Laser Skin Resurfacing

Cosmetic Skin Resurfacing

Cosmetic skin resurfacing or CSR utilizes a CO2 laser in a superpulsed mode to resurface the skin. Chemical peeling is another option that some surgeons also utilize.These techniques tighten the skin to reduce or eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. The procedure is often utilized in combination with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to optimize the cosmetic improvement. Small areas can be done as with scar revisions or the entire face can be done to achieve a “mini face lift” without having a face lift. This procedure is usually done with IV sedation or general anesthesia.

Complications possible include erythemia (reddening of the skin which can last 3-4 months), swelling, bruising, infection, pain, hyper/hypo-pigmentation, worsening of the scarring or hypertrophic scarring. Fortunately, most patients avoid these complications and have significant improvements from their pre-operative condition.

As one of the most exciting and innovative scientific achievements to date, laser technology is being utilized throughout the health care community. Dr. Kernizan or Dr. Nguyen use one of the newest lasers, the ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser, to treat sun-damaged skin, facial wrinkles and scars in a procedure called laser skin resurfacing.

What is a laser?

The word “laser” is an acronym, which stands for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A surgical laser, such as the CO2 laser, is a beam of light capable of removing unwanted tissue, such as scarred, lined, wrinkled and otherwise imperfect skin. The laser vaporizes skin cells by emitting bursts of radiation that are absorbed by water in these cells. 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 skin resurfacing is bloodless, and is performed right here in our office under light sedation. As a result of this treatment, you are left with more youthful looking skin.

What areas can be treated through laser resurfacing?

The laser is used to reduce tiny wrinkles, acne scars and other minor skin imperfections, especially around the mouth and eyes. It can improve sun-damaged and acne scarred skin problems that often cause concern to both men and women.

Benefits of Treatment

Laser resurfacing can be used as an alternative to chemical peel and dermabrasion. The benefits of using this technique are less pain and a faster recovery time. In most cases, it is less costly.

Before Surgery

Prior to surgery, You and one of the doctors will discuss the goals for facial improvement. After determining the most appropriate procedure to use, we will fully describe the procedure, what results to expect and the costs. The skin is usually pretreated prior to surgery to improve the healing time.

The Procedure

A local anesthetic is given to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. The area is cleansed and draped. The doctor then directs the laser beam toward your skin imperfections. The laser quickly and accurately vaporizes the outermost layers of skin just four or five cells in thickness.

What can be expected?

In most cases, only one treatment is needed. The initial redness fades in a few weeks to a light pink, which can be camouflaged with cosmetics. The discoloration usually disappears in one to three months. The goal of laser resurfacing is to enhance facial appearance. Expectations by the patient must be realistic and results should be anticipated as improvements rather than total corrections. Results of the surgery depend on many factors such as the size, shape and location of the imperfection and the patient’s heredity, age and general skin condition.