Laser Facial Resurfacing

Procedure: Smooth the face and smooth fine wrinkles using a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser device that treats layers of damaged skin. Softens lines around the eyes and mouth and minimizes facial scars and unevenly pigmented areas.

Length: a few minutes to 1 hour. May require more than 1 session.

Anesthesia: Usually local with sedation., or general.

In/Outpatient: Usually outpatient, unless combined with other surgical procedures that require hospitalization.

Side Effects: Temporary swelling, discomfort. Lightening of treated skin. Acute sun sensitivity. Increased sensitivity to makeup. Pinkness or redness in skin that may persist for up to 6 months.

Risks: Burns or injuries caused by laser heat. Scarring . Abnormal changes in skin color. Flare-up of viral infections ("cold sores") and other infections (rare).

Recovery: Back to work: 2 weeks. More strenuous activities: 4-6 weeks. Complete fading of redness: 6 months or less. Return of pigmentation/light sun exposure: 6-12 months.

Duration of results: Longlasting, but does not stop aging. New wrinkles, expression lines may form as skin ages.

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