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Laser Resurfacing

Many environmental factors such as sun exposure, weight gain/loss, stress, cigarette smoke, and alcohol cause changes to occur in the facial skin. These changes result in sagging, fine wrinkles, and pigment changes (splotching). Fine wrinkles are different from sagging skin, and they need to be treated differently.

The most common areas where fine wrinkles develop are around the eyes and mouth. The crepe paper like skin below the eyes and the lines radiating around and into the lips are examples of these. The skin of the cheek may become crisscrossed with wrinkles. The types of wrinkles described above are not removed with lifting surgery such as a face lift, or eyelid lift, but they can be significantly improved with a resurfacing procedure. Resurfacing the skin can also improve acne scarring and irregular pigment.

Procedure

Resurfacing begins by removing the outer layer called the epidermis and part of the dermis. This can be accomplished with deep chemical peels, dermabrasion, or use of a laser. Dr. Jones most often prefers to use the laser because the depth of skin removal can be controlled more precisely. Laser resurfacing may also be safer than chemical peels, which may have systemic side effects. Dermabrasion cannot be used on the fine skin of the eyelids, but the laser can. This is another advantage of using the laser.

The procedure is performed in the operating room under sedation using local anesthesia. The patient’s eyes are protected with shields, and other precautions are taken to prevent accidental injury. The laser settings are adjusted, and multiple passes are made over the treated area, removing deeper and deeper layers of skin. Once the appropriate level is reached, the skin is dressed with ointment. Postoperative care is very important and there are detailed instructions to follow.