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SKIN RESURFACING




Skin resurfacing is a procedure that employs a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to remove areas of damaged or wrinkled skin. Resurfacing is often used to minimize the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth and eyes, but it is also very effective in treating facial scars, age spots or areas of uneven pigmentation.

Good candidates for laser skin resurfacing are:

• People with wrinkled or sun damaged skin on the face
• Brown spots or blotchy skin coloring
• Fine wrinkles on your upper eyelid
• Acne or other facial scars
• Certain skin growths
• Vertical wrinkles around your mouth
• Crows feet
• Superficial facial scars

Skin resurfacing treatments can cover a whole area or focus on a specific region of skin. These treatments are often used in conjunction with other procedures such as facelift or eyelid surgery. Although this is a relatively new procedure, laser resurfacing has been shown to produce less bleeding bruising or post-procedure discomfort than other resurfacing methods.
The procedure is relatively quick, and the length of the procedure can range anywhere from a few minutes to 1 1/2 hours, depending on the area being covered. Patients are given a local anesthetic and put under sedation, meaning they are awake but relaxed. However, for extensive treatment, the physician may prefer to use a general anesthesia, which will allow you to sleep through the procedure.

• Take Famvir or Valtrex
• No sun exposure prior to peel for one week
• Wash your face well before coming to the operating room, apply no makeup
• Aspirin or Motrin before & after surgery if no other procedure is being performed will help with healing

After the initial 24-hour period begin cleansing your lasered areas with a mild cleanser and cold water by gently massaging it onto the areas with your fingertips, do not use a washcloth or any abrasive material. This may cause skin damage. After cleansing, gently pat dry, and then apply a generous amount of ointment. Repeat this process at least three times a day. Please refrain from using any product on the lasered areas other than recommended by Dr Daube for the first month, unless instructed otherwise by Dr. Daube.

You may observe white scabs forming on or about the second or third day after resurfacing. This is normal. Do not pick or pull at the scabs as this is your body’s own method of protecting an injured area. They will fall off later, depending upon how quickly your skin heals. You will also experience a “weeping” of your skin along with some swelling, this is also normal.

Your lasered areas will be pink or red, depending on the depth of your laser treatment. Loss of skin pigment is normal. Complete healing usually occurs in six to eight weeks; however, please do not use any facial products or makeup for one month or until instructed by Dr. Daube.

Avoid sun exposure until healed, and then wear sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher for the next six months. Do not use Retin A, or any alpha hydroxy acids for one month after surgery. Please call the office to make an appointment to begin a skin care program after your treatment. It is recommended at that time to maintain a healthy complexion.

If you experience any unusual discomfort or develop a fever call our office.