CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing-New technology

A New Age Treatment That Improves Sun Damaged Skin And Wrinkles with less recovery and expense

Physicians have performed skin resurfacing for many years with the use of chemical peels and sanding procedures. Laser resurfacing was introduced several years ago with C02 (carbon dioxide) lasers. Although this laser often provides very good results, patients usually required full anesthesia due to the intense discomfort generated by a C02 procedure. In addition, there was a long recovery process with redness and skin tenderness that sometimes lasted up to six months. Patients can now be treated with more ease, safety, predictability, less recovery time and more cost effectively with the New Age CO2 laser technology.

 

Instead of a continuous laser beam that removed a complete patch of skin in the treatment area, the New Age technology spreads the laser beam into thousands of tiny spots, leaving normal skin behind to heal more rapidly. This means the procedure is faster, less expensive, more comfortable and more predictable and safe than previous technology. Healing is much faster and recovery much shorter with the same end result. Patients treated with this New Age Laser technology can often have the procedure performed with only topical anesthesia.

How the Laser Works

Unlike natural sunlight, which is comprised of light wavelengths of many colors, the laser produces only specific wavelengths of light at specific energy levels. The laser light energy is translated into heat when the skin absorbs it. It is this energy that produces the effect of the laser on the skin, in this instance, destruction of skin cells occurs in a very precise manner. Thousands of tiny dots of laser treatment are produced leaving normal skin and underlying tissue to heal very rapidly and with new collagen production.

Before surgery

Prior to surgery, a complete medical history is taken in order to evaluate the general health of the patient. A careful examination is also conducted. The physician describes the type of anesthesia to be used, the procedure, what results might realistically be expected and possible risks and complications. Photographs are taken before and after surgery to evaluate the amount of improvement. Preoperative instructions may include the elimination of certain drugs (Aspirin, Garlic, Arthritis medications, etc.) in order to minimize the possibility of excess bleeding. Patients who have a history of cold sores are sometimes placed on a cold sore prevention medication such as Zovirax or Valtrex before and after the procedure. Most patients are placed on the Obagi skin care program for at least two weeks before the procedure and following healing to promote healing and to help control pigment changes after the surgery.

The procedure

The procedure is usually performed in Dr. Galoob's office as a local procedure or with sedation if needed. For small areas and a short procedure, an oral sedative and local anesthetic injections are very well tolerated by most patients. If more sedation is needed or requested by the patient, sedation may be recommended. In this instance, a licensed experienced nurse is specifically assigned to constantly monitor vital signs and give medications under the Doctor's direction. Patients are kept at a twilight level of consciousness that allows them to relax and rest and the surgery to be easily performed. Most patients have no recollection of the procedure, or if any does occur, it is not unpleasant.

The face is thoroughly cleansed with an antiseptic cleansing agent. Protective contact lenses are placed against the cornea of the eye for protection against stray laser light. The procedure lasts from thirty to sixty minutes, depending upon the condition of the skin and extent of the area involved.

Following treatment

For a few days, the skin feels as though it has been severely sunburned. The raw skin weeps and crusts until healing occurs. Antibiotics and antiviral drugs are often prescribed to prevent bacterial or cold sore infection. Some swelling is to be expected 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Swelling can be reduced by keeping the head in a slightly elevated position when reclining. Medication alleviates any discomfort the patient may have. Patients may use cool soaks, a fan, or warm Epsom salt soaks to improve comfort depending on their needs.

The crust which loosens and falls off in several days begins to form a few days after laser skin resurfacing. At this time, the treated area is moist and weepy. The patient is instructed to wash the crust with a mild soap and tap water and apply Vaseline or antibiotic ointment. The patient is cautioned not to pull off crusts that tightly adhere to the skin as this can result in scarring.

After the crusts fall off, the skin appears quite pink, but this coloration fades in two to three weeks. During this period, special soaps and cosmetics may be recommended and men are allowed to shave with mild shaving creams. Patients are instructed to avoid medicated or scented cosmetics and hair sprays that might be harmful to the skin.

