Laser Resurfacing

What is Laser Resurfacing?

Laser Resurfacing is a Cosmetic Treatment where a laser is used to remove areas of damaged or wrinkled skin, layer by layer. Laser Resurfacing is most commonly used to minimize the appearance of fine lines, especially around the mouth and the eyes. However, it is also effective in treating acne scars or areas of uneven pigmentation. Laser Resurfacing may be performed on the whole face or in specific regions. Often, Laser Resurfacing is performed in combination with other Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery operations such as a Face Lift or Eyelid Surgery.

Where can I get Laser Resurfacing?

Country	Cost with MedSolution
France	$3,142 - lower eyelids  (inquire)
France	$3,142 - upper lip  (inquire)
France	$3,844 - peri oral skin  (inquire)
France	$6,827 - full face  (inquire)

All prices are in US dollars and include the cost of the procedure and minimum hospital stay. Estimates and minimum hospital stay will vary depending upon individual needs and requirements.

What is a Laser?

A laser is a beam of light radiation, which delivers intense energy to a specific area of skin. The two most common lasers for wrinkle removal are carbon dioxide and erbium:YAG lasers. Carbon dioxide laser appears to be more effective for treating deep wrinkles, has longer recovery time and tends to cause greater adverse reactions. Erbium lasers are used for fine lines and small wrinkles.

How does Laser Resurfacing work?

A beam of laser light is directed in short pulses to areas that need to be treated. Laser Resurfacing works by targeting the superficial layers of skin, destroying them in a carefully controlled manner and exposing the deeper layer of skin. Heat is applied at low power to stimulate the growth of new skin which is softer and less wrinkled or scarred.

What are the most common sites for Laser Resurfacing treatment?

Laser Resurfacing can be used on the entire face or on any part of the face to erase fine lines and wrinkles. Most commonly it is used to smooth and tighten upper and lower eyelid skin, improve crow's feet around the eyes, soften pucker marks (peri-oral skin and upper lip) and frown lines (on the forehead), remove brown spots and splotchy, uneven skin color, acne scars, sun damaged skin, improve and flatten scars, repair smoker's lines, improve skin tone and texture.

Who is an ideal candidate for Laser Resurfacing?

If you have facial wrinkles form in localized areas, such as near the eyes or around the mouth, if you have mild scarring, or the effects of sun damage on your face, if you have skin lesions such as port wine stains and spider vein, if you want to improve the appearance of your skin by simply making it tighter and smoother, if you have acne scars, age spots or blemishes, then you are an ideal candidate for Laser Resurfacing.

What does the procedure of Laser Resurfacing involve?

Laser Resurfacing is usually performed under local anesthesia, on an out patient basis, in a Medical Centre or clinic. You will be required to under go an initial consultation for the physician to assess and determine the extent of Laser Resurfacing procedure. On the day of the Laser Resurfacing procedure, your face will be thoroughly cleansed, an antibiotic cream or ointment may be applied to the treatment areas to kill the bacteria. A laser beam will be passed over the skin to destroy and vaporize the outer layers of damaged skin. The laser can be programmed for varied levels of penetration. The doctor may choose to penetrate more deeply in some areas, in order to remove deep scars, stubborn spots, and wrinkles. Finally antibiotic ointment or cream will be applied to areas treated with Laser Resurfacing. Your doctor may suggest ways to help you preserve your results by protecting yourself from sun exposure or using maintenance treatments, such as light Chemical Peels or medicated facial creams. Laser Resurfacing takes anywhere from a few minutes to 1 1/2 hours, depending on how large of an area is involved.

What is the after care of Laser Resurfacing procedure?

There may be mild swelling, oozing, discomfort and redness following Laser Resurfacing. This can be relieved by applying ice packs and pain medications. If a bandage was applied after your Laser Resurfacing procedure, it may be replaced with a fresh one after a day or two. After about a week or so, your bandage will be removed and a thin layer of ointment may be applied to the skin. Do not pick the scabs or crusts, this may cause scarring. If the treated area is not bandaged, you will need to wash your face with a gentle cleanser several times daily. After each washing, you will need to apply a moisturizer or antibiotic cream to keep your skin soft and supple following Laser Resurfacing treatment. Avoid going outdoors, if you need to go out, apply a sunscreen with a SPF factor of at least 25.

What is the outcome of Laser Resurfacing?

The final result from Laser Resurfacing may take several months to fully appear. However, once the pinkness fades, you will notice a significant improvement in the quality of your skin and a fresher, smoother, rejuvenated appearance. Laser Resurfacing generally removes most of the fine wrinkles, but natural facial movements and expressions eventually cause some of the lines to reappear. Laser Resurfacing may be repeated to maintain the desired results. Using sunscreen daily is highly recommended to protect the sensitive new skin from sun exposure. Use sunglasses if Skin Resurfacing was done around your eyes.

B . R . A . N . D . of Laser Resurfacing

Benefits of Laser Resurfacing

• There is significant improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Greater precision, less bleeding and discomfort and, possibly, shorter recovery time following Laser Resurfacing.
• This treatment removes the aged or sun-damaged skin to allow younger looking skin to grow in its place.

Risks of Laser Resurfacing

• Excessive scarring
• Infection
• Loss of normal skin pigmentation
• Skin redness and dryness
• Burns or injuries from heat from laser
• Infection
• Discomfort from the treated area until it has healed
• Swollen skin that may ooze for the first
• Scabs forming as part of the healing process
• Cold sores can be reactivated

Alternatives to Laser Resurfacing

• Fine wrinkles and some of the milder signs of ageing skin can be improved with creams and gels.
• Chemical Peels - In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, which causes it to eventually peel off.

Now or Never

• There is a considerable variety in the equipment and treatment techniques user for Laser Resurfacing. The results of Laser Resurfacing are noticeable after the initial healing and for about a year thereafter. These results generally last from one to five years. Maintenance treatment with topical agents or Chemical Peel may prolong beneficial effects of Laser Resurfacing on the skin appearance. Some surgeons combine Laser Resurfacing with a Face Lift or Eyelid Surgery to produce maximal effect.

Decision to have Laser Resurfacing

• Skin surface repair and rejuvenation treatments can enhance your appearance and give your skin a smoother, fresher look. Before you decide to have a skin-rejuvenating treatment like Laser Resurfacing, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your doctor. You will be pleasantly surprised and pleased with the results if you go for the procedure with realistic expectations.