Laser Skin Resurfacing

We are born with smooth, baby-soft skin. As we go through life, our skin is subject to numerous experiences that leave it less than perfect. Overexposure to the sun, alcohol use, and smoking are all known to significantly accelerate the skin’s natural aging process and the development of fine lines and wrinkles.

In the past, dermabrasion and invasive chemical peels have been used to reverse the aging appearance of skin by making it smoother and younger looking with a more even complexion tone. The risk of scarring and unpredictable results from these types of procedures has kept many patients from seeking skin rejuvenation procedures.

Today Laser Skin Resurfacing is the state of the art treatment available for reversing the everyday exposure effects to your skin. Your skin is harmed daily by pollution, extreme climates, and excessive sunlight. This treatment can safely help reverse the effects these outside factors have on the skin. With Laser Skin Resurfacing, damaged or aging skin is carefully removed layer by layer with a high-energy beam of light. This laser precisely vaporizes wrinkles and other defects while it uncovers healthy skin. Since laser technology is so exact, the beam of light penetrates only to a certain, controlled depth, which makes the procedure safe when performed by a skilled surgeon and thereby reducing the risk of scarring. In addition, Laser Skin Resurfacing stimulates the regeneration of new, younger skin. This procedure can be done under local anesthesia or light sedation and requires minimal recovery time, although redness can persist for some weeks. Makeup can usually be applied in 7-10 days.

Full face resurfacing is performed on an outpatient basis and we recommend the use of an anesthesiologist to place you at ease and minimize any discomfort that may occur. However, most regional resurfacing is often performed without the use of an anesthesiologist. At least 30 days prior to any resurfacing procedure, we initiate treatment with retinoids and glycolic acid and continue use of these agents after the procedure to maintain results and continue rejuvenation. Skin resurfacing requires between 20 minutes and 75 minutes depending on the size of the area treated and nature of the procedure. You will be given some preoperative instructions and medications such as prophylactic antibiotics and antiviral to control the risk of incidental infections.

During the full-face procedure you will be kept comfortable with intravenous (IV) and local anesthesia. Most patients experience approximately 20 minutes of stinging of the skin immediately following the resurfacing procedure. After placing a dressing on the skin, the stinging usually resolves. Any additional discomfort is usually controlled with 1 or 2 pain pills during the first 12 - 24 hours after the procedure.

Following procedures requiring IV anesthesia, most patients will require a 30 to 60-minute recovery time. Patients are then released into the care of a family member or friend who must be responsible for driving. Patients with small areas treated are able to leave immediately after the procedure.

A special dressing will be placed on treated areas which assists in pain as well as infection control. This dressing will be left in place for 2-3 days. During this period the skin will drain a yellow-red tinged fluid from beneath the bandage. Significant amounts of swelling and oozing will occur during the first week. After the dressing is removed, crusting of the skin is to be avoided by gentle, repeated debridement and application of white petroleum jelly; failure to remove this crusting may result in scarring. The patient will be required to sleep with his head elevated to control swelling.

Most patients will require 7-10 days for complete healing of the outer surface of the skin. During this time, the skin will require care in the form of regular washing with a mild cleanser such as Cetaphil and continuous application of moisturizers to help the skin heal faster. Oozing and redness always occur during the first week, but this resolves after the upper layer of skin has healed. This early healing phase will most likely limit public activities, and your procedure should be scheduled accordingly. Daily follow up visits will be scheduled during the first 5-7 days after the procedure until you have completed the first stages of healing and are able to perform the post procedure care at home.

Redness following the procedure can last from 6 weeks to 6 months as it gradually fades, and usually resembles sunburn, which can be camouflaged using makeup.

Most patients can return to their normal routine after the upper most layer of skin has healed. Makeup is helpful to camouflage the redness of the skin. It is important to recognize that the entire recovery period requires several weeks, and your final result may not be evident for 6-12 months.

Direct sun exposure or tanning beds should be avoided permanently, but absolutely must be avoided for at least 3 months after the resurfacing procedure. Sunscreens with an SPF of 30 must be worn daily to prevent irregular pigmentation of the healing skin.

Dr. Maeyens has more than 16 years experience with carbon dioxide lasers, and has
performed many resurfacing procedures.

We invite you to inquire about laser skin resurfacing, and how we can help you achieve
smoother, fresher,younger looking skin.