Official Website of Dr. Ghaisari

NEWSLETTER

Name:
E-Mail:
E-Mail:

COSMETIC>LASER SKIN RESURFACING

PAGE 1, 2, 3

What can I expect afterward?

After the procedure, you may experience some swelling and discomfort. Cold packs are usually recommended to reduce the swelling.

If a bandage was applied after the surgery, it may be changed in a few days, but it will be completely removed after approximately one week, at which time an ointment is applied. Some surgeons use a tape that retains moisture to bandage the treated area. Because this bandage must remain dry, you will not be able to shower normally until the bandages are removed.

If the treated area is not bandaged, you will need to wash your face several times daily. You will need to use caution in caring for the treated area. After each washing, you will need to apply an ointment, such as petroleum jelly, to the treated area. Scabs may form, and last for about 10 days. You must not pick at the scabs. If you experience pain, an over-the-counter pain medication can be taken.

What is the recovery period like?

The amount of time needed for recovery depends on the depth of the resurfacing and the individual’s capacity to heal. Redness may persist for several weeks, or longer. The redness gradually lightens to pink, and then to a lighter, more natural color.

Make-up can be applied approximately two weeks after the procedure to cover-up the redness.

What is the long-term outcome like for most people?

Laser resurfacing generally removes most of the fine wrinkles and imperfections in the treated area, but natural facial movements and expressions eventually cause some of the lines to reappear. Like most other methods of skin resurfacing, laser treatments may be repeated to maintain the desired results.

After laser resurfacing, daily sunscreen is highly recommended to protect the sensitive new skin from sun exposure. Ask your doctor to recommend a sun block with both UVA and UVB protection, and apply it daily. If resurfacing was done around your eyes, you should use sunglasses.

Ideal candidate:

In general, the best candidates for laser resurfacing are:
Physically healthy

Psychologically stable
Non-smoker
Wanting to look younger and more refreshed
Unhappy with the appearance of wrinkles or brown spots,
specially around mouth or eyes
Free of active skin infections, including acne
Possessing the appropriate skin tone for the type of laser used
Not taking Accutane, nor having taken it in the previous 18 months
Without any unusual scar formations, such as keloids
Well informed in regard to the procedure’s outcome
Realistic in their expectations
Willing to accept the limitations involved in the healing process

The above is only a partial list of the criteria that your surgeon will consider in determining whether or not this procedure is appropriate for you. Be sure to ask your surgeon if he / she considers you an ideal candidate for laser resurfacing.

Other important information:

Sometimes laser resurfacing is performed in conjunction with a facelift. Loose, sagging skin can be tightened and firmed by a facelift, while the texture of the skin can be improved by laser resurfacing.

Other resurfacing options include chemical peels and dermabrasion. In general, laser resurfacing allows the doctor to more precisely control the depth of penetration than these other two methods. In addition, the controlled vaporization of the laser produces less bleeding, bruising, and post-operative discomfort. The speed of the emissions of the laser also lessens the risk of burns. However, peels and dermabrasion have advantages in certain situations.

Your doctor will consider your expectations, the size of the area to be treated, and other factors in deciding which method, or combination of methods, is best for you.

PAGE 1, 2, 3