Face - Skin
Lasers
have become a very useful technology for the plastic surgeon in his quest to improve
problem skin. The combination of a CO2 Laser and Erbium-Yag Laser in the same machine
offers many advantages. The Erbium-Yag Laser offers a shallow penetration and rapid
recovery whereas the CO2 Laser offers a more dramatic treatment for deep lines.
The Laser offers the plastic surgeon control of the depth of penetration and
allows adjustment to patients’ specific complexions and skin thickness.
Both Lasers exert the effect by vaporizing water in the top layers of the skin.
As a result of the exposure the dermis becomes tighter.
The procedure is particularly useful in light complexion patients. Patients with
darker complexion are at high risk of pigmentation changes and treatment should be
discussed with the surgeon. Acne scars can be improved with this treatment as well.
The treatment lasts about 15 minutes for small areas, up to an hour for full face
laser, and is performed under conscious sedation with local anaesthesia. It may be
done on a day basis.
After the treatment, redness of the skin can last for a week to several months, depending
on the depth and intensity of the intervention. The face can be covered with make-up
within one week, and patients are back at work after between two and ten days, depending
on the intensity of the treatment.
Sunscreens and moisturizers are required after the treatment for up to three months.
Considering skin laser resurfacing and/or peeling?
