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How
does laser skin resurfacing work?
The laser
light is absorbed by the water in your skin cells. The absorption
in turn causes the instantaneous vaporization or destruction
of the cell. As your physician passes the laser light over
your skin, a mere 30 millionths of an inch of tissue is removed
at a time. This incredible control allows your physician to
treat only as deeply as needed, from removing wrinkles to
merely refreshing your overall skin appearance. After the
damaged skin is removed, new skin quickly regrows in its place.
Does
it hurt?
The level
of discomfort is different for every person and also varies
by the location and surface area to be treated. Many patients
do not request any pain medication during treatment and relate
the discomfort as comparable to a sunburn. Other patients
will appreciate a topical or more extensive anesthetic. Your
physician will discuss your options with you based upon your
own tolerance and the specific areas to be treated. Laser
resurfacing may cause the skin to become raw, red or pink
with mild to moderate discomfort for several days following
the procedure. Although over the counter medication is usually
sufficient, your physician may recommend alternative pain
relief options to keep you comfortable.
How
do I take care of my skin immediately after treatment ?
Depending
on your specific treatment, your physician will prescribe
detailed skin care instruction. To avoid the risk of infection
and to ensure a positive result, please follow these instruction
carefully. After you have healed, you will need to continually
protect your new skin. In the early weeks and months following
treatment, your skin will be very susceptible to sun damage.
If at all possible, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. If
you must be in the sun for a short time, please use sunscreens
recommended by your physician.
Remember, one of the reasons you are probably considering
laser resurfacing is because of the long-term damaging effects
the sun has had on your skin.
How
long will the healing process take?
Of course,
everyone will heal at various rates depending on the depth
of treatment, the particular areas treated and your own healing
rate. Noticeable results are typically seen in few weeks.
Light resurfacing around the eyes and lips in general takes
only a few days. Most patients can be treated before the weekend
and be almost completely healed by the following Monday. A
deep full facial resurfacing may take up to 2-3 weeks before
you feel aesthetically comfortable to return to your normal
activities. Areas further away from your face, such as hands,
may take up to a month for the full treatment benefits to
become apparent.
Are
there any complications with laser resurfacing?
Although
the Erbium laser has substantially reduced the risks associated
with laser procedures, infection, temporary or permanent pigmentary
changes, even scarring or other unsatisfactory results can
occur. As with any medical procedure, be certain to thoroughly
discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your physician.
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