Laser Resurfacing

WHO IS A CANDIDATE

• Facial skin with poor texture or dark pigmentation due to sun damage.
• Acne scarring.
• Facial wrinkles and loss of elasticity. Laser resurfacing is particularly effective for the wrinkles above the lip.

INTENDED RESULT

• More youthful look.
• Improved skin texture and elasticity with more homogeneous pigmentation.
• Diminished acne scars.
• Improved wrinkles.

PROCEDURE DESCRIPTION

• Laser resurfacing is done with a CO2 laser with either local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
• Resurfacing may be done to the entire face or to specific areas such as the periocular region (around the eyes) or the perioral region (around the mouth).
• Dr. Hand will perform 1 to 4 passes on the areas of the face selected for resurfacing, dependant on what is needed to accomplish correction.

Before	After

RECUPERATION AND HEALING

• An occlusive membrane will be applied immediately after your procedure that will stay on for several days. After the membrane is removed, you will be given an ointment to be applied twice daily until the skin heals.
• The skin is red and weepy for 5 to 7 days, after which it will be sunburn red for approximately 3 weeks or for as long as 3 months. After the skin is healed but still red, you will be given special camouflage makeup to apply.
• Initial discomfort subsides rapidly and can be controlled with oral medication.
• Sun block will be necessary to protect your newly resurfaced skin from further sun damage.

Before	After

OTHER OPTIONS

• Laser skin resurfacing can be combined with other facial cosmetic procedures (facelift, blepharoplasty and forehead lift).