Why Choose Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing is a cosmetic surgery procedure which resurfaces the facial skin in order to improve the appearance of wrinkles, crow’s feet, acne scarring and sun damage. Laser skin resurfacing utilizes a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser device that instantly vaporizes the top layer of skin, resulting in a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. At Cincinnati Facial Plastic Surgery, we use the Lumenis Ultrapulse fractionated CO2 laser, which is the gold standard for laser resurfacing. Because it is a fractionated laser, it treats a selected fraction of the skin surface, rather than the entire surface, to help preserve skin cells to help with healing and return of natural pigment. The result is a safer procedure with less downtime than traditional CO2 lasers.
*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
Individuals who are looking to improve the appearance of facial wrinkles, sun damage and/or acne scarring may be good candidates for laser skin resurfacing. As with all forms of cosmetic surgery, good health and realistic expectations are essential. Patients must understand that the goal of laser skin resurfacing is to improve the skin appearance as much as possible rather than produce perfect skin. During your consultation, Dr. Donath will consider such factors as skin type and color, ethnicity, age and medical history in order to determine if laser skin resurfacing is right for you.
Local anesthesia and sedation may be used for the laser skin resurfacing procedure. During treatment the laser device is passed over the skin, allowing the high energy, amplified light waves to vaporize the top layer of skin. Depending on the number and size of areas being treated, the procedure may take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour to complete. More than one session may be required.
Laser Treatment Recovery
After treatment, patients can expect some redness, swelling and crusting of the treated skin. The new skin will emerge within one to two weeks after treatment and will appear pink and free of many wrinkles. Redness will fade within about three to four weeks. It may be necessary to follow a soft diet for a period of time, and the treated skin will need to be protected against extremes in temperature and sun exposure. Most patients find that they can return to work and most other normal activities within about two weeks after undergoing laser skin resurfacing.
Laser Skin Resurfacing FAQs
Q-What is laser skin resurfacing?
A-Laser skin resurfacing is a cosmetic surgery procedure which uses a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser device to instantly vaporize the top layer of skin. Laser skin resurfacing can improve the appearance of wrinkles, crow’s feet, acne scarring and sun damage in order to provide a rejuvenated, more youthful appearance.
Q-Is laser skin resurfacing right for me?
A-If you are looking to improve the appearance of wrinkles, crow’s feet, sun damage and acne scarring and are physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, then laser skin resurfacing may be right for you. Patients must understand that the procedure can improve the skin appearance but it will not leave you with perfect skin. Dr. Donath is happy to meet with you for a consultation to help you determine if laser skin resurfacing can best meet your needs.
Q-What happens at the consultation for laser skin resurfacing?
A-During the consultation for laser skin resurfacing, Dr. Donath will meet with you to examine your facial skin, discuss your goals, and take your medical history. He will consider other factors like your skin type and color, age and ethnicity when determining if the procedure is right for you. He will address any questions or concerns that you may have and go over procedural information like the technique, the anesthesia, the risks and the costs.
Q-What anesthesia is laser skin resurfacing performed with?
A-Laser skin resurfacing may be performed with local anesthesia and sedation.
Q-How is the laser skin resurfacing procedure performed?
A-Once the anesthesia is administered, a laser device is passed over the skin. The high energy, amplified light waves are absorbed into the skin and vaporize the top layer. Patients require more than one session in order to achieve optimum results.
The staff (including Dr. Donath) is wonderful. They educated me before and after the procedure. I felt confident going into it and completely happy with the outcome. I wanted improved skin and fewer wrinkles. I got both. My skin looks better than it has in years. I highly recommend Dr. Donath. He is an artist as well as a surgeon.
Q-How long is the procedural time for laser skin resurfacing?
A-Laser skin resurfacing may take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour to perform depending on the area being treated.
Q-Does laser skin resurfacing involve much pain?
A-Some minor discomfort may occur after the laser skin resurfacing procedure, though this can be managed with prescription pain medication if necessary.
Q-What is the recovery from laser skin resurfacing like?
A-Any discomfort that patients experience after laser skin resurfacing is usually minor and can be controlled with medication. Some redness, swelling and crusting of the skin can be expected after treatment and it may take three to four weeks for the redness to fully fade. Within one to two weeks, the new skin will emerge and will appear pink and free of many wrinkles. Patients may need to follow a soft diet for some time after treatment. Sun exposure and extremes in temperature will need to be avoided.
Q-When will I be able to resume work after my laser skin resurfacing procedure?
A-Work and most other normal activities can usually be resumed within about two weeks after the laser skin resurfacing procedure.
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