The Beauty of Laser Resurfacing

The Beauty of Laser Resurfacing
by Dr. Diane Gibby • M.D., P.A., F.A.C.S
As more and more baby boomers turn 50, demand has never been greater for new and better ways to improve the appearance of skin laxity, wrinkles and age spots, commonly seen in the aging process. In response to this need, more information on how to stay healthier and live longer has become available, along with new medical procedures and products that allow people to maintain that "youthful glow." We were all born with smooth, baby-soft skin. But as we go through life, our skin is subject to stress, sun-damage, and pollutants which accelerate the natural aging process. These factors often leave skin looking older than it actually is. Although abrasion and chemical peels have offered some hope for patients in the past, there is a newer procedure that is being performed with excellent results. This procedure called Laser Skin Resurfacing or laserbrasion, is a non-invasive procedure performed to resurface and tighten the skin. This process gently removes skin imperfections and dramatically reduces lines and wrinkles while using the most advanced technology available. Now, sun-damaged and aging skin can be removed layer-by-layer, helping protect and stimulate the regeneration of deeper, more healthy skin. Many facial conditions such as fine wrinkling around the eyelids, forehead and mouth can be made smoother with this simple process. Deep laugh and frown lines can be minimized and even the lingering effects of chicken pox or acne scars can be successfully treated with the pulsed CO2 laser Unlike chemical peels, the CO2 laser uses a high energy beam of light to vaporize, or "paint away" scars, lines, wrinkles, and other skin defects. The laser light penetrates to a very precise, controlled depth, making the procedure safe and predictable while reducing the risk of scarring or pigmentation problems. Laser resurfacing is usually done on an outpatient basis at a surgery center or a surgeon's office-based facility. The procedure is most commonly performed under local anesthesia with sedation, especially when it's used to treat localized areas of the face. A patient will be awake but relaxed, and will feel minimal discomfort. For more extensive resurfacing, your surgeon may prefer to use general anesthesia, in which case you'll sleep through the procedure. In the first few days after the procedure, treated skin will appear red and may produce some oozing as new collagen is formed. While healing, the resurfaced skin will be treated with applications of protective creams or ointments. The skin will take about two weeks to heal and may have a pink coloration for 6 - 8 weeks. Makeup can usually be applied within ten to fourteen days, depending on your skins response to the treatment. As with all medical procedures there are risks associated with Laser Skin Resurfacing that can include: burns, scarring, and obvious lightening or darkening of the treated skin. You can reduce your risks by choosing a qualified plastic surgeon who has received special training in laser surgery.

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