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Laser Resurfacing is one of the most exciting and innovative scientific achievements of the decade. Laser technology is being utilized throughout the health care community. I use the ultrapulse carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to treat sun-damaged skin, facial wrinkles and scars of the face. The word "laser" is an acronym, which stands for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A surgical laser, such as the CO2 laser, is a beam of light capable of removing unwanted surface scars and wrinkles. Laser light penetrates to a very precise, controlled depth, making the procedure predictable, while reducing the risk of scarring or pigmentation problems. Laser skin resurfacing is bloodless, and is performed in our office, under light sedation or in a surgical outpatient center. The laser vaporizes the surface skin cells by emitting bursts of radiation that are absorbed by water in these cells. As a result of this treatment, you are left with smoother tighter skin.
- There is minimal lifting of the skin and therefore the laser is not a replacement for face lift and other facial surgeries.
- The main benefit is to smooth the multiple fine wrinkles caused by sun damage and aging.
- Wrinkles caused by muscle contraction are less benefited. (These muscle wrinkles are better treated by botox or surgery).
- The vertical lines (smokers or pucker lines) around the mouth is an area that laser is the best and only method of treatment.
- Laser is often used to treat the lower eyelid skin instead of a surgical skin removal blepharoplasty.
- Laser resurfacing can be used as an alternative to chemical peel and dermabrasion.
The Procedure
- A local anesthetic is given to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. If the full face is to have the laser treatment, you may need to have a general anesthetic.
- Each pulse of the laser can treat area the size of a postage stamp. These pulses are placed side-by-side until the entire area is treated.
- After the first treatment of the area, a gauze is used to clean off the surface. This entire process is described as “one pass”. Two to four passes may be required to achieve the desired result.
- Each pass increases the depth of skin removal and thus makes the skin smoother. However, the increased number of passes also increases the potential for complications such as scarring, infection, and discoloration. Therefore, we find the right balance between effectiveness of treatment and avoidance of complications.
What can be expected?
- There is considerable redness, swelling and oozing for a week or more.
- It is essential that the treated area be completely covered with an ointment or occlusive dressing until healing is completed (1-2 weeks)
- Avoidance of the sun and any irritating creams is essential for a month or more
- The initial redness fades in several weeks to a light pink, which can be concealed with makeup but some redness can remain for one to three months
- Some loss of normal tan skin color is possible. The risk of having lighter colored skin in the treated area is increased with greater numbers of passes (3 or more). Skin color loss is unlikely with one or two passes.
- Infection is uncommon but possible. Therefore we use antibiotics to try to prevent infection. Should infection occur there is a greater chance of developing permanent scars or discolorations.
- Cold sores (herpes virus) can occur in susceptible individuals. Therefore we treat all patients with Zovirax to suppress the virus.
Photos of patients
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