Laser Resurfacing Tips

Tips and Traps in Laser Surgery

• Laser resurfacing with CO2 or Erbium imposes a lengthy recovery (1-2 weeks). Do not be misled by those who tell you that recovery is easy (with the exception of the N-Lite laser). (Recovery following laser for treatment of
  spider veins, hair removal, or tattoo removal IS comparable to that following the N-Lite Laser.)
• Beware any plastic surgeon (or other physician) who owns his own wrinkle laser. These plastic surgeons will typically recommend the laser they own as the best treatment for you (whether it is or not). Because new lasers are developed daily, the surgeon who owns a laser may be promoting outdated treatments, especially if his laser is more than a year old.
• Redness may persist for weeks (Erbium) or months (Carbon Dioxide). During this time, you should use camouflage make-up to conceal the redness.
• Blotchy discoloration may occur in 5-10% following CO2 or Erbium. This is not a problem with the N Lite laser. To prevent this, use skin care products (especially bleaching agents) for at least 6 weeks prior to your procedure.
• Facial spider veins may develop in 2% to 3% of those who are treated with erbium or Carbon dioxide lasers . Those who already have spider veins may see them get worse. If this is a problem, there is a different laser that can treat these facial spider veins.
• Although laser resurfacing does improve dynamic wrinkles, it does not approach the overwhelming and lasting improvement that is possible with one deep chemical peel. Dynamic wrinkles, because they are caused by ongoing muscle activity, will recur the soonest. Within one to five years, your wrinkles may appear as they did prior to the laser surgery (unless you have ongoing treatments).
• People who have laser resurfacing are typically satisfied with their results, provided that they understand the lengthy recovery period (erbium and CO2) and that repeated treatments may be necessary to achieve their desired results. Those who have unrealistic expectations will be dissatisfied.
• CO2 laser should not be used on brown or black skin because of the high risk of permanent skin color changes. Erbium may be used cautiously, but a small test spot is advised.
• Because laser resurfacing tightens your skin, it may pull down your lower eyelids if they have poor skin tone. Contraction of the lower eyelids may occur in 1% to 5% or those having CO2 laser. This may or may not require surgery, called canthopexy, for correction. Your surgeon should approach laser resurfacing of your lower eyelid cautiously.