Laser Resurfacing

Like microdermabrasion and chemical peels, laser resurfacing removes the top layers of damaged skin, allowing the newer, younger looking skin underneath to appear. With laser resurfacing, however, an intense laser light is used to remove the outermost skin layers.. The doctor can use the laser to focus on your problem areas or treat your entire face. Many people find that laser resurfacing helps to reduce the signs of aging.

Resurfacing makes your skin smoother and is very effective in reducing the appearance of some wrinkles, particularly those around the eyes. It can also slightly tighten the skin underneath the eyes. While laser resurfacing is usually performed on the face, the technique can sometimes be used on other parts of the body. Dr. Rubinstein offers the latest technology - fractional CO2 treatments using the Matrix laser.

View this procedure in 3D:

Who Can Benefit from Laser Resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing can improve numerous skin conditions. For example:

• Acne scars can be significantly reduced.
• Precancerous growths on the face can sometimes be eliminated.
• Sun damaged skin that has caused wrinkling can be improved.
• Fine wrinkles on the mouth, the lower eyelids, or around the eyes, such as "crow's feet," can be improved.
• Deep wrinkles can be diminished.
• Sagging lower eyelids can be tightened.
• Uneven skin tone such as blotches or brown spots can be improved, creating more even pigmentation on the face.
• Facial scarring can be diminished. If you have several issues that you would like to address with laser resurfacing, you may need to have more than one treatment.

What is the Procedure Like?

A topical anesthetic is sometimes all that is required for laser resurfacing, so you may remain awake for the procedure. If you prefer, however, you may ask the doctor to give you injections of local anesthetic for maximal comfort during resurfacing. Whatever type of anesthetic you choose, it will prevent you from feeling pain during the procedure. The length of time for laser resurfacing varies depending upon what is being treated. It can take as short a period as 15 minutes or as long as 60 minutes.

What Can I Expect During Recovery?

Laser resurfacing is an outpatient procedure, and you may go home the same day. It may be necessary to have someone else drive you home. When the procedure is finished, it looks and feels much like a deep sunburn, and you may experience some swelling. Dr. Rubinstein will give you a prescription for pain medication to take during your healing process, and you can apply cool compresses to any swollen areas.

You will need one week for healing to take place. Your skin may also ooze slightly, and depending upon the type of laser that has been used, there may be some redness for a period of several weeks. You must wait for your skin to heal before you wear makeup to cover the redness. You will need to treat the skin with ointment regularly during the healing process.

The redness will leave gradually, and the new layer of fresh skin will emerge. While the healing period can be frustrating, the positive results of laser resurfacing can last a very long time, with some wrinkles not returning for many years. As with many cosmetic skin treatments, your skin will be very vulnerable to the sun after laser resurfacing, and for at least six months following your procedure, you must be vigilant about avoiding sun exposure and wearing sunblock.

What are the Risks of Laser Resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing is a very safe procedure, but there are always rare instances of complications. These include herpes infections, burns, spider veins, and scarring. If you have darker skin, the doctor may recommend that you not have laser resurfacing, as discoloration of the skin can result. If it does happen however, a bleaching process can usually correct it. Be sure and tell your surgeon about your medical history. Even for an outpatient procedure like laser resurfacing, it is important to disclose any allergies, prior surgeries, medications that you're taking, products you use on your face, and any prior cosmetic procedures you have had done. This disclosure will significantly decrease the risk of complications.