LASER RESURFACING

If you have facial scars, areas of uneven pigmentation, sun-damaged wrinkled skin, or fine lines, especially around the mouth and eyes, you may want to consider laser resurfacing, sometimes called "laser peel". In this procedure, a carbon dioxide laser is used to remove areas of damaged or wrinkled skin, layer by layer. The laser can be precisely controlled so that only specific areas are targeted. Laser resurfacing is a relatively quick procedure, taking from a few minutes to 1-1/2 hours, depending on how large an area is involved. When healing is complete, the face has a more youthful appearance. In general, the more aggressive the resurfacing procedure, the more prolonged the recovery is likely to be. Your new skin will remain bright pink to red in the weeks following the procedure. Medications may be prescribed to make this color subside more rapidly. After about two weeks, most patients can safely apply makeup to conceal this temporary color change. The final result from laser resurfacing may take several months, but, once the pinkness fades, patients usually notice a significant improvement in the quality of their skin and a fresher, smoother appearance.