laser resurfacing is performed on an outpatient basis. Sedation before and after surgery is frequently used to keep you comfortable. Local and IV anesthesia is usually indicated for full-face laser resurfacing. Your doctor will first cleanse your skin to remove all oils, dirt, and soap traces. The laser is then used very precisely to remove layers of skin to the exact depth needed to achieve the desired results. This can be of the full face or just to certain areas, such for those vertical lines around the mouth, the horizontal wrinkles of the forehead, or the wrinkles around the eyes. After the laser resurfacing, the nurse will apply a bandage mask. The entire procedure usually takes from 1/2 to 1 hour. Although you'll be mobile immediately following the laser resurfacing, you will want to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery, and to help around the house for a day or two.

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8. How long is the Recovery from CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing?

CO2 laser resurfacing usually results in swelling of the face that lasts about 1 week. Immediately following the outer layer of skin has been removed, so your face essentially has " raw" skin. This slowly heals over 2-3 weeks. A bandage dressing is left in place for 2-5 days. Ointments will also be applied to the uncovered skin in order to keep it moist. At first the new skin will have the color of severe sunburn. This will gradually fade to pink over the next few weeks. The normal skin color can take up to 3-9 months to return, depending on the depth of the resurfacing. Cosmetics can usually be applied by 2 weeks. Following a laser resurfacing, your new skin will be tighter, smoother and slightly lighter than it was before surgery.

Following laser resurfacing, it is important that you avoid any exposure to the sun. Your new skin is very sensitive and susceptible to injury. Always apply a wide spectrum (UVA and UVB blocking) sun block of at least SPF 15 ten minutes before you go outside.

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