CO2 Laser Resurfacing

WHO MIGHT BENEFIT?

Individuals with sun spots or other irregularities in skin pigmentation.

Individuals with loose, thin facial skin.

Individuals with fine or moderately deep wrinkles.

Individuals with scarring due to trauma or acne.

SURGICAL GOALS:

Tighter, smoother facial skin with uniform color.

THE PROCEDURE:

CO2 laser resurfacing can take place in the hospital or office setting.

Once you have been sedated, the doctor will numb your skin with a lidocaine solution and place metal corneal shields onto your eyes to protect them from the laser.

In the experienced hands of the doctor, the laser will vaporize the top layers of the treated skin. This will activate the normal processes of wound healing:
· Epithelialization -- this is the formation of new skin.
· Collagen deposition -- this fills in some wrinkles and thickens the skin.
· Contraction -- this tightens the skin.

Once the procedure is finished, the doctor coats the skin with an ointment or applies a specialized membrane dressing.

POST-OP RECOVERY:

Your skin will heal over a 10-14 day period. The doctor will select either open or closed wound care. Open wound care is slightly safer, closed wound care is much easier for you.

Once your skin has healed, it will remain pink for 6 weeks to three months. The pink color can be covered with special make-up.

It is very important to protect your new skin from the sun .

OTHER POSSIBILITIES:

Additional procedures that might enhance the result are: eyelid lift, brow lift, chemical peel, dermabrasion, chin enlargement, nose reshaping, fat suction, cheekbone enhancement, augmentation/enhancement of lips, reduction of earlobes.

INSURANCE?

This procedure is considered cosmetic and therefore is not covered by insurance. The patient is responsible for payment.

NOTE

The suitability of laser skin resurfacing for an individual is determined during the office consultation. All procedures have risks. Minor complications occur occasionally. Major complications are quite unusual.