Laser resurfacing is the latest scientific breakthrough in skin rejuvenation. In Laser resurfacing, a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is used to remove areas of damaged or wrinkled skin, layer by layer. The procedure is most commonly used to minimize the appearance of fine lines, especially around the mouth and the eyes. However, it is also effective in treating facial scars or areas of uneven pigmentation. The procedure offers more control in the depth of penetration of the skin's surface, allowing an increased degree of precision and safety in treating delicate areas.

Laser resurfacing offers an alternative to traditional resurfacing methods like chemical peels, dermabrasion and can also work well in conjunction with or as an additional treatment to other cosmetic skin procedures such as chemical peels, facelift and eyelid surgery.

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What is a Laser?

LASER stands for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers work by producing an intense beam of bright light that travels in one direction. The newest generation of the CO2 laser delivers short bursts of extremely high-energy laser light. This revolutionary technology actually vaporizes the undesired skin tissue, one layer at a time, revealing fresh skin underneath. The laser's highly-focused aim enables the surgeon to gently remove the skin's surface with a low risk of scarring and complications in properly selected patients. More Laser Resurfacing Facts...

What Conditions Can Laser Resurfacing Treat?

Laser resurfacing can be performed to help:

• Erase fine lines and wrinkles of the face
• Smooth and tighten eyelid skin
• Improve crow's feet around the eyes
• Soften pucker marks and frown lines
• Remove brown spots and splotchy, uneven skin color
• Improve and flatten scars
• Repair smoker's lines
• Improve skin tone and texture
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Who are the Best Candidates for Laser Resurfacing?

Men and women of all ages can benefit from laser resurfacing. The ideal patient for laser resurfacing has fair, healthy, non-oily skin. Patients with olive skin, brown skin or black skin may be at increased risk for pigmentation changes no matter what type of resurfacing method is recommended. Your surgeon will evaluate your skin characteristics and make recommendations accordingly.

Also, individuals who have taken accutane in the past 12-18 months or are prone to abnormal (keloid-like) scarring or those with active skin infections on the treatment area may not be appropriate candidates for this procedure.

Laser resurfacing can help enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't completely remove all facial flaws or prevent you from aging. Lines that occur as a result of natural movements of the face will inevitably recur. Your plastic surgeon can suggest ways to help you preserve your results by protecting yourself from sun exposure or using maintenance treatments. Before you decide to have laser resurfacing, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon. More Laser Resurfacing Facts...

What Can Be Expected During and After Treatment?

Laser resurfacing is most commonly performed under local anesthesia with sedation, especially when it's used to treat localized areas of the face. You'll be awake but relaxed, and will feel minimal discomfort. For more extensive resurfacing, your surgeon may prefer to use general anesthesia, in which case you'll sleep through the procedure.

It usually takes anywhere from a few minutes to 1 1/2 hours, depending on how large of an area is involved. When the imperfections are especially deep, your surgeon may recommend that the resurfacing be performed in two or more stages.

Following skin resurfacing, the treated areas usually are kept moist with ointment or surgical bandages for the first few days. Your new skin will usually remain bright pink to red in the weeks following the procedure. Your surgeon may prescribe medications to make this color subside more rapidly. After about two weeks or so, most patients can safely apply makeup to conceal this temporary color change. However, some pinkness may remain for up to six months.

Most importantly, the skin must be protected from the sun for several months following treatment. One must wait until all the color has returned to normal. Using sun protection with sun block and sun avoidance will help to maintain your results and reduce the chance of any new sun damage to your skin.

If you must be in the sun, apply a strong sun block with an SPF of 15 or higher and shade your face with a hat or visor. If resurfacing was performed around the eyes, it's best to also wear good quality sunglasses with UVA and UVB 100 percent filters. More Laser Resurfacing Facts...

Are There Side Effects or Complications?

Each year thousands of laser resurfacing procedures are performed successfully. Significant complications are rare, and the risk of scarring is low. Some patients may be at risk for varying degrees of pigmentation loss. Common minor side effects may include crusting, mild swelling, redness or brown discoloration at the treatment sites. These are usually minimized by surgical techniques and pre- and post-operative regimens. Laser resurfacing can activate herpes virus infections ("cold sores") and, rarely, other types of infection, so one may need to be placed on maintenance doses of medications for cold sores before and after treatment. More Laser Resurfacing Facts...

Disclaimer:
This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician.