Laser skin resurfacing refers to a somewhat new cosmetic procedure used during laser surgery. In this cosmetic surgery procedure, short and concentrated beams of laser are directed at irregular, aged and sun-damaged skin, allowing it to be replaced by younger looking skin. It is a very precise technique which removes skin layer by layer, and may be used for treating wrinkles, sun damage, liver spots, scars, stretch marks and spider veins around the eyes, mouth and cheeks. It can also improve complexion. It is often combined with liposuction when removing fat from the chin and jaw area, since the fat removal produces wrinkles.
Laser skin resurfacing has become one of the more popular anti-aging remedies, perhaps because modern lasers are much gentler and safer than they used to be, and don't carry the discomfort, bleeding and bruising that was once common. However, it is not suitable for those with acne, previous burns from surgery, radiation exposure, allergies or very dark skin. It is also not used to removed very deep wrinkles or sagging skin, and repeated treatments may be necessary to keep up results.
Although many types of lasers are used for this type of treatment, two types of lasers commonly used in laser skin resurfacing are erbium and carbon dioxide. Each laser is used to destroy damaged skin cells in the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin.
Before scheduling this cosmetic procedure with a plastic surgeon, a complete medical history will be taken, a physical examination given and realistic expectations will be discussed. It may also be necessary to take antiviral and antibiotic medications and avoid direct sun exposure, both before and after surgery.
During the procedure, the face is completely cleaned, the eyes are covered with protective gauze and the hair is also covered. The procedure can be painful, so the skin will be numbed with local anesthetics, and a sedative may be given. The procedure will generally take between 40 minutes and two hours. After resurfacing, the skin may be raw and blistering, and there may be intense pain, as well as itching and burning. An ointment will be given and a mask will be applied to the face for a day or so. After recovery, there should be continued improvement of the look and feel of the skin.
Some complications of laser skin resurfacing may include hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, which refers to skin tone that becomes darker or lighter than normal, flare-ups of an existing herpes virus infection, bacterial infection, scarring, burns, small white bumps called millia, acne, redness and inflammation.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.massagebyben.com/articles/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites 