The facial skin undergoes numerous changes with aging and exposure to such factors as sun, wind, smoking and expression of heredity. Unfortunately, most of these factors cause damage, which lead to fine lines, larger wrinkles, age spots and annoying skin growths.

Laser Skin Resurfacing with the carbon dioxide laser (C02) can help turn back the hands of time by removing and improving the quality and tightness of the skin in many patients. The best candidates ironically are those who have the fairer skin types which are often the patients with the most damage, such as blondes and redheads.

The laser in effect targets the water in the upper skin layers and vaporizes it in a controlled fashion until the skin formative layer is reached. Thus multiple laser passes are made which strip away the damaged skin layer by layer and in the process the skin is rejuvenated and tightened. Modern lasers will not burn the skin since they all use superpulse technology that allows precise vaporization.

The result is more uniform youthful appearing skin with reduction and sometimes-complete removal of wrinkles along with tightening. It really is a second chance.

The procedure may be performed under local anesthesia when smaller segments are treated such as around the mouth (perioral) or around the eyes (periorbital). If a full-face treatment is called for the patient is often sedated.

The recovery time to get back into makeup for social purposes is approximately 10 to 14 days. Redness gradually fades over one to two months but is easily covered with normal makeup. Sunscreens must be worn for at least six weeks postop.

Of all the cosmetic surgery procedures, Laser Skin Resurfacing frequently provides results as dramatic as a full-face lift in appropriate individuals. This is never more evident than when a woman has a face lift only to have the quality of her skin compromise the result. For this reason, full face laser skin resurfacing is frequently combined with face-lifting six months after the skin tightening procedure. In this way, the lifted skin receives further tightening.