LASER FACE RESURFACING

Operation: A carbon dioxide (CO2) laser device is used to smooth the face. This results in reduction of fine wrinkles and softens lines around the eyes and mouth as well as minimize facial scars and uneven pigmentation.
Operation Time (estimate): Procedure times range from a few minutes to 1 hour and may require more than 1 session.
Anesthesia/Pain Control: The two forms of anesthesia used are local with sedation and general.
Location: This is usually outpatient unless it is combined with other surgical operations that require hospitalization.
Side effects (Possible): Patients may experience temporary swelling, discomfort, acute sun sensitivity, increased sensitivity to makeup, lightening of treated skin, and pinkness or redness in skin that may persist for up to 6 months.
Complications (Possible): Some possible complications such as scarring, abnormal changes in skin color, flare-up of viral infections (“cold sore”) and other infections (rare) may occur. Burns or injuries caused by laser heat are possible complications as well
Downtime: Patients can go back to work in 2 weeks and participate in more strenuous activities in 4-6 weeks. Complete fading of redness takes about 6 months or less and return of pigmentation/light sun exposure will occur in 6-12 months.
Duration of Results: Results are long lasting but does not stop aging. New wrinkles may form as skin ages.

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