Laser Facial Rejuventation
Procedure
The technique directs short, concentrated pulsating beams of light at irregular skin. The two types of lasers most commonly used in laser resurfacing are carbon dioxide (CO2) and erbium. Each laser vaporizes skin cells damaged at the surface-level.
Duration
Treating just parts of the face takes about 30 to 45 minutes. A full-face treatment may take up to two hours or require more than one session.
Recovery
Following laser skin resurfacing, recovery takes roughly two weeks while the treated area heals and a new layer of healthy skin appears. Patients undergoing treatment should plan on being away from work for one or two weeks, and avoid strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks. Pinkness or redness of the skin usually lasts longer, sometimes persisting for up to several months. Patient must avoid exposure to ultraviolet light for the next 3-6 months and must apply UVA/ UVB sun filters creams
Risks
It is important to remember that all surgical procedures carry with them some risk. The risk of laser skin resurfacing complications is minimal, generally occurring infrequently. However, the procedure has the possibility of resulting in heat injury, activation of cold sores, lightening or darkening of the skin, and, rarely, scarring or infection. As skin ages, new wrinkles and fine lines may reappear.
Results
Some people who have laser resurfacing may see an immediate difference in the treated skin. That will continue to improve for up to a year. While the effects of laser resurfacing can last for many years, the normal aging process means that wrinkles and expression lines will reoccur. You may repeat laser resurfacing as necessary.