If you're considering laser skin resurfacing
The best candidates for laser resurfacing
If you're considering laser skin resurfacing
Laser resurfacing is performed using a beam of laser energy which
vaporises the upper layers of damaged skin at specific and controlled
levels of penetration.
In laser resurfacing a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is used to remove areas of
damaged or wrinkled skin, layer by layer. Often, the procedure
is done in conjunction with another cosmetic operation, such as a facelift or
eyelid surgery.
Laser skin resurfacing is a newer procedure but has largely replaced dermabrasion
and chemical peels.
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The best candidates for laser resurfacing
In many cases, facial wrinkles form in localised areas, such as near the
eyes or around the mouth. The laser can be controlled precisely so that
only these specific areas are targeted.
Men and women of all ages can benefit from laser skin resurfacing. The ideal patient for laser resurfacing has fair, healthy, non-oily skin.
When healing is complete, the face has a more youthful appearance.
Patients with olive skin, brown skin or black skin may be at risk of increased pigmentation changes no matter what type of resurfacing method is recommended, and you need to discuss this in detail before treatment. Patients with very pale skin may find the area whiter than normal following treatment, and those patients who are treated deeply may require make up permanently to cover the pale areas.
Also, individuals who have taken Roaccutane in the past 12-18 months or are prone to abnormal (keloid-like) scarring or those with active skin infections on the treatment area may not be appropriate candidates for this procedure.
Laser resurfacing can help enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't completely remove all facial flaws or prevent you from ageing. Lines that occur as a result of natural movements of the face - smiling, squinting, blinking, talking, chewing - will inevitably remain. Your plastic surgeon can suggest ways to help you preserve your results by protecting yourself from sun exposure and other skin treatments. Before you decide to have laser skin resurfacing, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them in detail at your consultation.
All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk
When laser resurfacing is performed by a qualified, experienced surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. However, because individuals vary greatly in their anatomy, their physical reactions and their healing abilities, the outcome is never completely predictable.
Risks associated with laser resurfacing include: burns or other injuries from the heat of the laser energy, scarring, and obvious lightening or darkening of the treated skin. Also, laser resurfacing can activate herpes cold sores and, rarely, other types of infection.
You will be given tablets to prevent
the development of cold sores.
Additional corrective measures and treatment may be required if healing seems
abnormal or delayed or if there is any evidence of abnormal pigmentation or
scarring.
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Planning your surgery
Not every practitioner who offers laser surgery has the same level of experience
and skill with laser use. That is why it is especially important that you find
a plastic surgeon who is adequately trained in the procedure.
In your initial consultation, be frank in discussing your expectations with
the surgeon and don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have.
Mr Murphy will discuss your medical history, perform a routine examination
and photograph the area to be treated. He will explain the procedure in detail,
along with its risks and benefits, the recovery period and the costs.
Remember, cosmetic laser treatments are expensive and are not covered by medical
insurance. On rare occasions, the procedure can be used for modification of
scars or the removal of pre-cancerous skin growths and these may be covered.
Fine, vertical creases or "lipstick lines" are commonly treated with laser resurfacing.
Within about five weeks after treatment, the upper lip is noticeably smoother.
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Preparing for your procedure
Depending on your individual needs, Mr Murphy may recommend that you begin
a pre-treatment plan to prepare the skin for resurfacing.
At the time of the procedure, you will be given specific instructions on how
to care for your skin immediately following your laser treatment.
We will also tell you how to take care of your skin long-term, to maintain the results.
Laser resurfacing may be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation,
when you will be awake but relaxed, and will feel minimal discomfort. For more
extensive skin resurfacing, we prefer to use general anaesthesia, in which case
you'll sleep through the procedure.
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The procedure
Clinical photographs will be taken before your operation.
Laser skin resurfacing is a relatively quick procedure. It usually takes from half
an hour to one and a half hours, depending on how large of an area is involved.
When the imperfections are especially deep, Mr Murphy may recommend that the
resurfacing be performed in two or more stages.
During the procedure, the activated laser is carefully passed back and forth
over the skin until it reaches the level that will make the wrinkle or scar less
visible.
When the procedure is over your skin will be covered with an artificial or synthetic
skin which looks like ‘cling film’. This will stay on for about one week.
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After your procedure
You are likely to experience some swelling and discomfort after
laser resurfacing. However, this can be controlled with ice packs
and medication. When the artificial skin is removed you will
need to cover the treated area with Vaseline or E45 to prevent
scabbing and desiccation.
During this phase of healing it is very important that you do not
pick the crusts off the treated area or scarring may result.
Most patients are healed by about ten days post-operatively and
can apply makeup at two weeks. Without makeup the skin looks
very red at this stage.
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Getting back to normal
Your new skin will fade from red to pink in the weeks following
the procedure. At about two weeks, most patients can safely apply
makeup to conceal this temporary colour change although some
pinkness may remain for up to six months.
Rarely, some patients may find that their healing skin is unusually
sensitive to the makeup that was regularly used prior to treatment.
In such instances, hypoallergenic makeup will be required until
the healing progresses to a point at which the makeup no longer
causes a reaction.
Above all, in the months following treatment, it's important
to protect the treated area from the sun until all the colour
has returned to normal. Using sun protection regularly will help
to maintain your results and reduce the chance of any new sun
damage to your skin.
A colourless total block is required without which an increase
in pigmentation may occur.
If you must be in the sun, apply a strong sun block with an SPF of 15 or higher and shade your face with a hat or visor. If resurfacing was performed around the eyes, it's best to also wear good quality sunglasses with UVA and UVB 100 percent filters.
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Your new look
The final result from laser skin resurfacing may take several months to fully appear. However, once the pinkness fades, patients usually notice a significant improvement in the quality of their skin and a fresher, smoother appearance.It is important to understand that your results will be long-lasting but your new skin is not immune to the effects of ageing. In the months following your laser treatment, your natural facial movements will eventually cause any "expression" lines to recur although the lines within the skin will be much reduced or abolished depending on their initial depth.
As with other methods of skin rejuvenation, laser treatment can be repeated. However, by protecting yourself from the sun and careful skin-care, you can help maintain your rejuvenated look. Back to Top
