Dermatologic & Cosmetic Surgery

Dermatologic Treatments

Laser Skin Resurfacing

INDICATIONS
Wrinkles, acne scarring

BENEFITS
Removes fine lines and wrinkles, improves acne scarring. Many facial conditions such as fine wrinkling around the eyelids, forehead, nose and mouth can be made smoother with this simple process. Deep laugh and frown lines can be minimized. Even the lingering effects of chicken pox or acne scars can be successfully treated with the CO2 laser.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LASER SURGERY?
Lasers may offer you and Dr. Lawrence the following general benefits:

  • Improved therapeutic results
  • Reduced risk of infection
  • Relatively "bloodless" surgery
  • Precisely controlled surgery which limits injury to normal skin
  • Potentially less scarring, in some cases
  • Safe and effective out-patient, someday surgery for many skin conditions.

WHAT IS A LASER?
"Laser" is an acronym for light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation. Lasers work by producing an intense beam of bright light that travels in one direction. This laser beam can cut, seal or vaporize skin tissue and blood vessels. The laser has the unique ability to produce one specific color (wavelength) of light which can be varied in its intensity and pulse duration. Ordinary light from non-laser sources is composed of many different colors and appears white. The wavelength and power output of a particular laser determine its medical application.

When the laser light is directed at skin tissue, it light energy is absorbed by water or pigments found in the skin. Water is found in large amounts in all living cells. Pigments of the skin include hemoglobin, a protein that makes blood red, and melanin, the tan or brown colored pigment. All three absorb laser light of different colors.

HOW IS THE LASER USED?
The CO2 laser emits a colorless infrared light which is highly absorbed by water-containing tissue like the skin. This laser system can be used in several ways: "focused" for cutting skin without bleeding: "defocused" for superficially vaporizing skin; and "super pulsed" for facial resurfacing.

By delivering very powerful, rapid pulsing or scanning of the CO2 laser beam, Dr. Lawrence is able to peel and resurface the facial skin for cosmetic improvement without damaging or scarring surrounding skin. Sometimes referred to as "laserbrasion", this technique removes fine lines and wrinkles of the face, smooths acne scars and rejuvenates aging and sun-damaged skin as it gently smooths and precisely contours the skin surface.

DOES IT HURT?
The procedure is uncomfortable but several measures are taken so you are made very comfortable:

  • Anesthesia can be used to put you in a twilight state
  • Medications are given pre-op for sedation if no anesthesia is used
  • Anesthetic cream before injections
  • Local anesthesia is used, with smaller needles available.

WHAT AREAS CAN BE DONE?

  • Around the eyes, around the mouth, full face
  • Keep areas to cosmetic units so new skin blends in well
  • Sometimes it is recommended that a medium depth peel is done to blend areas together.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?
Unlike dermabrasion and chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing uses a very high energy beam of light to vaporize, or "pairing away" scars, lines, wrinkles, and other skin defects. The laser light penetrates to a very precise, controlled depth, making the procedure safe and predictable while reducing the risk of scarring or pigmentation problems.

Not likely to happen, but possible:

  • Infection
  • Scarring
  • Hypopigmentation (lighter skin) permanent
  • Hyperpigmentation (darker skin) treatable

HOW LONG DOES THE RESULT LAST?
Skin is improved and made fresh but time clock will continue. Photo protection from sun, AHA's, Retin-A will all help keep results longer.

WHO IS QUALIFIED TO PERFORM LASER SURGERY?
Experts in skin care, dermatologic surgeons have extensive experience with laser surgery and were among the first specialists to use lasers for treating a variety of skin disorders. In fact, many of the latest advances in laser technology were pioneered and refined by dermatologic surgeons. Since results are often technique-sensitive, it's important to select a dermatologic surgeon with laser expertise.

Dr. Lawrence has a lot of experience in this area. She has written chapters and participated in studies.

WHAT IS THE DOWN TIME / RECOVERY / AFTERCARE?
The laser skin resurfacing process usually requires 3 to 4 weeks for full recover. Makeup can usually be applied within 8 to 10 days depending on your skin's response to the treatment. You will be required to care for your skin with cool water soaks and skin care products. We see patients frequently if needed to help with care and to teach you. Extensive instructions and pre-laser review session with nurse.

Phone

To make an appointment with a Cooper University Hospital physician at an office near you, call 1-800-8-COOPER (800-826-6737) to speak with a member of our physician referral and information service.