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CO2 Laser Resurfacing

  • Consultation: 30 min
  • Procedure: 1-2 hours
  • Recovery: 7-14 days
  • Duration of results: Years

Laser Resurfacing and Dermabrasion

Smooth, healthy, attractive skin. However you say it, "good looking" skin is one of the most desirable features in our society, and a foundation for the rest of your appearance. The youthful unblemished skin you had as a child is the ideal. But sun damage, aging, wrinkles, acne, or scars, detract from the natural beauty of your skin. Extensive sun damage multiplies your risk-the possibility of skin cancer. Cosmetics and medications simply don't do enough to reverse these problems.

Fortunately, today's cosmetic surgeon has the means to improve many of these signs of aging and scars. Millions of people have benefited from the latest techniques, such as laser resurfacing of the skin and a sanding technique called dermabrasion.

Are You a Good Candidate?

Laser resurfacing or dermabrasion can enhance your appearance if your complexion is affected by sun damage, aging, wrinkles, acne scarring, or other types of scars. A yellowish or sallow gray color of the skin caused by ultraviolet damage can be restored to a more youthful-appearing fair complexion with a "rosy glow." Wrinkles around the mouth, eyes and cheeks are often removed or dramatically improved. Sun induced brown "liver spots," and discolorations caused by "picking" acne, can be virtually cleared with this procedure. Scars causing elevations and depressions ("hills and valleys") in the skin - ie., chicken pox scars -- can be improved with resurfacing.

Moderate and more severe scars benefit most from combining scar revision techniques with resurfacing. Similarly, very lax skin - even with the tightening achievable with resurfacing - may benefit from combining a facelift with the procedure. Your doctor will discuss this further if it applies to you.

Before Surgery

During your consultation, you and your cosmetic surgeon will discuss your desired areas of improvement. A thorough examination and a review of your medical and health history may be conducted. Also possible is a discussion of what other procedures may need to be performed to achieve your desired result, such as a chemical peel or facelift.

Your physician will discuss your commitment to skin care. Some cosmetic surgeons may pre-treat the skin or change your skin care regimen. Your doctor will discuss medications to avoid and may ask you to stop smoking one to two weeks before and after surgery. Most procedures are performed in an outpatient setting, unless you're having other procedures done at the same time.

Although you may go home after your laser resurfacing or dermabrasion, have someone drive you home. It is wise to arrange for a friend, family member, or nursing assistant to help out around the house for a few days.

The Surgery - How it is Done

Both laser resurfacing and dermabrasion remove damaged upper layers of the skin. Lower layers of the skin are stimultated to produce new collagen and a fresh surface for your complexion. Wrinkles, scars, blemishes, and pre-skin cancers, may be removed or greatly reduced.

You and your cosmetic surgeon will decide whether local numbing medicine, gentle sedation, or local anesthesia is the better choice for your needs. Dermabrasion frequently uses a freezing spray in addition to one of the above comfort methods.

After you and your skin are numb and comfortable, laser resurfacing uses a precise beam of laser light, most frequently known as carbon dioxide (CO2) or erbium (Erbium-YAG), to vaporize away the various layers of skin.

Dermabrasion in experienced hands is likely to be equally effective as laser techniques for most areas of the face. Dermabrasion uses a high speed rotating sanding wheel or brush to peel away the skin. Both resurfacing instruments stimulate new, healthier appearing skin to replace and smooth sun damaged, wrinkled, discolored, or scarred areas.

A specialized skin care plan may be recommended to maximize improvement and protect your resurfaced skin.

After Your Surgery

After your resurfacing, ointments or bandage dressings will be applied to keep your skin moist, until the new upper skin layer reforms in 5-7 days. Initially, redness may be very pronounced - it may last several weeks or months, but can be often camouflaged with post-operative cosmetics. It is important to follow whatever instructions you've been provided and call the office if you have any difficulties or questions, especially unexpected pain. Tenderness or a mild sunburn sensation is expected. You may be instructed to keep your head elevated. Some patients are instructed to apply cooling packs to the outside of dressings. Be sure to take any medications advised by your doctor.

The New You

Remember, healing after a surgical procedure is a gradual process. Very quickly you will notice a significant improvement in your skin quality and appearance. Subtle signs of continuing improvement will usually occur for 6-12 months. You will continue to enjoy your younger looking, smoother, healthier skin for many years to come by following your doctor's recommendations to wear sun protection.

Note: None of the above is intended as medical advice.

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One of a kind

Dr. Rahimi is unique for using local anesthesia when possible to guarantee a safe and less consuming experience.

This also allows you the opportunity to communicate with Dr. Rahimi during your procedure.

Resource

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Patient, 35

"It was a short office visit, but it made such a difference"