What is a laser resurfacing procedure and why is it performed?
Laser resurfacing can help men and women of all ages (dependent on skin condition) to overcome the visual effects of facial lines and wrinkles caused by over exposure to the sun, smoking, stresses of daily life and the natural signs of ageing. Laser resurfacing represents one of the best technological advances in the treatment of facial lines and wrinkles in recent years, superseding chemical peeling and dermabrasion in popularity.
Laser is generally considered a safer and more effective resurfacing tool than previously available resurfacing methods. In America it is one of the most commonly performed facial cosmetic procedures and it is rapidly gaining similar popularity in the UK. Laser resurfacing is typically performed as a result of a patient feeling self-conscious about their ageing facial appearance, but not yet feeling ready for an eye bag removal or facelift procedure.
This procedure can be performed singularly or in combination with other procedures, such as a facelift, browlift, or blepharoplasty (eye bag removal). The ultimate objective of laser resurfacing is for the surgeon to create a natural, youthful fresh facial appearance, by removing lines and wrinkles without the introduction of incisions and subsequent scaring.
How is laser resurfacing performed?
Laser resurfacing is performed using a beam of laser energy to vaporize the upper layers of damaged skin at specific and well controlled levels of penetration. The laser process essentially strips away damaged cells enabling new cells to form during the healing process, which eventually result in a smoother, tighter, younger looking skin surface.
For superficial or medium problems the laser is limited to the skin layers known as the Epidermis and Papillary Dermis. For more significant lines and facial imperfections, the laser beam can be programmed to penetrate to deeper skin layers, known as the Reticulus Dermis. Laser resurfacing procedures involving the whole face are usually performed under general anaesthetic and will commonly involve one or two nights stay in hospital to recover.
During admission, patients are taught a comprehensive skin care regime which will re-hydrate and accelerate tissue healing following their procedure. This skin care regime will need to be continued after discharge and at home for several weeks following treatment. Small or isolated areas of skin can be treated under local anaesthetic and in such cases patients are frequently treated as out patients or day cases. Full face laser resurfacing procedures can take around 1 - 2 hours to perform, smaller areas can take as little as 20-30 minutes.
What kind of men and women request this procedure?
Middle aged and older men and women who are unhappy with their general ageing appearance. Men and women of all ages who suffer from residual facial scarring caused by acne, chicken pox or old facial injuries.
Younger men and women who suffer from premature lines, blotchy discolouration and wrinkles caused by sun exposure, smoking, or hereditary factors.
What are the results like?
This particular procedure can provide excellent results, freeing men and women from the concern that can be caused by a lined, wrinkled, ageing or scarred face. In general, the more aggressive the resurfacing procedure is, the better the result, but prolonged the recovery is likely to be. Improved results will take place almost immediately following surgery, but will be obscured by the inevitable facial trauma and swelling which takes place following this type of procedure.
It can take up to 14 days for the initial redness, swelling and discomfort to settle to an acceptable appearance. After the initial swelling has settled down, subtle improvements to the contour and colour of the newly resurfaced skin will take place up to six months following resurfacing treatment.
Achieving the final results following a deep laser resurfacing procedure may take many months. Once the redness and then pinkness to the recovering skin tone begins to fade, a significant improvement will be observed in the smoothness and quality of skin texture and tone. It its not recommended that a surgeon attempts to go too deeply in one treatment session, so for some very wrinkled or deeply acne scarred patients, a second laser procedure may be required at a later date.
Men and women of all ages can benefit from laser resurfacing, but the ideal patient is considered to have reasonably healthy, non-oily skin, with minor to moderate lines, scars or wrinkles. This advanced corrective procedure is a very demanding and precise treatment to provide, and should only be performed by a fully qualified surgeon who is well experienced and qualified to skillfully carry out this type of treatment.
How do patients typically feel after a laser resurfacing procedure and what does the recovery period involve?
Following a resurfacing procedure treated skin areas are typically sore for several weeks. Analgesic tablets (pain killers) are always provided for any discomfort and patients are encouraged to sleep as upright as possible during their early recovery stage and to use cold compresses to help diminish residual swelling and discomfort.
Patients usually describe the way they feel as similar to severe sunburn, "tight, sore and uncomfortable" rather than experiencing actual pain. These symptoms typically diminish after the first 7 days following treatment. In the early days following discharge, patients are strongly advised to avoid any level of activity that could risk causing trauma or disruption to the newly healing skin, to keep their hands away from their newly resurfaced skin and to pay meticulous attention to their personal hygiene.
Patients will be advised to take a specific amount of recovery time away from work, dependent on the type of work they perform, but it is usual to take at least a fortnight to rest and recover at home following a deep resurfacing procedure.
Every consultant's laser resurfacing techniques can differ, as can the recommended post - operative skin care regime and instructions. In general however, post - operative care will feature a regular cleansing and moisturising skin care regime for a minimum of two weeks following surgery. Patients are asked to refrain from any strenuous impact style exercise for at least 4 weeks following surgery and to avoid direct sunbathing on the facial area for at least 12 months.
Are there any risks involved in laser resurfacing?
All surgery involves an element of risk from developing complications. However, laser resurfacing is usually undertaken voluntarily and only on patients in good health. Therefore, the probability of experiencing complications with this kind of procedure are substantially lower than with those who undergo surgery due to ill health.
Risks such as changes in pigmentation, alteration in sensitivity, infection and scarring will all be discussed quite openly at consultation, as well as our scrupulous efforts to manage and minimise these risks to their lowest possible potential.
Due to the additional healing and infection risks experienced with patients who smoke, heavy smokers may be precluded from having a laser resurfacing procedure until they cease or substantially reduce their daily cigarette intake. Following all recommended post-operative skin care instructions diligently in the early recovery stage is deemed essential in order to avoid post-operative complications such as infection, delayed healing, or scarring.
Uneven pigmentation of newly healed skin following laser resurfacing is a specific risk, therefore all patients are advised to totally avoid direct sunbathing for 1 year following treatment and to use high protection sun creams throughout their recovery period.
What next?
The importance of a thorough pre-operative consultation with the Consultant Plastic Surgeon or Consultant Dermatologist who will perform your actual procedure cannot be over stressed. You need time to consider all the benefits and risks of laser resurfacing and the opportunity to reflect and consider all the information your Consultant offers you before you making a decision to have a procedure or not.
At Capio each consultation is tailored to an individual's needs, but a consultation will always involve a thorough evaluation of your present and past medical history and a physical examination of the problem area. Your Consultant will take time to listen to your concerns and will take care to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of what can be done to help, the procedure itself, the recovery stages and a clear explanation of the benefits and risks involved.
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