The development of laser technology is one of the most exciting and innovative scientific achievements to have come along in the past few decades. One of the most recent is the UltraPulse carbon dioxide (C02) laser that is used to treat sun-damaged skin, facial wrinkles and scars in a procedure called laser skin resurfacing.
Read more about our new Fractional CO2 laser
A surgical laser such as the C02 laser is a beam of light capable of removing unwanted tissue. These lasers vaporize skin cells by emitting bursts of radiation that are absorbed by water in these cells. Skin imperfections are rapidly and accurately treated one layer at a time without bleeding, while the underlying skin tissue is preserved. As a result of this treatment, you are left with more natural looking skin.
The laser is used to reduce tiny wrinkles, acne scars and other minor skin imperfections, especially around the mouth and eyes. It can improve sun-damaged and acne scarred skin, problems which often cause concern to both men and women.
Laser Resurfacing can be used as an alternative to chemical peel and dermabrasion. The benefits of using this technique are that there is less pain and a faster recovery time.
Prior to surgery, you and Dr. Edds will discuss the goals for facial improvement. After determining the most appropriate procedure to use, Dr. Edds fully describes the procedure, what results to expect and the costs.
Laser resurfacing is performed in our outpatient surgery center. A local anesthetic is given to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. The area is cleansed and draped. Dr. Edds directs the laser beam toward your skin imperfection. The laser quickly and accurately removes the outer layers of skin.
In most cases, only one treatment is needed. The initial redness fades in a few weeks to light pink, which can be camouflaged with cosmetics. The discoloration usually disappears in one to three months. The goal of laser resurfacing is to enhance the facial appearance. Expectations must be realistic and results should be anticipated as improvements rather than total corrections. Results of the surgery depend on many factors such as the size, shape and location of the imperfection and your heredity, age and general skin condition.
There is little pain connected with this surgery but pain medication is given. Complications following laser resurfacing is rare; however, there are certain inherent risks connected with every surgical procedure, which should be discussed with Dr. Edds. You can minimize complications by carefully following directions given by Dr. Edds.
If you are interested in learning more about this procedure, please call our office at (270) 926-9033 and we will be happy to answer questions about the procedure itself or about procedure cost and financing.