Why Laser Skin Resurfacing
 The advantages of laser over other resurfacing methods (e.g. deep chemical peels and dermabrasion) include:
Greater precision at reaching target areas
Less bleeding and discomfort
In some cases, shorter recovery time
Generally, the wrinkles caused solely by skin aging respond better than those caused by muscle movement such as smiling, frowning or squinting.
Your Laser Skin Resurfacing Consultation
During your laser skin resurfacing consultation, Dr. Steely will discuss the changes that you would like to make in your appearance and determine if laser resurfacing – or another type of skin resurfacing – is right for you.
Dr. Steely will need a complete medical; tell him about any allergies you have, any history of unusual scarring, or any cold sores around the mouth (like herpes or shingles). Also, tell Dr. Steely if you have had previous plastic surgery, if you smoke, or if you take any drugs or medications.
Dr. Steely will explain the different options available to you, the procedure itself, its risks and limitations, and costs. He will make it clear to you that you must have patience for success as it may take several weeks for the pinkish glows to resolve. There are no shortcuts in laser skin resurfacing. Dr. Steely will encourage you to ask all the questions you have about the procedure.
Laser Skin Resurfacing Technology
Dr. Steely uses two types of lasers in laser resurfacing: the carbon dioxide (CO2) and the erbium. Each laser light, vaporizes superficial, damaged skin cells and both types reduce the risk for the patient because they limit the amount of heat absorbed by the skin.
CO2 lasers use very short-pulsed light energy (ultrapulsed) or continuous light beams that are delivered in a scanning pattern to very precisely remove thin layers of skin with minimal heat damage to the surrounding tissues; it is used for deep penetration. Recovery time from the procedure is up to two weeks.
Erbium Lasers are designed to remove superficial and moderately deep lines and wrinkles on the face, hands, neck, or chest. There is minimal burning of surrounding tissue and minimal side effects such as swelling, bruising, and redness. Your recovery time should be faster than with CO2 laser resurfacing - About a week in most cases.
If you have a darker skin tone, erbium laser resurfacing may work better for you.
Preparing for Your Laser Skin Resurfacing
Preparation for laserabrasion begins two weeks before the surgery. Dr. Steely will give you comprehensive instructions on “What to Do and Expect” before and after your laser skin resurfacing procedure: how to prepare your skin with cleansers and ointments; what medications to take and when; what activities you should avoid and those you can engage in safely. Follow these instructions assiduously.
The Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure
 Dr. Steely will cleanse your face to remove oils from the skin. He numbs the area to be treated with a local anesthetic. (General anesthesia may be used when the entire face is treated.) He then passes the hand-held laser light device over the skin to vaporize the damaged outer layers. Dr. Steely can program the laser for various depths of penetration; deep penetration is used to remove deep scars, stubborn spots, and wrinkles. Finally, Dr. Steely may apply a protective ointment or bandage to the treated area. A partial-face laserabrasion takes 30-45 minutes and the full-face treatment takes 1-1/2 to 2 hours.
After Laser Resurfacing
Following laser resurfacing, it is critical for you to follow the “What to Do and Expect” instructions given to you to ensure success. These post-op instructions are very specific and detailed, providing detailed information on how the healing process should progress.
You must apply antibiotic ointment frequently and take antibiotic and antiviral medicines daily for six
to ten days.
Stay out of the sun for at least 3 weeks!
After three to five days, Dr. Steely will advise you to wash your face with a weak solution of vinegar
and lukewarm water or a cleanser.
Healing may take two weeks to three months, depending on the degree of laserabrasion.
After a few days, makeup may be worn to camouflage the pink to red color, common after laser
skin resurfacing.
Green-based make-ups are particularly good as they neutralize the red.
Oil-free make-ups are recommended after laser resurfacing.
The redness generally fades in two to three months but may take as long as six months to
completely disappear.
After healing is complete and you have followed the post-op protocol carefully, your skin will be vastly improved.
Call 713-622-6500 or email Dr. Steely for a complimentary initial appointment or for more information relating to the Laser Skin Resurfacing procedure. |
