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All resurfacing treatments
work essentially the same way. Laser resurfacing is a new method being used by plastic
surgeons to remove damaged skin. Laser resurfacing is performed using a beam of
laser energy, which vaporizes the upper layers of damaged skin at specific and controlled
levels of penetration. The carbon dioxide laser emits an invisible infrared beam
at a 10,600-nm wavelength, targeting both intracellular and extracellular water.
The removal of the upper layer of skin exposes the fresher, healthier-looking underlying
skin.
Laser resurfacing is most
commonly performed under local anesthesia with sedation, especially when it's used
to treat localized areas of the face. You'll be awake but relaxed, and will feel
minimal discomfort. For more extensive resurfacing, your surgeon may prefer to use
general anesthesia, in which case you'll sleep through the procedure.
Laser resurfacing is a relatively
quick procedure. The length of the procedure usually takes anywhere from a few minutes
to one and a half hours, depending on how large of an area is involved.
Laser resurfacing is normally
performed under Light Sleep sedation or Local with a mild intravenous sedation (Valium,
Versed, etc.) often with the use of general anesthetic.
For superficial or medium
resurfacing, the laser can be limited to the epidermis and papillary dermis, usually
in one pass. When the imperfections are especially deep, your surgeon may recommend
that the resurfacing be performed in two or more stages. For deeper resurfacing,
the upper levels of the reticulas dermis can also be removed. Varied penetration
allows treatment of specific spots, wrinkles, uneven pigment, and scars.
During the procedure, the
activated laser is carefully passed back and forth over the skin until the surgeon
reaches the level that will make the wrinkle or scar less visible. Very skilled
surgeons know to make several light passes resulting in a blended area where the
laser did not pass. This way there is no obvious line of demarcation.
When the skin resurfacing
procedure is over, your surgeon may choose to treat the resurfaced skin with applications
of protective creams or ointments until healing is complete. Surgeons will normally
cover the patient's face with either a thin film of Bacitracin or antibiotic burn
cream like Silvadine. Some surgeons use a second synthetic breathable skin to protect
the newly surfaced tissue during its healing process. Some surgeons choose to apply
a bandage over the treated areas that will cover and protect the healing skin for
the first five to ten days.
Laser resurfacing a relatively
easy procedure when performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon. The physical
changes that occur to laser-treated skin are essentially identical to those that
occur with either dermabrasion or chemical peel.
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