Laser Resurfacing is performed using a beam of laser energy which vaporizes the upper layers of damaged skin at specific and controlled levels of penetration. It is clear that laser resurfacing may offer a number of advantages over other resurfacing methods:  precision, little (if any) bleeding and less post-operative discomfort. 

If you are considering laser resurfacing, please do not hesitate to contact our office so that we may send you a comprehensive information packet and answer any pertinent questions you may have regarding this procedure.  Like most surgical procedures, laser resurfacing will be performed under general anesthesia in our fully accredited on-site surgical suite.

All resurfacing treatments work essentially the same way.  First, the outer layers of damaged skin are stripped away.  Then, as new cells form during the healing process, a smoother, tighter, younger-looking skin surface appears.  Typically laser surgery lasts several minutes to 1 hour, depending on the coverage area.  There is the possibility that more than one treatment is necessary to correct deeper layers of scarring.

The best candidates for laser resurfacing are men or women with fair, healthy, and non-oily skin.  Patients with olive skin, or brown skin may be at increased risk for pigmentation changes-no matter what type of resurfacing method is recommended.  Individuals, who have taken Accutane in the past 12-18 months are prone to abnormal (Keloid-like) scarring or those with active skin infections on the treatment area may not be appropriate candidates for this procedures.  In any case, Dr. Pratt or Dr. Bednar will discuss with you in great detail what is involved in this procedure.  The surgeon may even recommend that you begin with a pretreatment  plan to prepare the skin for surgery.

Like all other surgeries, there are always risks associated with surgery.  In fact, any imaginable risk or complication is possible.  You will be given extensive pre-op counseling and instructions in writing prior to surgery so that you are well informed and confident in the highest quality of care administered to you as our patient.

Some post-operative complications can involve unusual sensitivity to makeup, and it is important that the skin is protected from sun exposure with a hat or a sun block greater than 30 SPF. 

After surgery, the skin will remain usually bright pink to red for several weeks to a month.  Generally speaking, most patients are able to apply makeup after about two weeks in order to conceal any temporary color change.

The final results from laser resurfacing may take several months to fully appear.  Once the pinkness fades, however, patients will see a significant improvement in the quality of their skin.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, contact our patient coordinator, Kandace, at 704.541.7654 or email her at kandace@metrolinaplastic.com

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