CO2 Laser Resurfacing

1. What is Laser Resurfacing?

2. Indications & Contraindications

3. Special Instructions

4. Surgery

5. Recovery and Combination Procedures

6. Results – Limitations and Longevity

What is Laser Resurfacing?

We begin life with smooth, baby soft skin which when subjected to various experiences, leaves it less than perfect.  Certain childhood illness like chicken pox, then acne in teenage years may also give risk to skin problems for some ,if not for many of us.  However, for those lucky enough to escape these hazards may not possibly avoid fine lines and wrinkles, which time, heredity and gravity would create around the mouth and eyes.

Excessive exposure to sunlight, alcohol and tobacco are well known to precipitate the aging process.   Numerous other skin imperfections such as moles, warts, superficial skin cancer and actinic keratoses may also develop, over time to mark the skin.

Cosmetic procedures like dermabrasion and chemical peels have offered relief for smoother, fresher, younger-looking skin.  Due to insufficient cosmetic results, discomfort, long recovery periods, together with the risk of scarring and pigmentation problems have kept many people from having the skin they want.

However, we are now able to improve surface imperfections and dramatically reduce lines and wrinkles with a new and more effective procedure known as Laser Skin Resurfacing.     

Lasers generate a concentrated stream of bright, pulsed light that can be used to help correct a variety of skin conditions. There are different types of lasers that can be used for a variety of purposes  - to help diminish pigmented areas, fine lines, scars and to reduce unwanted hair. The most commonly used laser to improve skin quality are Erbium and Carbon-dioxide lasers. Fine lines are usually treated with a Carbon-dioxide based resurfacing laser for maximum effects.

Laser Resurfacing is a procedure that selectively abrades the upper layers of the skin by means of the heat generated from a resurfacing laser. It works by means of vaporizing the damaged skin layers and allowing the healthier cells from deeper layers to surface and form a new smoother outer layer of skin.

Lasers can penetrate deeply into the skin and promote re-organization of collagen, which helps diminish wrinkles and improve skin tone. They also have a tightening effect, which can aid skin tone and appearance.

Carbon-dioxide laser is generally the strongest and may be especially recommended if you have fair skin, severe sun-damage and deep wrinkles.

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Indications & Contraindications

Indications

• Deep static wrinkles
• Uneven pigmentation
• Severely sun-damaged skin

Contraindications

• Active acne
• Patients prone to keloid and hyper-pigmentation problems
• Impaired immune system
• Use of isotretenoin in the last 12 to 18 months
• Extensive radiation therapy, burns or poor healing in the treatment area

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Special Instructions

It is extremely important to protect your skin from the sun, both during recovery and in the long term following this surgery.

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Surgery

Anesthesia and hospital stay

It is usually performed under a combination of local anesthetic and sedation. When combined with other procedures it is usually performed under a combination of local and general anesthetic. An over night stay is recommended although in some cases it can be performed as a day case.

Procedure

After covering your eyes with protective guards, your surgeon will perform laser resurfacing by passing the activated laser back and forth over the treatment area until reaching the appropriate depth in the dermis to achieve the desired improvement. The newly resurfaced skin in the treated area, is then covered with protective cream or ointment.

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Recovery and Combination Procedure

There will be moderate itching and discomfort after the procedure. Ice packs can be used to make you feel comfortable.

The skin may be bright pink or red from 2 to 6 weeks following surgery. It will take 2 weeks to begin healing, in which time it will ooze, crust and peel. The newly exposed skin will be raw and sensitive and it will be very important to follow your surgeons recommended regime for this skin. You will be presentable in public with camouflage make-up in 2 weeks. It may take up to several months for you to see your final result, with significant improvement in skin quality and a fresher, smoother appearance.

Follow-up Schedule

10 days, 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year

Combination Procedures

• Facelift
• Laser Blepharoplasty

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Results – Limitations and Longevity

Longevity

The results of the surgery are reasonably long lasting; however the aging process will continue. Over the year the natural elements will take their toll on the skin and cause recurrence of the wrinkles. Protecting your face from the sun will help increase the longevity of improvements to your skin’s texture.

The results can last from 2 to 4 years depending on skin care regime, diet and life style. Staying away from direct sun and not smoking alone can doubl  longevity of results.

Limitation of end results

• It will not improve facial contour. The procedure provides qualitative improvement not quantitative one.
• It can improve only fine wrinkles, not deep lines.

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