Laser skin resurfcing is done to remove areas of damaged or wrinkled skin layer by layer sing laser energy.  It is also effective for the treatment of facial scars and areas of uneven pigmentation.  The procedure can be done with some other ones such as eyelid surgery or facelift to improve the results.

Before         After

Laser skin resurfacing is not indicated in all the cases, with the help of your plastic surgeon, you will decide between the appropiate options for your case.  It is important to tell your doctor about history of excess in scarring, allergies orany medical condition.

Temporal or permanent skin lightening may occur in the treated areas, also the laser could cause burns or injuries.  The procedure should be performed only in the adequated indicated cases and performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon to minimize this risk.

The procedure

Your skin is going to be cleansed and then some antibacterial could be applied.  The laser intensity for penetration in the skin will be applied according to the area and to your case.  It is normal to hear the sound of the laser machine and to smell smoke while the procedure is performed.  You could feel some discomfort, but it should be minimal due to local anesthetic agents, in some specific cases general anesthesia could be used.  At the end of the procedure a protective ointment and dressings should be applied in the treated areas.

According to the treated are and your case, the procedure should take from minutes to one and a half hour. 

The Results

You could feel some discomfort and sweeling after the procedure, cold pads and the medication prescribed by your surgeon should make it better.  The bandages on your skin should remain dry, this could give you some troubles at the shower time, but remember that it is for the best results, all of them will be removed in approximately one week.  When you don't have bandages you shoud clean your face several times during the day and apply special ointments to the treated area.  You should follow all the indications given by your plastic surgeon to achieve your goals.  If scabs form, do not pick at them, because that could lead to some degree of scarring.

After 2 weeks of the procedure you could still have some redness on the treated are, at this time, you should be able to apply make up to cover it.