Laser Resurfacing / Dermabrasion

Laser Resurfacing
Aging and sun-damaged skin has been treated with dermabrasion and chemical peels for many years. Recently, skin treatments including agents such as Retin-A and alpha hydroxy acids have come into vogue. Each of these efforts to make the skin more youthful and alleviate the degeneration of the skin which may lead to cancer has its limitations, including lack of precision and lack of predictability.

Although lasers have been utilized in plastic surgery and dermatology for many years, new technology has allowed the laser to predictably and precisely remove fine layers of tissue and tighten fine skin lines, thereby affording a more youthful appearance. Additionally, it can be beneficial in eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), facelifts, and other plastic surgery procedures.

This laser precisely evaporates extremely thin layers of tissue while minimizing the heat effects. Thus, the outer, epithelial layer of skin can be literally brushed away. Then the foundation layer (dermis) of the skin can be tightened to provide a firm, youthful complexion.

This procedure is done in an outpatient surgery center with a local anesthetic and minimal pain. Recovery consists of a few days of crustiness, usually five to ten days, depending on the depth of the treatment. The deeper the treatment, the more dramatic the results are, but the longer the recovery. Transient flakiness followed by a pinkness (erythema) may last for several weeks, but can usually be covered with makeup. Sun protection is necessary for several months.

Deep folds, such as those around the nose or between the eyebrows, may be softened by the laser, but because of attachments of muscle to the skin, they will not be totally removed. Instead, a facelift or brow lift would be definitive treatment. Frequently, the laser treatment may be combined with other procedures to give the greatest benefit.

The laser--while a remarkable new tool for the cosmetic surgeon--is not a panacea. It requires expertise to avoid complications. You should consider treatment only after a consultation with Dr. Moscoe to determine if this treatment could be of benefit to you. He will discuss with you what areas you would like to improve and how you can achieve the best result.

Once your laser treatment is scheduled, you will be instructed to begin preparing for the laser treatment, using these products:

Retin-A
This is a cream that is used in the evening before you go to bed and can be applied to the areas to be treated or on the whole face. This cream helps prepare the skin for the laser treatment by causing the upper, dead layers of skin to peel and flake. It also aids with healing after the laser treatment.

Bleaching Agent
This will stop the production of pigment in the skin. This will prevent the skin from hyper pigmenting (turning dark brown) after the laser treatment. Apply in the morning directly on clean, dry skin.

Sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater - use daily over the bleaching agent.

These products should be used approximately four to six weeks prior to the laser treatment and then started again approximately two weeks after the treatment.

Some of the most common areas treated are the mouth area, the lower eyelids and crow's feet area, or a full face laser resurfacing. All treatments are done in our surgery center and can take from one-half hour to an hour and a half, depending on the area to be treated.

Once the laser treatment is completed, you will need some time for healing. The healing process is divided into these phases:

First 48 hours: You will experience a burning sensation like severe sunburn (this usually subsides after 48 hours). If your eye area is treated, you can expect your eyes to be very swollen for two to three days.

8-10 days: You will experience oozing and crusting of the treated areas. These areas will appear very raw and crusty and must be kept moist with Vaseline. The severity usually depends on the depth and extent of the treatment.

10-14 days: The crusting has usually subsided and you can begin to apply makeup. You will find that it will be difficult to keep makeup on until the 14th day due to the continued healing of the treated areas. The treated areas will appear very red at first and will need to be covered with makeup. The areas will also be very tight and dry and a good moisturizer will need to be applied under your makeup.

14 days to 6 weeks: The treated areas will still be healing. They will be very red and dry, but over a six to eight week period this will gradually subside and can be covered with makeup. You may want to discuss special covering makeup with our aesthetitician.

Dermabrasion

Procedure:
Mechanical scraping of the top layers of skin using a high-speed rotary wheel. Softens sharp edges of surface irregularities, including acne and other scars and fine wrinkles, especially around the mouth.

Outpatient

Side Effects:
Temporary tingling, burning, itching, swelling, redness. Lightening of treated skin. Acute sensitivity to sun; loss of ability to make pigment (tan).

Risks:
Abnormal color changes (permanent). Tiny whiteheads (temporary). Infection. Scarring. Flare-up of skin allergies, fever blisters, cold sores.

Recovery:
Back to work: 2 weeks.
More strenuous activities: 4 to 6 weeks.
Return of pigmentation/sun exposure: 6 to 12 months.

Duration of Results:
Permanent, although new wrinkles may form as skin ages.

Click here to see before and after images.