Laser Resurfacing: The Basics

Skin resurfacing is the broad term for cosmetic procedures which are completed to improve the texture and appearance of the skin. These are often requested by patients seeking to diminish lines and wrinkles. Resurfacing techniques may also be prescribed by physicians as a way to remove precancerous lesions from the face.

The most common types of skin resurfacing techniques are dermabrasion, [tag-self]chemical peels[/tag-self], and laser resurfacing.

Laser resurfacing is the newest technique of the three. Pulsed C02 lasers, specially manufactured, can vaporize the skin, layer by layer. This allows certain areas of the face to be treated with only minor damage to surrounding areas. Special scanners move the laser tip across the skin in pre-defined patterns, insuring that the correct areas of the face are treated. Most often, these lasers are set to work in fractional columns, which are defined as smaller areas of the total area to be treated.

Wrinkles around the eyes, cheeks, and mouth are the most common sites for laser resurfacing.

Lines due to muscle movement (such as smile lines around the mouth or frown lines in the forehead) tend to reapper after laser resurfacing. This is due to continued contraction of these muscles.

Laser resurfacing seems to work best as a spot treatment, a way to smooth out particularly obvious wrinkles. Patients expecting total elimination of their [tag-tec]wrinkles[/tag-tec] are not likely to be satisfied with the results of laser resurfacing.

The technique is performed under local anesthesia and/or oral sedative. Antiviral medications are prescribed and are to be taken a several days before the procedure. Patient's eyes are shielded (as the laser can cause permanent scarring and vision loss if it enters the eye). Treatment is localized to the face by use of wet cloths which are draped around the face, or through use of crumpled foil, which catches any beams of laser light which stray off course.

After laser resurfacing, the skin should be kept moist, as this will aid in rate of healing, and reduces the risk of infection. The skin is likely to be red, tender, and will require a bit of special care in the days following the procedure.

Pain medicine and steroids (to reduce swelling) may be prescribed.

Laser resurfacing is among the better techniques for spot treatment of [tag-ice]wrinkles[/tag-ice]. The procedure can be completed quickly, and the recovery time is reasonably short. It may be a worthwhile option to consider if you'd like to freshen up your face, just a bit.