Laser Skin Resurfacing

What happens after your consultation

Prior to treatment, your doctor may suggest a regimen of special creams, lotions or gels to prepare your skin for treatment. In some cases oral antibacterial, antiviral or anti-yeast medication may be prescribed to prevent certain complications. You’ll be asked to discontinue the use of Retin-A and any Glycolic acid products.

Laser Skin Resurfacing is an outpatient procedure, and is commonly performed by your doctor at the doctor’s office, an outpatient surgery center, hospital or accredited laser center. The length of the procedure varies depending upon the extent of the treatment.  A partial-face treatment takes approximately 30-45 minutes to perform, while a full-face treatment generally takes 2 hours to perform.

During the procedure, the skin is treated with a topical anesthetic. The patient is placed under local anesthesia and may be given a sedative medication. The type and amount of anesthesia given is based upon the extent of treatment and the type of laser being used. In the case of extensive Laser Skin Resurfacing, intravenous sedation or general anesthesia may be suggested. The patient’s eyes are always covered to protect them from the laser.

When performing Laser Skin Resurfacing, the doctor skillfully passes the laser over the skin. A computer is used to control the laser. By adjusting the depth, wavelength (color) and intensity of the laser light, the computer helps ensure accuracy. The laser feels like an elastic band snapping gently against the skin as it vaporizes the upper skin layers. Depending on the imperfection being treated, the laser may need to be moved over the area repeatedly.

If there is anesthesia and sedation involved, you should always arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and stay with you to assist you for one to days following the procedure.