Skin resurfacing

The surgeon will discuss risks or complications with you. To help minimize risks, be sure to carefully follow your surgeon’s advice and instructions. Below are complications that may occur.

• Treated areas may have semipermanent or permanent skin lightening.
• Skin may become hyperpigmented (dark) immediately after surgery.
• Laser skin resurfacing may not sufficiently tighten skin, and further surgery may be necessary.
• Heat from the laser may cause burns or injuries.

The surgeon will start the consultation with a complete medical history and examine your face, skin and bone structure. The surgeon may take photographs.

Tell your surgeon if you:

• have allergies
• have been exposed to significant amounts of radiation
• have a history of unusual scarring
• have had cold sores around the mouth
• have had previous facial surgery
• smoke (increases the risk of complications during surgery and recovery)
• take any drugs or medications, including aspirin

During treatment, the laser's brief, high-intensity light beams remove layers of damaged or wrinkled skin in precise levels. You will receive a local anesthetic and maybe an oral sedative. Surgery takes from a few minutes to 1½ hours.

During treatment:

• the skin is cleansed to remove oils, and an antibiotic is applied
• a beam of light is passed over the skin to remove outer layers of damaged skin
• a protective ointment or bandage is applied to the treated area

You may experience some swelling and discomfort. Cold packs may be used to reduce swelling. If a bandage was applied after surgery, it may be changed in a few days. It will be completely removed after one week, and an ointment will be applied to the skin.

If a bandage was not used, you will need to wash your face several times a day. After washing, an ointment will be applied to the treated area. Scabs may form and must be left alone. Over-the-counter pain medication can be taken if needed.

Your recovery time will depend upon how much skin resurfacing took place. Redness may take several weeks to disappear. Makeup can be applied about two weeks after the procedure.

Most fine wrinkles and imperfections will be removed during the procedure. Eventually, some of the lines will reappear. Laser treatment can be repeated as desired. Sunscreen should be applied daily to help protect skin from sun exposure. Use sunglasses for seven days to 10 days if the eye area was resurfaced.