Laser resurfacing: Treatment for younger looking skin (1)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) April 11, 2006 -- Are your laugh lines no longer amusing? Your crow's-feet something for the birds? Wrinkles � whether they line the sides of your mouth or etch the corners of your eyes � are inevitable signs of aging.

Nothing fully stops the effects of time, but you have options to help lessen the appearance of wrinkles and other minor skin conditions, such as age spots or acne scars. Resurfacing your skin with one of several techniques, such as a chemical peel, radiofrequency ablation or dermabrasion, may be the answer. Laser resurfacing � a popular option in the family of skin resurfacing techniques � removes the aged or sun-damaged skin to allow younger looking skin to grow in its place.

Though laser resurfacing is an effective treatment for minor facial flaws, it does have limitations. Knowing what you can realistically expect and the benefits and risks involved can help you decide if this is your best bet for skin rejuvenation.



Who is laser resurfacing for?


Laser resurfacing is for people who want to treat:

Fine to moderate wrinkles
Liver spots or age spots (solar lentigines)
Uneven skin tones
Sun damaged skin
Acne or chicken pox scars


How do you prepare?

Before scheduling laser resurfacing, you need to meet with your doctor to discuss the factors that determine whether the procedure is likely to work well for you. This meeting generally includes:

Your medical history. Your doctor asks questions about conditions you have or have had, as well as any current medications.
A physical examination. Your doctor conducts a complete physical examination and inspects your skin.

Photographs. Someone from your doctor's office takes photographs of your face from different angles. Your doctor uses these photos for before-and-after assessments and long-term reviews.
A discussion of your expectations. You and your doctor talk about your motivations and expectations. He or she explains what laser resurfacing can and can't do for you and what your results might be.
Before surgery, you may also need to:

Avoid medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen for several days or up to a week before and after surgery. These medications may increase bleeding. Take only those medications approved or prescribed by your surgeon.

Avoid exposing your skin to the sun for one week before surgery and six months after surgery. Too much sun may cause permanent irregular coloration in your facial skin.
Avoid applying makeup or facial cream the morning of the surgery.


How is laser resurfacing done?


During this procedure, an intense beam of light energy (laser) is directed at the affected area. The laser beam destroys the outer layer of skin (epidermis). Then, at lower power, the laser heats the underlying skin (dermis), which stimulates the growth of new collagen fibers. As the wound heals, new skin forms that's smoother and tighter.

Compared with other resurfacing methods, such as chemical peels or dermabrasion, laser resurfacing gives doctors more control over how deep the treatment penetrates your skin. And lasers allow doctors to more precisely treat delicate facial areas, such as those around your eyes and lips.



What can you expect during the procedure?

Your doctor can perform laser resurfacing in his or her office, in a hospital-procedure room or in an operating room, depending on the amount of laser resurfacing needed. At the start of the procedure, your doctor numbs the skin with local anesthesia and may provide a sedative to help you relax. For extensive resurfacing � such as treatment to your whole face � or if you're undergoing other cosmetic procedures, your doctor may give you general anesthesia. In this case, you're asleep during the surgery. Laser resurfacing can take a couple of minutes or up to two hours, depending on the size of the area treated.

After the procedure, your skin may appear red or pink and thinly crusted. You may also experience:

Mild swelling and discomfort
Lighter or darker skin tone in the treated area
A sunburn-like sensation

By MayoClinic.com