Laser Resurfacing
IRONING THE WRINKLES AWAY
Yes, wrinkles can now be "ironed away". Laser skin resurfacing is one of the latest innovative technological advances available to the plastic surgeon. One of the newest advances is the UltraPulse CO2 laser.
Lasers have been available for a long time and have been used in medicine for over 25 years. The laser emits an intense beam of light that instantaneously heats and vaporizes skin tissue. There are many kinds of lasers used for different applications in medicine, either as a specialized surgical "knife" or to target tissues by the color using different wavelengths. For an example, lasers can be used for strawberry birthmarks or port wine birthmarks as well as for pigmented areas and tattoos. The newest application in cosmetic surgery is for skin resurfacing of fine wrinkles, sun damage and other skin irregularities such as acne scarring. Prior to development of this laser technique, these problems were often treated by deep chemical peels and/or dermabrasion. The benefit of the CO2 laser is in the enhanced precision which results in faster healing with fewer risks involved. Facial imperfections can be quickly and accurately erased with the laser procedure. Underlying skin tissues are preserved and the healing process takes 7-10 days. Deep creases are not as well enhanced by laser skin resurfacing as are fine skin irregularities. Fine wrinkles around the eyes, "smoker's lines" around the lip, and acne scars respond beautifully to laser treatment. Laser skin resurfacing can be combined with other procedures such as eyelid surgery, facelift, nose reshaping, fat transfer, facial implants, and other enhancement techniques.
Laser skin resurfacing is done in the office, often using local anesthesia for comfort, without the higher costs of hospitalization. In the first few days following surgery you can expect some crusting and wet compresses are helpful. Depending on the area treated, bandages may be used which adhere to the skin until healing is complete. After approximately 7-10 days healing is complete and there is a smoother, pink quality to your skin. The pink tone will fade, usually in 4-5 weeks. Corrective cosmetics to cover the temporary pink color can be used at about 7 days post operatively.
When laser skin resurfacing is performed by a surgeon, it is to enhance the total facial appearance. Expectations must be discussed with a qualified surgeon and the results should be viewed as improvements in facial appearances, not corrections. Results depend on many factors such as size, shape, and location of the imperfection as well as the patient's age, heredity, and skin condition. Though many thousands of these procedures are done each year, they do involve risks. It is important that you thoroughly discuss these risks with your surgeon.
For the sole purpose of improving their appearance, at least 3 million people undergo elective surgery every year. Once considered only for the wealthy, cosmetic surgery is now considered by an array of men and women from a variety of social and income backgrounds.
An improvement in your appearance is an investment in yourself!
