Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing is a relatively new treatment for reducing facial wrinkles and skin irregularities, such as blemishes or acne scars.
The technique directs short, concentrated pulsating beams of light at irregular skin. Laser skin resurfacing removes skin very precisely, layer by layer. This popular procedure is known by several other names, including lasabrasion, laser peel or laser vaporization. The newest version of the CO2 laser resurfacing uses very short pulsed light energy (ultrapulsed) or continuous light beams that are delivered in a scanning pattern to very precisely remove thin layers of skin with minimal heat damage to the surrounding structures. Recovery time from the procedure is up to two weeks.
The functioning of a laser goes back to Albert Einstein's quantum theory of radiation and includes other theories that help explain local tissue damage. As the light beam hits the skin, the skin may either reflect the light away, scatter the light, absorb the light, or let the light pass through the different layers. Each layer of the skin uses the light differently.
Certain parts of the skin, called chromophones, absorb the light. When these chromophones absorb the light, physical, mechanical, chemical, or temperature changes may occur in the tissue. There are many different types of lasers, including the carbon dioxide laser, the YAG (neodymium, or yttrium aluminum garnet) laser, and the argon laser. Each type works in a different manner and may be used for different treatment options. Laser light can be delivered either continuously or intermittently.
Laser Resurfacing Precautions and Do’s and Don’t’s
- Milia, which are small white bumps, may appear in the laser-treated areas during healing. These may be removed by gentle cleansing with a washcloth.
- Hyperpigmentation (increased pigmentation), and hypopigmentation (decreased skin pigmentation), may result in the laser-treated areas. In general, the hyperpigmented areas may be treated with bleaching cream to speed fading of the pigment.
- Reappearance of a cold sore may occur, especially after laser skin resurfacing around the mouth. We can prevent this by providing you with an antiviral medication, which you can begin taking before your surgery and continue taking seven to 10 days after laser resurfacing.
- You can also prevent bacterial infections by taking an antibiotic prior to the surgery and continuing for seven to 10 days afterwards.
- You should expect swelling after laser skin resurfacing. Dr. garries will discus with you what you can do to lessen this effect.
- Patients are encouraged to sleep on an extra pillow at night to help reduce the swelling after laser resurfacing. Ice pack application is also helpful in the first 24-48 hours.
- Scarring after laser skin resurfacing, although unusual, may occur in laser-treated areas.
- Cessation of smoking is highly recommended because smoking is known to have harmful effects on the healing process.
Dr. Garries uses laser skin resurfacing to treat certain skin conditions, including the removal of warts, moles, tattoos, birthmarks, scars, and wrinkles.