Laser Facial Resurfacing
Who should consider laser facial resurfacing?
What happens during the procedure?
What is the expected outcome of the procedure?
Initial consultation and testing
Preparing for the procedure
Day of the procedure
Follow-up care
Who should consider laser facial resurfacing?
Anyone who has
- Excessive wrinkling of the facial skin
- Other signs of damaged or aging of the skin
A CO2 or Erbium laser is used to remove the top layer of skin by vaporizing the superficial cells and tightening the underlying collagen. Laser resurfacing of the skin smoothes lines and wrinkles. The procedure also stimulates complete regeneration of skin cells by removing the outer layers of the skin and allowing new healthy skin cells to replace them. This procedure can be performed alone, but is frequently used in conjunction with other cosmetic surgery of the face.
What is the expected outcome of the procedure?
This surgery removes superficial wrinkles and other damage caused by sun and aging. It also softens grooves and deep frown lines. The rejuvenated skin surface is smoother, giving a more youthful appearance.
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Initial consultation and testing
Plan to spend approximately two hours at the Facial Cosmetic Surgery Clinic during your first visit. This will allow you to have a comprehensive discussion with the surgeon.
- This is the time for you to get answers to your questions and for the surgeon to describe the procedures that may be available to you.
- An examination of the face, eyelids, and the surface of the eyes will be performed at this initial visit. This is necessary because so many facial cosmetic surgeries influence eyelid position and its function of protecting the eye. The information gathered during these tests will allow the surgeon to take whatever precautions are necessary to avoid complications that may result from cosmetic surgery of the face, especially in individuals with dry eyes.
- After these tests, your surgeon will be able to give you a clear-cut assessment as to whether this procedure is a good option for you.
- This also is the time to discuss the limitations and potential risks of the procedures. You should be prepared to discuss all major and minor medical conditions and provide a complete list of the medicines you take and their dosages. At this time, your surgeon will review exactly what will happen on the day of surgery.
- This is the time to establish realistic expectations of what the surgery will accomplish.
Please refrain from taking any blood thinners like aspirin, ibuprofen and Vitamin E for 10 days prior to surgery. In addition, there should be no smoking two weeks prior to and two weeks following surgery, as smoking affects blood flow and healing. Your surgeon may prescribe medications to prepare you for the laser procedure.
Day of the procedure
You should plan to spend 2–3 hours at the Kellogg Eye Center when you have this procedure. It is performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return home the same day. Before the procedure, your medications and recent health history will be reviewed. A family member or friend can be with you until you are brought to the operating room. As part of your preparation, you will be given either local or general anesthesia. Normally the procedure takes approximately 1–2 hours and, before going home, you will be given complete postoperative instructions.
Follow-up care
You will be seen the next day and then again the following week. Should you have questions or concerns during this time, please call the Facial Cosmetic Surgery Clinic at 734.763.9142.
