Laser Facial Resurfacing

Procedure	Smooth fine wrinkles using a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser device. It could be used also to diminish facial scars and not uniformly pigmented areas.
Duration	Few minutes to 1 hour per session
Anaesthesia	Local with sedation, or general
In/Outpatient	Usually outpatient
Medical Insurance	Usually not covered
Side Effects	Temporary swelling, discomfort, acute sun sensitivity, increased sensitivity to makeup. Pinkness or redness in skin that may persist for up to 6 months. Lightening of treated skin.
Risks	Burns, injuries or scarring. Eruption of viral infections ("cold sores") and others (not common)
Recovery	BACK TO WORK: 2 weeks. ARDUOUS ACTIVITIES: 4-6 weeks. FINAL LOOK: 6 months or less RETURN OF PIGMENTATION/ LIGHT SUN EXPOSURE: 6-12 months
Results	Permanent, but new wrinkles and expression lines may form as skin ages