Laser facial resurfacing

Procedure: Smooth the face and smooth fine wrinkles using a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser device that treats layers of damaged skin. Softens lines around the eyes and mouth and minimizes facial scars and unevenly pigmented areas.

Length: A few minutes to one hour. May require more than one session.

Anesthesia: Local with sedation or general.

In/outpatient: Usually outpatient, unless combined with other surgical procedures that require hospitalization.

Side effects: Temporary swelling, discomfort; lightening of treated skin; acute sun sensitivity; increased sensitivity to makeup; pinkness or redness in skin that may persist for up to six months.

Risks: Burns or injuries caused by laser heat; scarring; abnormal changes in skin color; flare-up of viral infections (cold sores) and other infections (rare).

Recovery: Back to work: usually two weeks. More strenuous activities: four to six weeks. Complete fading of redness: six months or less. Return of pigmentation/light sun exposure: 6 to 12 months.

Duration of results: Long-lasting, but does not stop aging. New wrinkles, expression lines may form as skin ages.

Laser depth dependent on intensity
Preoperative appearance	Postoperative appearance
Preoperative appearance	Postoperative appearance

Actual patient photographs available at time of consult.

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