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| Laser Skin Resurfacing |  In laser skin resurfacing a laser is used to take out areas of damaged or wrinkled skin, layer by layer. The procedure is most frequently used to minimize the appearance of fine lines, especially around the mouth and the eyes. Still, it is also effective in treating facial scars or areas of uneven pigmentation. Laser resurfacing may be completed on the whole face or in specific regions. Often, the procedure is done in combination with another cosmetic operation, such as a facelift or eyelid surgery.
Lasers are the most effective tools available today for removing wrinkles. Unlike other resurfacing methods, lasers not only flake off the surface of the skin, but they also stiffen the skin’s collagen fibers, thereby renovating some of the skin’s elasticity. After laser skin resurfacing many patients look 10 to 20 years younger, and results last about 10 years. Laser skin resurfacing may also be used to remove defects of the skin such as pigmented lesions or acne scars.
LASER FACIAL RESURFACING
| Procedure: | Smooth the face and fine wrinkles using a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser device that treats layers of damaged skin, softens lines around the eyes and mouth and minimizes facial scars and unevenly pigmented areas.
| | Length: | A few minutes to 1 hour. May require more than 1 session | | Anesthesia: | Local with sedation, or general.
| | In/Outpatient: | Usually outpatient, unless connected with other surgical procedures that require hospitalization | | Side Effects: | Temporary swelling, discomfort. Lightening of treated skin. Acute sun sensitivity. Increased sensitivity to makeup. Pinkness or redness in skin that may persist for up to 6 months.
| | Risks: | Burns or injuries caused by laser heat. Scarring. Abnormal changes in skin color. Flare-up of viral infections ("cold sores") and other infections (rare).
| | Recovery: | Back to work: 2 weeks. More strenuous activities: 4-6 weeks. Complete fading of redness: 6 months or less. Return of pigmentation/light sun exposure: 6-12 months.
| Duration of
Results: | Long-lasting, but does not stop aging. New wrinkles, expression lines may form as skin ages. |
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