The intended result is smoother, more youthful appearing skin, with uniform color
and better texture. Dr. Sapra will recommend either a full face resurfacing or only
specific areas such as around your eyes or mouth.

Laser resurfacing cannot repair very deep scarring. For deeper facial scarring
such as “ice pick” acne scaring, the physician may recommend a 2 part
treatments involving some minor surgery first. This surgery usually involves the
scarring being stitched to eliminate the depth of the scar. After this has healed
the laser can be used to resurface the area smoothing the texture.

The laser procedure is performed sometimes I. V. sedation and or local
anesthesia. This laser is targeting water in the cells of the skin surface. The
laser vaporizes the outer layers of damaged skin. This is basically a controlled
burn of the skin surface. The advantage of the laser is that the depth of treatment
is extremely controlled and predictable. This allows a new layer of skin cells and
collagen to form. This in no way is comparable to, or a substitute for a surgical
facelift. Laser resurfacing is focused on repairing texture, it does not remove
excess skin, however, a tightening effect will sometimes be noted.

Following the procedure, your skin will weepy and oozing for a period of 7-10
days. Your skin will then heal and make-up can be worn to cover the redness.
This redness will fade to pink over the next couple of months, but in extremely
rare cases may still be noted for up to one year.

It is very important that patients avoid sun exposure and always wear sun
protection following laser resurfacing. This is to protect the new skin that has
formed. The new skin is photosensitive and is more susceptible to pigment
changes until it has completely healed. Sun protection is also recommended to
preserve the longevity of this treatment. CO2 laser resurfacing will achieve a long
lasting result, but is not permanent. As the body ages, the skin will also begin to
age again, and lines and texture changes will eventually recur.

Complications such as scarring or loss of pigmentation from this laser are
extremely rare, but can occur.










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