Laser Surgery (fractional CO2 laser resurfacing)

Procedure:

smooths changes on the skin surface and minimizes fine facial wrinkles using fractional CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser, treating damaged skin layers. It can be used for wrinkles around the eyes and mouth to improve the aspect of scars, to renew skin’s texture and to treat superficial pigment alterations on the face. It works better in patients with fair skin and fine wrinkles.

Duration:

30 minutes to 1 hour. Several sessions might be necessary.

Anesthesia:

local with sedation, general in some cases.

Hospital admission:

discharge on the same day.

Side effects:

temporary discomfort and swelling. Whitening of treated skin. Increased sun and make up sensitivity. Skin redness for 2 to 3 weeks.

Risks:

burns or thermal injuries from the laser (rare). Improper or abnormal scarring. Alterations in skin pigmentation (more in dark skinned patients). Reactivation of herpes virus infection or other infections.

Recovery:

return to work in 1 to 2 weeks.

Physical activities (sports):

2 to 4 weeks.

Disappearance of skin redness:

1 to 3 weeks.

Sun Exposure:

3 to 6 months.

Results:

lasting, although the aging process continues. New wrinkles and expression lines can appear with time.