Skin Resurfacing
It uses the laser to treat loose or wrinkled skin and pigment imperfections. These problems are caused or exacerbated by aging, sun exposure, heredity, smoking or acne. Laser resurfacing targets and damages the cells that are near the skin surface to reveal a younger and more pigmented skin, which is underneath.
The resurfacing process can be applied to the entire face or locally, for example on the upper lip or eyelids. Using the laser gives a tightening of the skin that may become smoother, less wrinkled and look less tired.
The colour of the skin does not necessarily represent an obstacle to treatment, but we generally get better results on the pale skin. The thickness and texture of the skin are also to be taken into account, as assessing the process for the resurfacing laser can be done at the same time as face lifting or blepharoplasty.
Your plastic surgeon will make a thorough assessment of your skin type, damage degree caused by sun, uneven pigmentation and skin imperfections.
There are several techniques or resurfacing of the skin where the majority works by removing a layer of skin. These treatments leave the skin more or less red for a short period.
The more skin is removed, the smoother it will get, free of wrinkles, but also the payback period will be extended and the greater will be the risk of hypopigmentation. With a more superficial resurfacing, the recovery time will be shortened, but the results will be less apparent.
There are techniques that attempts to tighten the layers of skin deep using light, or ultrasound without removing the upper layers. These techniques do not require a recovery period but produce less striking results.
The resurfacing obtained by dermabrasion, chemical peeling or CO2 laser or Erbium are deeper. The resurfacing can also be obtained by using such creams as acid retinoic or micro-dermabrasion.
The risks associated with laser resurfacing are include infection or abnormal healing. If you have had allergic reactions or herpes, resurfacing may cause a relapse. In some patients, the scars will be raised or thick. These results are difficult to predict.
As a result of resurfacing laser surgery, you have to avoid sun exposure until the redness of the skin disappears. Indeed, it is best to always avoid the permanent and harmful effects of the sun by using sunscreen and wearing a wide brimmed hat.
Two weeks after the resurfacing laser surgery, makeup can be used as camouflaging and the patient should be able to return to work within 7 to 10 days.