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| LASER SKIN RESURFACING What is laser resurfacing? Skin resurfacing with Carbon Dioxide (CO2) laserbrasion involves the most sophisticated and precise technique for removal of progressive layers of skin. Wrinkles, folds and photo-aging damage from the sun can be markedly improved, and in some cases, eliminated. How does the procedure work? The procedure works by using the powerfully focused light of a laser to remove the top layer of skin at precisely the correct depth. The laser vaporizes the high ridges of wrinkles, smoothing out the surface of the skin. The underlying dermis is actually healthier and looks and feels younger. This process rejuvenates the complexion and restores the skin to a healthier look and feel. What conditions can the laser improve? Photo-aging, with its associated wrinkles, age spots and keratoses can be reversed. Some acne scarring can be smoothed out and improved. Lines, folds, and wrinkles around the mouth (“smoker’s lines”) and eyes (“crow’s feet”, crepe-like eyelid wrinkles) can be improved. Frown and worry lines of the forehead can be partially blunted. Full-face laserbrasion can restore and refresh the entire facial skin and complexion. The extent of wrinkle removal depends on the area treated, how bad the wrinkles are and how you heal. Fine lines usually disappear. Deep folds will probably get better, but not be completely removed. In all cases, a minimum 2 to 3 week skin preparation program is necessary before laser treatment to maximize results. What lines aren’t removed? Those lines due to excessively stretched skin such as the naso-labial fold (between cheeks and the upper lip) and the marionette fold (between the jowls and the chin) are poorly treated by the laser. These require surgery to remove the excess skin, and sometimes collagen or fat injections for maintenance. The lines of facial expression due to muscle action (e.g. forehead and around the eyes) may smooth slightly if the whole face is treated. What about the old way to treat wrinkles? Is the laser better? The laser is not a substitute for a facelift. The two procedures do completely different things. A facelift removes excess skin in the jowl and neck area. Fat pads and droopy skin in the upper and lower eyelids still need to be removed surgically. The laser can reduce or remove the lines around the eyes and mouth and improve poor surface quality of the skin, which a facelift cannot. Laser treatment allows finer control than deep acid peeling and has less bleeding than dermabrasion. What are the long-term effects? Is it safe? The results will be long lasting. The treatment can sometimes be repeated for any remaining lines, but otherwise, one treatment is generally sufficient. As with any procedure, there are risks and possible complications. These will be explained to you in detail prior to your having any procedure performed. How is the procedure done? Regional laserbrasion of small areas (around the mouth or around the eyes) can often be done under local anesthesia as a short outpatient procedure. Full-face rejuvenation is done in the operating room with IV sedation or general anesthesia. Approximately two to three weeks of skin preparation usually precedes the procedure and facilitates improved healing. What are the postoperative effects and possible complications? There will be a red, raw, weeping surface for several days, which may be covered with a light dressing, or treated open with soaks and ointment. Swelling, crusts and scabs usually last 7 to 10 days. A variable period of redness of the treated area may be present for roughly 8 to 12 weeks, but makeup can be worn to camouflage the color. Sun exposure should be avoided during this period. Any skin resurfacing procedure carries with it risks of scarring, infection, irregularity of skin surface, and temporary pigment changes (whitening or darkening of the skin). Not all of the deepest folds and wrinkles can be completely removed, especially those lines formed by repeated facial expression. What about Zovirax or Accutane Treatments? Laser treatment breaks down the skin’s barrier to all infections until healing is complete. That is why antibiotics and antiviral medications are prescribed around the time of treatment. Those people who have had prior Herpes infections area at higher risk for new outbreaks after surgery, and are treated with higher doses of antiviral medicines (e.g. Zovirax, Famvir, Valtrex) to help prevent outbreaks. It is very important to let Dr. Strausser know if you have had a prior Herpes infection. Accutane treatment increases the risk of scarring, and must be discontinued 6 to 18 months prior to laser resurfacing. Again, it is very important to let Dr. Strausser know if you have taken Accutane in the past, or are currently taking it. If you have any questions, do not rely on well-meaning friends or others for your answers. Our office staff is exceedingly well qualified and experienced to prepare you for your surgery, perform the surgery, and care for you afterwards. Please don’t hesitate to ask us questions. We have the answers for your individual needs. A well-informed patient is a happy one. Aesthetic & Cosmetic Surgery of Sarasota |
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