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Laser Resurfacing
WHO IS A CANDIDATE:
- If you have skin lesions of the epidermis
(top layer of skin) such as seborrheic
kertoses, actinic keratoses and verruca
vulgaris (warts).
- If you have wrinkles around the mouth,
on the cheeks, forehead, and crow’s
feet.
- If you have effects from sun damage
or “photo-aging”.
INTENDED RESULTS:
- The CO2 Laser is intended to treat
the texture of the skin.
- Removal of wrinkles of the skin, except
for very deep crease or creases caused
by muscle contractions.
PROCEDURE DESCRIPTION:
- Treatment requires heavy intravenous
(IV) sedation. With sedation, arrangements
for a responsible adult caregiver will
be needed to drive you home and provide
care for your first few days.
- The laser will remove the top layer
of skin with its beam. This type laser
beam is absorbed by the water of the
skin vessels so there is no bleeding.
- After the procedure, a synthetic dressing
called Flexzan is applied to the treated
area. This dressing should adhere to
the treated area and stay in place for
the next seven days.
- You will need to return the day following
your procedure for inspection of the
dressing. In some cases the dressing
will not adhere to the treated areas
and must be reapplied.
RECUPERATION AND HEALING:
- The most common patient complaint is
of sunburn type pain for the first few
days. Pain medication will be prescribed
to relieve the pain.
- If your eyelids were treated they will
swell shut for the first few days.
- Typically it takes 10 to 11 days for
the treated area to heal. The skin will
be pink and will take several months
for this to fade.
- It is generally suggested for you to
plan on 10 to 14 days off work to allow
sufficient time for the skin to heal.
At such time you may begin to wear makeup
to camouflage the pinkness and go out
in public.
OTHER OPTIONS:
- Other options for skin resurfacing
include chemical peels and dermabrasion.
- CO2 Laser is not an option for treatment
of excess, overhanging, drooping skin,
or excess dropping fat or muscles of
the face and neck. Such situations will
require a more invasive procedure such
as a facelift, browlift, or eyelid lift.
INSURANCE GUIDELINES
This procedure is
considered cosmetic and therefore is
not covered by insurance. The patient is
responsible for payment.
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