For several weeks following laser skin resurfacing, pimples resembling acne may appear. These disappear in time. Direct and reflected sunlight must be avoided for several weeks, and sunscreen should always be worn when out of doors. Strenuous activities should be avoided for ten days to two weeks following surgery. The physician advises when normal activities can be resumed.

Questions and Answers?

One of my friends had CO2 Laser resurfacing performed several years ago and thought it was very unpleasant.

New Age CO2 laser technology has dramatically changed the recovery process for patients. Recovery is shorter by more than half, discomfort is dramatically reduced, results are better and risks and complications are much more rare. Dr. Galoob will be happy to discuss this issue with you.

What result can I expect?

The amount of improvement from laser skin resurfacing varies, depending on the initial condition of the patient and the extent of surgery. In most cases, a single procedure achieves the desired results while in some cases, additional procedures may be indicated. Most patients who have had this procedure are delighted with their more attractive, smoother appearance.

What are the risks of the procedure?

Thousands of patients who undergo laser skin resurfacing each year are delighted with the results. Occasionally, hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin color) may occur, but this can be treated. Hypopigmentation (lightening of skin color)is a late effect and is only treatable by lightening the surrounding skin. Using the New Age CO2 Laser for skin resurfacing reduces the risk of hypopigmentation. Infection of the treated area is rare as is scarring. Additional treatments may be necessary.

Although complications are rare, there are certain inherent risks connected with every surgical procedure which should be thoroughly discussed with the physician. Patients can minimize complications by carefully following directions given by the physician.

If you are interested in learning more about dermabrasion, call or email our office or leave your name and address on this web page and we will be happy to answer your questions.

What can the Laser Skin Resurfacing do for me?

Laser Skin Resurfacing will remove or noticeably decrease wrinkles, improve skin texture and tighten skin. Occasionally, additional treatments may be recommended to further enhance your results. Although treatment results will vary depending on various considerations, with few exceptions, you can expect an improvement in the texture and quality of your skin.

How does laser skin resurfacing work?

The laser light is absorbed by the water in your skin cells. The absorption in turn causes the instantaneous vaporization or destruction of the cell. As your physician passes the laser light over your skin, a mere 30 millionths of an inch of tissue is removed at a time. This incredible control allows your physician to treat only as deeply as needed, from removing wrinkles to merely refreshing your overall skin appearance. After the damaged skin is removed, new skin quickly regrows in it's place.

Does it hurt?

The level of discomfort is different for every person and also varies by the location and area to be treated. A combination of topical and sedative anesthesia may be given. Your physician will discuss your options with you based upon your own tolerance and the specific areas to be treated. Laser resurfacing may cause the skin to become raw, red or pink with mild to moderate discomfort for several days following the procedure. Although over the counter medication is usually sufficient, your physician may recommend alternative pain relief options to keep you comfortable.

How Long will the healing process take?

Everyone will heal at various rates depending on the depth of the treatment, the particular areas treated and your own healing rate. Noticeable results are typically seen in a few days, with complete healing in only a few weeks. Light resurfacing around the eyes and lips in general takes only a few days for healing to occur. A deep full facial resurfacing may take up to 2-3 weeks before you feel aesthetically comfortable to return to your normal activities.

How do I take care of my skin?

Depending on your specific treatment, your physician will prescribe detailed skin care instructions before and after treatment. To avoid the risk of infection and to ensure a positive result, please follow these instructions carefully. Before treatment, the patient is placed on the Obagi Skin Care Program to prepare the skin and provide better healing. After you have healed, you will need to continually protect your new skin. In the early weeks and months following treatment, your skin will be very susceptible to sun damage. If at all possible, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. If you must be in the sun for a short time, please use sunscreens recommended by your physician. Remember, one of the reasons you are probably considering laser resurfacing is because of the long-term damaging effects the sun has had on your skin.

Contact us
If you are interested in learning more about New Age CO2 laser resurfacing, call or email our office or leave your name and address on this web page and we will be happy to answer your questions.