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Remember the time when your skin was smooth and supple? In your youth, you could not imagine what a toll the effects of time, heredity, fun in the sun, toxins in our air and unhealthy habits would take on your skin. You may feel terrific and have a healthy, active lifestyle but are troubled by the aged appearance of your face. Modern technology has created a way to turn back the hands of time and reverse years of damage with lasers. Laser resurfacing is a procedure that promotes healthy new skin. Erase the years of damage and enjoy fresh, smooth skin.
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What can laser resurfacing do for me?
Certain conditions associated with aging skin can be safely and dramatically reduced for both men and women at almost any age. These conditions include: sun-damaged and wrinkled facial skin, wrinkles around the mouth also called "smoker's lines", wrinkles around the eyes also called "crow's feet", skin laxity in the lower eyelid area, loose and wrinkled tissue paper skin on the upper eyelids, brown spots, facial scarring from either acne or injury, and overall skin tightness and tone.
Your physician will evaluate you in a personal consultation to determine if you are a candidate and determine how this procedure can benefit you!
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How is the procedure performed?
A laser is a controlled beam of light and energy that reaches a precise depth of penetration. As the laser is carefully passed back and forth over the skin, it vaporizes the damaged or scarred tissue. Once the outer layer of skin has been removed, the healing process will yield new cells that are rich in youthful appearance, softer, smoother, and tighter. The procedure can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the extent of the treatment.
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What will I look and feel like afterward?
Because every individual patient varies in degree of swelling and healing, there is no exact answer. However, we can offer a general outline of expectations:
- If there is going to be swelling, it will usually occur within the first week and begin to subside. Resting with the head elevated and applying cold compresses will help to minimize these conditions. Your physician will prescribe medication to control any discomfort, however most patients report very little discomfort.
- You may be asked to wear a facial garment, wrap or a protective layer of ointment over the treated areas.
- Within the first two weeks your skin will begin to fade from red to pink and will continually lighten over a period of several months. You may resume normal activities, however you must avoid sun exposure.
- As time passes, you will see the smoother, more youthful skin reveal itself and your skin will feel better and look refreshed.
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Will I have to be in the hospital?
Laser resurfacing is considered an outpatient procedure. You will most likely return to the comfort of your own home the same day. Depending on your health and your doctor's preference, you may have this procedure performed at an outpatient surgery center, your physician's office or in a hospital.
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What kind of risks are involved?
Laser resurfacing is a safe procedure that is performed on thousands of men and women each year with no major complications. As with any laser procedure, there are some specific risks. Your physician can detail these for you in a personal consultation.
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What kind of follow-up care will I need?
You will return to your physician's office almost immediately and then periodically to monitor your progress over the next few months. The postoperative time is crucial for the long-term effectiveness of your procedure. It is very important to attend these visits to be certain you are caring for your delicate facial skin properly by wearing sunblock and avoiding sun exposure and other harmful activities such as saunas or steam baths. A few return visits will be scheduled within the next year to monitor your results.
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How long will my results last?
While laser treatments are considered to be long-lasting, they are not permanent. Natural expressions that use specific facial muscles may cause some wrinkles called "expression lines" to reappear. You can help maintain your new look by carefully following the instructions of the physician and staff on skin care and avoid sun exposure and other harmful activities.
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