Laser skin resurfacing, also known as a laser peel, is a plastic surgery procedure which can improve the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles, scars, and uneven pigmentation in order to restore a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance to the face. Laser resurfacing uses a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser device which instantly vaporizes the damaged top layer of skin. The entire face may be treated or just specific areas.
Candidates for laser resurfacing should be physically healthy and realistic in their expectations. Special considerations may need to be made for patients with olive, brown or black skin as they may have an increased risk of pigmentation changes.
Laser resurfacing is often performed in a surgeon’s office-based facility. Though more extensive resurfacing may require general anesthesia, local anesthesia combined with sedation is more commonly used. Procedural times can range anywhere from a few minutes to an hour depending upon the size of the treatment area. More than one session may be required if there is extensive damage to the skin.
During the procedure, the surgeon will carefully pass the activated laser back and forth over the skin until the correct level has been reached to make the imperfection less visible. When the procedure is complete, a cream or ointment may be applied to the skin and the treatment area may be covered with a bandage.
Patients may experience some mild swelling after the laser resurfacing treatment. Discomfort is generally mild and can be controlled with medication. The skin may appear pink or red for several weeks. Crusts form on the treated area but fade within about ten days. If a bandage was applied to the treatment area, it is usually removed within five to ten days.
Normal activities, including work, can usually be resumed within two weeks. More strenuous activities may need to be postponed for four to six weeks, and the treatment area will need to be protected from the sun for six months to a year. |
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