Laser Skin Resurfacing
What is it?For who?
The surgery
The risks
The costs
In laser skin resurfacing, a laser is used to remove areas of damaged or wrinkled skin, layer by layer. The procedure is most commonly used to minimize the appearance of fine lines, especially around the mouth and the eyes. It can also be effective in reducing the visibility of facial scars or areas of uneven pigmentation. Laser skin resurfacing can be performed on the whole face or in specific regions. Often, the procedure is done in conjunction with another cosmetic operation, such as a facelift or eyelid surgery.
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Sun damage, aging, wrinkles, acne or scars may detract from the natural beauty of your skin. Laser resurfacing can enhance your appearance. Also a yellowish or sallow gray color caused by ultraviolet damage can be restored by this procedure. Wrinkles around the mouth, eyes and cheeks can often be removes or improved. Sun induces brown 'liver spots' and discolorations caused by 'picking' acne, can be virtyally cleared by laser skin resurfacing. Also scars causing elevations and depressions in the skin, can be improves.
The ideal candidate should have realistic expectations. Achievable goals should be discussed with the surgeon.
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During the consultation, the patient and the surgeon will discuss the desires areas of improvement. A thorough examination and a review of the patient's medical and health history may be conducted. The patient should inform the doctor if he or anyone in the family are prone to a medical or surgical problem. Furthermore, the surgeon may discuss additional procedures to be performed to achieve the desired result, such as a chemical peel or facelift.
The surgeon will discuss the prefered kind of skin care before surgery. Some may pre-treat the skin. The surgeon also may ask the patient to stop smoking one to two weeks before and after surgery. The procedure will mostly be performed in an outpatient setting, unless other procedures will be done at the same time. The patient may go home after the procedure, so he should have someone to drive him home and to help out for the first few days.
Laser resurfacing removes damaged upper layers of the skin. Lower layers are stimulated to produce new collagen and a fresh surface. The surgeon will discuss whether local numbing medicine, gentle sedation or general anestasia is the better choice. Laser resurfacing uses a precise beam of laser light, most frequently known as carbon dioxide (CO2) or erbium (Erbium-YAG) to vaporize away the various layers of the skin. The laser will stimulate new, healthier appearing skin to replace and smooth sun damaged, wrinkled, discolored or scarred areas.
A skin care plan may be recommended to maximize improvement and protect the resurfaced skin. After surgery, ointments or bandages will be applies to keep the skin moist until the new upper skin layer reforms in five to seven days. Initially, the skin may be red, but this can often be camouflaged with post-operative cosmetics. Tenderness or a mild sunburn sensation is expected. The patient may be instructed to keep the head elevated. Some patients are instructed to apply cooling packs to the outside of dressings. Also the surgeon may prescribe medications.
Very quickly the patient will notice a significant improvement in the skin quality and appearance. Subtle signs of continuing improvement will usually occur for 6-12 months. You will continue to enjoy your younger looking, smoother, healthier skin for many years to come by following the doctor's recommendations to wear sun protection.
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Resurfacing is a popular image and skin health enhancing procedure. It safely improves one's appearance and skin health. With any surgery, resurfacing involves some level of risk. Although complications are rare, they can and do occur, including obvious darkening or lightening of the skin, scarring or infection.
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Fees vary from one geographic area to another. Your doctor and staff will discuss all financial arrangements with you prior to surgery. Laser skin resurfacing will cost around $2800.
Insurance does not generally cover surgery that is done purely for cosmetic reasons. Surgery to correct or improve major deformities or accidental skin injuries may be reimbursable in whole or in part. It is the patient's responsibility to check with the insurance carrier for information on the degree of coverage.
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Other articles:
Botox Injections , Breast Augmentation , Breast Lift , Breast Reduction , Cheek Surgery , Chemical Peel , Chin Surgery , Dermabrasion , Ear Surgery , Eyelid Surgery , Facelift , Forehead Lift or Brow Lift , Hair Replacement , Injectable Fillers , Laser Hair Removal , Laser Skin Resurfacing , Lip Augmentation , Liposuction , Microdermabrasion , Nose Surgery , Penis Enlargement , Permanent Eyeliner , Spider Veins , Thigh Lift , Tummy Tuck , Upper Arm Lift ,back to top
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