Laser Skin Resurfacing

As a child, your skin was soft and smooth. Over the years, the sun, wind, and toxins in the air have taken their toll and your skin is showing signs of aging.

All the while environmental assailants such as UV from the sun, toxins in the air, cigarette smoke, stress and poor nutrition accelerate the aging process.

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 laser can gently vaporize and remove wrinkles, scars and blemishes, seal blood vessels or cut skin tissue.

The laser has the unique ability to produce one specific color (wavelength) of light which can be varied in its intensity and pulse duration. The newest laser systems have become remarkably precise and selective, allowing treatment results and safety levels not previously available.

How does the new Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) laser work?

In contrast to the old carbon dioxide lasers, the newest generation of the CO₂ laser delivers short bursts of extremely high-energy light. This revolutionary technology actually vaporizes the undesired skin tissue, one layer at a time, revealing fresh skin underneath. Often referred to as an ultrapulsed CO₂ laser, the laser's highly focused aim enables the dermatologic surgeon to gently remove the skin's surface with a very low risk of scarring and complications in properly selected patients.

What is skin resurfacing?

For years, dermatologic surgeons have searched for an ideal method for eliminating wrinkles, correcting acne scars and improving aging and sun-damaged skin. Laser resurfacing of the face is the latest scientific breakthrough in skin rejuvenation.

Using a wand-like laser handpiece, undesired skin cells and wrinkles literally disappear in a puff of mist and are replaced by fresh skin cells. Sometimes called "laser peeling," one of it's most significant advantages over traditional techniques for skin resurfacing is that treatment is relatively bloodless. The procedure also offers more control in the depth of penetration of the skin's surface, and allows a new degree of precision and safety in treating delicate areas, such as on or near the lips and around the eyes.

Who is qualified to perform laser resurfacing?

Traditionally the experts in skin care and skin diseases, dermatologic surgeons have extensive experience with laser surgery and were among the first specialists to pioneer the use of lasers for treating a variety of skin disorders. In fact, the latest advances in laser resurfacing technology were pioneered and refined by dermatologic surgeons. Since results are technique-sensitive and entail an artistic component, it's important to select a dermatologic surgeon with demonstrated laser expertise.

What conditions can laser resurfacing treat?

Laser resurfacing is performed in the dermatologic surgeon's office to help:

• Erase fine lines and wrinkles of the face, especially on the upper lip, cheeks and forehead
• 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

What are the benefits of laser surgery for facial resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing may offer you and your dermatologic surgeon the following general benefits:

• Improved treatment results
• Relatively "bloodless" surgery
• Precisely controlled surgery
• An addition or alternative to other skin rejuvenating procedures
• Safe, reliable and effective out-patient, same-day surgery

What can be expected during and after laser resurfacing?

Depending on the specific condition being treated, patients may receive a topical anesthetic cream with mild sedation, or local anesthesia, or monitored intravenous sedation. Discomfort is usually minor both during the procedure and throughout the recovery phase. The time required to complete the procedure is generally between one and two hours, although this may vary depending on the sites treated.

Following skin resurfacing, the treated areas usually are kept moist with ointment or occlusive dressings (surgical bandages) for the first few days. The skin is typically red or pink and may be covered with a fine crust. The treated sites must be protected from sunlight after the procedure. Once healing is completed, sunblock lotion should be applied. Depending on the individual's ability to heal, a pink surface color may remain for several weeks to several months. Make-up can be worn after about 7 to 14 days.

What are the possible complications of the procedure?

All surgical procedures carry some degree of risk. With the new CO₂ laser surgery, the risk of scarring is quite low. Common side-effects may include crusting, mild swelling, redness or brown discoloration at the treatment site. Some patients may require bleaching creams to help regulate skin color following laser resurfacing. Significant pain, bleeding, swelling and infection seldom occur and can be minimized by proper surgical techniques and vigorous postoperative care. These surgical techniques and pre-and post-operative regimes have been pioneered by dermatologic surgeons and continue to be enhanced and improved for patient safety and comfort.

What are the limitations of laser resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing is not a substitute for a facelift, nor can the procedure eliminate excessive skin or jowls. However, beneficial tightening of loose skin can occur from laser resurfacing, resulting in an improvement of certain folds and creases. In many cases, laser resurfacing offers an alternative to traditional methods for skin rejuvenation, such as Dermabrasion and deep chemical peels. It can also work well in conjunction with or as an additional treatment to other aesthetic procedures, such as chemical peels, Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) and liposuction of the face and neck.