Laser Resurfacing

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. Recovery is easier after a treatment with 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 of any plastic surgeon (or other physician) that 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). Lasers are developed daily, so a surgeon with his own laser may be promoting outdated treatments, especially if his laser is more than a year old.

• Redness may persist for weeks after a treatment with an Erbium laser. It could take months for the redness to subside after a Carbon Dioxide treatment. . During this time, you may use camouflage make-up to conceal the redness.

• Blotchy discoloration may occur in 5-10% following CO2 or Erbium treatment. This is not a problem with the N Lite laser. To prevent the blotchy skin, use skin care products that are recommended by your physician (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 CO2 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 improves dynamic wrinkles, it does not compare to the lasting improvement that is possible with one deep chemical peel. Dynamic wrinkles are caused by ongoing muscle activity, so they will recur the soonest. Unless you have ongoing treatments, your wrinkles may appear as they did prior to the laser surgery, usually within one to five years.

• People who have laser resurfacing are typically satisfied with their results. Patients are more apt to be satisfied when they first understand the lengthy recovery period that occurs with the Erbium and CO2 lasers. They must also realize that repeated treatments might 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.

• Your surgeon should approach laser resurfacing of your lower eyelid cautiously. Laser resurfacing tightens your skin, so it may pull down your lower eyelids if they have poor skin tone. Contraction of the lower eyelids may occur in 1% to 5% of those patients having CO2 laser. This may or may not require surgery, called canthopexy, for correction.

Laser Resurfacing

Wrinkle Treatment Procedures

All Plastic Surgery Procedures