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-1. What is Laser Skin
Resurfacing?
1. What is Laser Skin Resurfacing? Laser Skin Resurfacing (aka Laser peel) is the technique of using a carbon dioxide laser (CO2) -- Coherent 5000 with a Computer Pattern Generator (CPG), a erbium or pulse dye laser -- to remove areas of sun or trauma damaged or wrinkled skin, layer by layer. This technique literally evaporates the first three of the six layers of the skin. Laser Skin Resurfacing is most commonly used to minimize the appearance of the superficial, fine lines around the mouth (smoker's lines) and the eyes (crow's feet, smile lines). Laser Skin Resurfacing is also used to treat scars or hyper-/hypo- pigmentation. Laser Skin Resurfacing is sometimes performed on the entire face or only in problem areas like the cheeks for acne scarring or wrinkled areas like the eye and lip area. Consequently with Laser Skin Resurfacing, after the skin is treated with the laser, it tightens an has a youthful appearance. Reason being, the action of the laser actually causes the collagen to thicken and the elastic fibers in the skin to increase in number. This means that the skin will have properties more similar to an earlier time in your life. Back to Top2. How is the procedure performed?Laser Skin Resurfacing is usually performed using Light Sleep IV sedation. The procedure takes approximately 30 to 90 minutes. The laser is passed over the area of treatment in short computer controlled bursts which literally evaporate layers of damaged skin. A lubricant or moist membrane is placed on the skin at the end of the procedure to protect it from any further drying and environmental factors.. Back to Top3. Is there much scarring with Laser Skin Resurfacing?There may be redness and hyperpigmentation and sometimes even hypopigmentation but there are usually no real scars if performed by a qualified surgeon. Care should be taken to evaluate your skin for possible hypertrophic or keloid scarring possibilities. There is a possibility of an obvious demarcation (line) where the laser passes and where it does not, so care should be taken by the surgeon to make light sweeps instead of deep passes. Unfortunately there are risks that unusual scarring may result if you are not truthful or do not have knowledge of your heritage or family's scarring background. Back to Top4. At what age is Laser Skin Resurfacing performed?Laser surgery is normally done when we begin to see obvious damage from aging, the sun, the elements, although if needed in lesion removal younger patients are accepted. Although 18 is the limit unless a parent or legal guardian signs for them. However, many children have undergone laser surgeon for different ailments and not just for cosmetic reasons although port wine stains, birthmarks and pigmentation lesions may be reason enough for many developing children. Back to Top5. Will Laser Skin Resurfacing rid me of my wrinkles or acne scars?Yes it can. Sometimes it may take more treatments to remove deeper acne scarring but for the most part lasers evaporate the top layers of skin and incorporate more collagen growth for smoother, tighter, younger looking skin! Back to Top6.What should I expect post-operatively?You should expect to be quite red and raw resembling a major sunburn. You will care for the treated area with extreme caution as to not upset the natural healing process. A special ointment is applied to the treated area several times a day, very lightly. One week post-operative you will go in for a follow-up visit. Ointment is to be used for 10 to 14 days continuously after the day of surgery. Back to Top7. When will I be able to go out in the sun?One must, protect the skin from the sun for 8 to 12 months using total sun block (sunscreens rated #45 or greater). One also should stay out of direct sun exposure during this time. The skin will have a shade of pink to it for approximately three to five months. This is generally not too bothersome, as it is covered by make-up and is far outweighed by the benefits of the procedure in most patients minds. Back to Top8. When will I be able to see the results?Laser resurfacing is a very effective tool in the improvement of aged skin, acne scars and other scars. In aged skin one treatment will have significant effects, rejuvenating the skin. In severely sun damaged and aged skin sometimes a second treatment will be helpful. In significant acne scars, the procedure is sometimes performed twice. The first operation causes about a 30 to 50% improvement. The second operation causes a 20% to 30% improvement. Unfortunately, there is no way to create a 100% elimination of acne scars. 9. What are the risks with Laser Skin Resurfacing?There are minor risks and complications involved with Laser Skin Resurfacing which include but are not limited to prolonged hyperpigmentation. In 5 to 10% of patient darkening or brown discoloration will occur requiring bleaching creams. This will generally resolved the discoloration in 2 to 3 months. Prolonged redness occurs in 3-5% of patients and this delays the fading to normal color by about 2 months. There may be more intense burns associated with laser resurfacing. Take care in choosing your surgeon wisely. A specialist should be sought as the surgeon who is not experienced with the technique and light touch could very well burn you rather deeply, making matters worse. Patients with olive skin, brown skin or black skin (ethnic skin tones) may be at
risk for pigmentation changes (hypo-/hyper- pigmentation) no matter what type of
resurfacing method is recommended. Your surgeon should evaluate your skin
characteristics and family history before making any diagnosis for treatment. Back to Top10. What is Arnica montana, I have heard that it reduces swelling and bruising? Which is the best kind to take?also
known as: Mountain Tobacco, Mountain Arnica, Common Arnica, Leopard's Bane
and Sneezewort Back to Top11. What type of laser is used?For CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing, a carbon dioxide laser (CO2) -- Coherent 5000 with a Computer Pattern Generator (CPG) for precise control of the laser itself. Back to Top12. Will it be painful? What kind of anesthesia is used? You will be asleep with the help of Light Sleep IV sedation. Sometimes a topical anesthetic or local anesthetic is used for ease of discomfort when you wake up. You doctor should prescribe you an oral medication and/or topical anesthetic for pain relief once you are home. Return to the Laser Skin Resurfacing Page home
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They're Fake! Cosmetic Plastic Surgery & Beauty Network Please read Usage Agreement This page was last updated: 04/06/2006
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