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Laser Resurfacing
However, laser resurfacing is also effective in treating facial scars or areas of uneven pigmentation. Laser resurfacing may be performed on the whole face or in specific regions. Often, the procedure is done in conjunction with another cosmetic operation, such as a forehead lift or eyelid surgery. It has been shown that in some cases, this surgical method produces less bleeding, bruising and postoperative discomfort and more impressive results than is typically seen with other resurfacing methods. This web site will give you a basic understanding of the laser resurfacing procedure, when it can help, how it's performed and what results you can expect. It cannot, however, provide all the details which may be relevant to your particular needs. Laser resurfacing is performed using a beam of laser energy which vaporizes the upper layers of damaged skin at specific and controlled levels of penetration. It's clear that laser resurfacing may offer a number of advantages over other resurfacing methods: precision, little (if any) bleeding and less postoperative discomfort. However, laser resurfacing isn't for everyone. In some cases, an alternative skin resurfacing treatment, such as dermabrasion or chemical peel, may still be a better choice. All resurfacing treatments work essentially the same way. First, the outer layers of damaged skin are stripped away. Then, as new cells form during the healing process, a smoother, tighter, younger looking skin surface appears. Laser resurfacing is a new method being used by plastic surgeons to remove damaged skin. Because it is new, there are no long-term data on this technique. However, a number of studies using microscopic examination have shown that the physical changes that occur to laser treated skin are essentially identical to those that occur with either dermabrasion or chemical peel. The Erbium laser produces exactly the same effects as these other modalities. The main difference with CO2 laser treatment is that in addition it produces significant contraction of the collagen fibres in the skin, tightening any loose or wrinkled skin to a marked extent. Erbium resurfacing does not produce such collagen contraction. It's also important, to consider the length of recovery when choosing among the skin resurfacing alternatives. In general, the more aggressive the resurfacing procedure is, the more prolonged the recovery is likely to be. "Light" resurfacing procedures, such as superficial chemical peels or superficial Erbium and CO2 laser resurfacing, offer shorter recovery times. However, these lighter procedures would need to be repeated multiple times to achieve results comparable to those achieved with more aggressive techniques.
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 Roaccutane ( a drug used for acne) in the past 12-18 months or more are prone to abnormal (keloid like) scarring. Those with active skin infections on the treatment area may not be appropriate candidates for this procedure. Remember, having 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 -smiling, squinting, blinking, talking, chewing - will inevitably recur. Your surgeon can suggest ways to help you preserve your results by protecting yourself from sun exposure or using maintenance treatments, such as light chemical peels or medicated facial creams. Click on Skin Care for more information. Before you decide to have laser resurfacing, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon. For superficial or medium resurfacing, the laser can be limited to the epidermis and papillary dermis. For deeper resurfacing, the upper levels of the reticular dermis can also be removed. Varied penetration allows treatment of specific spots or wrinkles. |
In laser resurfacing, sometimes called "laser peel," a carbon dioxide (C02) 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.
Men and women of all ages can benefit from laser resurfacing. The ideal patient for laser resurfacing has fair, healthy, non-oily skin.
