Laser Skin Resurfacing
As one of the most exciting and innovative scientific achievements to date, laser technology is being utilized throughout the health care community. Surgeons use one of the newest lasers, the carbon dioxide laser, to treat skin blemishes and sun-damaged lips.
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 specific beam of light capable of removing unwanted tissue, such as scarred, lined, wrinkled and otherwise imperfect skin. The laser vaporizes skin cells by emitting controlled 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 can be used to reduce tiny wrinkles, scars and other minor skin imperfections, especially around the mouth. It can improve sun-damaged lip problems that often cause concern to both men and women.
Benefits of Treatment
The benefits of using this technique are less pain and a faster recovery time.
Before Surgery
Prior to surgery, Dr. Alonge and you will discuss the goals for improvement. After determining the most appropriate procedure to use, we will fully describe the procedure, what results to expect and the costs.
The Procedure
A local anesthetic is given to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. The area is cleansed and draped. Dr. Alonge 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. 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.