What is LASER resurfacing ?

Laser skin resurfacing, also known as a laser peel, laser vaporization and lasabrasion, can reduce facial wrinkles, scars and blemishes. Newer laser technologies give your plastic surgeon a new level of control in laser surfacing, permitting extreme precision, especially in delicate areas.

How Does LASER work on Face Skin ?

LASER  sends short, concentrated pulsating beams of light at irregular skin.This removes unwanted, damaged outer layer of skin in a very precise manner.It simultaneously heats the underlying skin, and stimulates growth of new collagen fibers. As the treated area heals, the new skin that forms is smoother and firmer.

What all facial cosmetic problems can be treated with LASER? 

• Fine lines or wrinkles around or under your eyes, forehead or mouth
• Scars from acne or chickenpox
• Non-responsive skin after a facelift
• Aged or sun-damaged skin
• Improve your complexion if you have yellowish or grayish skin tones
• Warts
• Birthmarks
• Enlarged oil glands on the nose

What to expect after LASER treatment on Face ?

Skin that’s treated with laser may react in different ways. But most of the time, it will feel like a mild sunburn. You’ll have some redness and swelling. You may also experience itching or stinging for a few days after the procedure.

Depending on the treatment, some people may have what looks like a severe sunburn. The skin will be raw, oozing and may even blister. A yellow liquid may ooze from treated areas to form a crust. Do not scratch or pick at crusts because this can cause scarring.

Usually, about five days to a week after laser skin resurfacing, your skin will become dry and peel. After that, the new, rejuvenated skin will be pink, but it will gradually lighten over two to three months. It may take up to a year for the pinkness to go away. It is very important to protect your skin during this time of healing,as your skin might be extra sensitive to sunlight during this period.

What Complications can happen after laser skin resurfacing?

• Acne flares. Your doctor will recommend a treatment regimen.
• Bacterial infection. Your doctor may recommend taking an antibiotic prior to the surgery and afterwards.
• Cold sore reactivation. This may occur if you have laser resurfacing around your mouth. Be sure to tell you doctor about your history of cold sores (herpes). You can prevent the reactivation by taking an antiviral medication before and after the procedure.
• Hyperpigmentation. It’s possible the treated area can become darker in tone. Your physician may recommend a bleaching solution. More rarely you may have hypopigmentation, a lightening of the skin tone.
• Milia. These small white bumps may appear during healing. They can be removed by gentle cleansing with a washcloth.
• Prolonged redness. For some people, the redness just takes longer to disappear.
• Scarring. This is rare, but possible.
• Swelling. If you are having laser skin resurfacing around your eyes, your doctor may prescribe oral steroids to manage this swelling.

What is the usual post procedure advice ?

Elevate your head with an extra pillow at night.

• Use an ice pack during the first day or two to ease swelling and discomfort.
• Stop smoking. Tobacco smoke will complicate the healing process.
• Clean the treated areas two to five times a day with saline or a diluted vinegar solution as directed by your plastic surgeon.
• Apply protective skin care treatments that are recommended by your doctor to help your skin heal.
• After healing, you’ll need to use sunscreen, particularly one that’s formulated for the sensitive, rejuvenated skin on your face. Every day. No exceptions! Your plastic surgeon will help you select the correct type of sunscreen to best protect your treated areas.
• If directed to do so by your plastic surgeon, use a liberal amount of moisturizer each day on your new skin.
• You may resume application of Retin-A and/or glycolic acid products around six weeks after laser resurfacing or as directed by your physician. 
• Once your treated areas have healed, makeup may used to tone down the color. Try a green-based makeup to neutralize red color. Be sure to opt for an oil-free makeup.

What is the recovery time following LASER treatment ?

Recovery times will vary depending on your treatment: CO2 laser resurfacing: Generally up to two weeks.Erbium laser resurfacing: One full week.

Some people who have laser resurfacing may see an immediate difference in the treated skin. That will continue to improve for up to a year. While the effects of laser resurfacing can last for many years, the normal aging process means that wrinkles and expression lines will reoccur. You may repeat laser resurfacing as necessary.