Facial Laser Resurfacing

Laser Skin Resurfacing: As one of the most exciting and innovative scientific achievements of the decade, Laser technology is being utilized throughout the health care community. Dr. Green uses one of the newest lasers, the ultrapulse carbon dioxide laser, to treat sun-damaged skin, facial wrinkles and scars in a procedure called laser skin resurfacing.

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 beam of light capable of removing unwanted tissue, such as scarred, lined, wrinkled, and otherwise imperfect skin. The laser vaporizes skin cells by emitting 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 sedation. As a result of this treatment, you are left with more natural looking skin.

What areas can be treated through laser resurfacing?

The laser is used to reduce tiny wrinkles, acne scars and other minor skin imperfections, especially around the mouth and eyes. It can improve sun-damaged and acne scarred skin, problems that often cause concern to both men and women on the face and neck.

Benefits of Treatment

Laser resurfacing can be used as an alternative to chemical peel and dermabrasion. When comparing Laser resurfacing to chemical peels, its important to understand they work via very different routes. Laser resurfacing is much more precise and also causes tightening in the collagen of the skin. This occurs to a degree that is actually visible in real time. There is a slightly longer recovery with laser resurfacing but most patients that have had both chemical peels and laser resurfacing say the result is worth the recovery.

CO2 Laser Resurfacing Before and After

Before Surgery

Prior to surgery, Dr. Green and you will discuss the goals for facial improvement. After determining the appropriate procedure, we will fully describe the procedure, what results to expect and the costs. The skin is usually pretreated prior to surgery to improve the healing time.

What can be expected?

In most cases, only one treatment is needed. The initial redness fades in a few weeks to a light pink, which can be concealed with makeup. The discoloration usually disappears in one or three months. The goal of laser resurfacing is to enhance facial appearance. Post-operative expectations can be reviewed under Patient information. It is important to realize some patients are not candidates for laser resurfacing due to their skin types. Below is a fantastic example of what our patients see when it comes to the results of laser skin resurfacing. This particular patient also underwent upper and lower eyelid surgery.

See Dr. Green‘s CO2 Laser Resurfacing Reviews