 Laser Skin Resurfacing
What is the Laser Skin Resurfacing Technique?
Skin resurfacing Laser is a device that emits short, intense pulses of light. The skin is removed layer by layer thus lessening the likelihood of the lightening of the skin. Laser skin resurfacing is also known as a laser peel, laser vaporization or lasabrasion. Like chemical peels and dermabrasion, laser resurfacing is performed by committing a controlled injury to the skin. The top layers of dead skin are burned away leaving the way clear for new cells to appear. In wrinkle, scar and acne laser resurfacing it is the renewal of skin that results in tighter and more youthful looking skin.
Laser skin resurfacing utilizes a laser beam to vaporize thin layers
of skin so that wrinkles, scars and other facial imperfections are less noticeable.
It can be applied to single areas but it can also be used smooth out the
entire appearance of the face. Laser skin resurfacing is also used to refine
the results of a face-lift.
Types of Laser Skin Resurfacing
There are two types of laser skin resurfacing: CO2resurfacing and Erbium Laser resurfacing. Skin laser resurfacing prices are, of course, pocket-pinching. Both types of treatment cost between $2000 and $3000 per session.
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CO2 surfacing is first form of the procedure and involves the direction of short pulsed light beams or steady light beams to precisely remove the delicate top layers of the skin. A CO2 laser is capable of more dramatic corrections. A carbon dioxide laser is the laser used in cases where the entire face needs to be treated.
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Erbium laser resurfacing was developed to minimize the risk of burning the surrounding tissues. The benefit of erbiam laser resurfacing is that it causes less post-operative side effects such as swelling, bruising and redness caused by inflammation. This laser works best for small areas, minor or superficial wrinkles. It also works well with younger skin suffering from mild photo-damage and boasts a shorter recovery time than the CO2 laser.
If you are light skinned then either erbium or CO2 laser resurfacing will work for you. If you have dark skin then erbium laser resurfacing might be preferable as it is less likely to cause hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin).
What Are the Benefits of Skin Laser Resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing can improve the appearance of such conditions as crow’s feet, brow furrows, worry lines and scars from acne or chicken pox. However you are not an ideal candidate for this type of cosmetic procedure if you have active acne or a very active case of Herpes simplex. It is also not effective on whiter scars, stretch marks and very deep wrinkles or creases in the skin.
Skin Laser Resurfacing Procedure
The procedure is almost always performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia in a doctor's office. The areas to be treated are numbed with a local anesthetic. General anesthesia may be used when the entire face is treated. During the procedure, which can last anywhere between a couple of minutes to two hours, the light of the laser is scanned over the area to be treatment. The depth of correction can be controlled by the plastic surgeon who can adjust the instrument to create a beam that is more, or less intense. If you complain of pain, he/she can reduce the intensity of the beam as well, however usually if a doctor does this the results of the actual treatment are less effective.
After the laser skin treatment is over, the plastic surgeon will apply a gauze dressing that you must keep on the area to protect it for two or three days. You might be asked to cleanse the skin with a special antiseptic soap such as Cetaphil as well as soak it with water. You will also have to moisturize and protect the skin two to three times daily with a product such as Vaseline, Eucerin or Aquaphor.
What is Laser Facial Resurfacing Aftercare?
For the month following the operation it is very important to take care of wound to prevent scabs (and then scars) from forming on the face. In general, the areas heal between ten and twenty-one days. After this period you can begin to wear make up. You might be also advised to quit smoking before having this operation as smoking just after a laser skin resurfacing can cause healing to be delayed.
As the new skin that grows after laser skin resurfacing is very sensitive part of your post-operative treatment will be to never go out in the sun without a SPF cream of 25 or more for at least a year after the surgery.
What Are the Complications of Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Keep in mind that like all plastic surgery, laser skin resurfacing can have complications. These include dilated capillaries, skin redness, discoloration of the skin, scarring and infection.
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