Laser skin resurfacing is a procedure that uses lasers to create a new, smooth skin appearance. The laser “ablates”, or destroys, the outer layers of skin which have been damaged by age, sun, acne, wrinkles, or pigmentation problems or spots. The destruction of the older layers of skin prompts the body to generate a new layer of skin cells which are unaffected by the previous skin condition. In Hollywood, celebrities undergo this type of LASER on a yearly basis…its a secret fountain of youth!
Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Matthew G. Stanwix utilizes the fractionated CO2 LASER under local anesthesia with nerve blocks and numbing cream in the office, or with some twilight IV anesthesia in a surgical center (administered by a Board Certified Anesthesiologist). It depends on the patient preferences as well as its combination with other surgical procedures. First, the face is cleansed of oils in order to prepare for the laser procedure. The laser is then used to ablate various layers of skin in a controlled manner until the appropriate depth of skin is reached. Most commonly the LASER is used for resurfacing the full face but can also be done for just around the mouth, eyes, scars, or other areas (hands, neck, etc). A thin layer of ointment is placed on the face with NO dressings! Dr. Stanwix will provide you with a complimentary LASER recovery kit he developed that includes balms, cleaners, and ointments to help speed up and optimize recovery and results.
Generally, post-operative recovery is quick; you can do whatever you want whenever you want! The skin will be red and may ooze for the first few days. Staying out of the public and limelight for the first 3-5 days is preferable because of this fact. However, you can start to put concealer and makeup on the area in 4-5 days.
Any pain associated with the surgery can be treated with oral medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the post-operative directions. Recovery time varies with the extent of the resurfacing and the number of procedures completed.
