Laser Skin Resurfacing: Laser Peel, Laser Vaporization, Lasabrasion
Cincinnati Plastic Surgery Specialists in Laser Skin Resurfacing
Thank you for considering UC Health Plastic Surgery for your plastic surgery procedure. We offer a safe, comfortable atmosphere in our modern, state-of-the-art facility located in West Chester, Ohio, convenient to both Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio. Laser Skin Resurfacing is conveniently performed right in our well-equipped procedure rooms. We offer a friendly staff of nurses and administrative support to help with your scheduling issues and questions.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Lasers are used to treat uneven skin texture, blotchiness, acne scars, wrinkles and sun-damaged skin as well as other skin imperfections. Laser resurfacing can be performed by two different methods. In the first method, laser resurfacing creates a uniform “injury” similar to deeper chemical peel or dermabrasion. The second method involves using the laser to create tiny holes into the deeper layers of skin, also referred to as fractional resurfacing, in which the skin is tightened by the contraction of collagen between the tiny laser holes. Both methods of laser resurfacing can be effective in improving the appearance of your skin. Some commonly used lasers include fractional, erbium and CO2 laser. Laser treatment can be performed on the entire face or on selected areas such as the cheeks or around the mouth. Skin condition, texture and thickness may determine whether you are a good candidate for laser resurfacing.
Procedure Benefits
- Improve skin texture, tone and pore size
- Erase unwanted brown spots
- Smooth wrinkles around the eyes (“crow’s feet”)
- Improve acne scars and surgical scars
- Reduce melasma (“pregnancy mask”)
- Rejuvenation of the neck, chest, hands and arms
- Improve non-responsive skin after a facelift
Private Consultation
Your board-certified plastic surgeon will consult with you and review your medical history, including medications and lifestyle factors to determine if laser skin resurfacing is the right treatment for you. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have ever had x-ray treatments of your facial skin, Accutane use, history of herpes (cold sores), or have had a prior chemical peeling procedure. Your plastic surgeon will discuss resurfacing options, what level of results you may expect, and the number of treatment sessions you will need. You will receive instructions to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, and which medications/vitamins should be avoided. You will also discuss the cost of the procedure, keeping in mind that this is an elective procedure which is not covered by most insurance companies.
Preparation
Starting 4-8 weeks before your procedure, wear a sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight. A pigment suppression agent is usually started several weeks before treatment. Stop all exfoliants 1-2 weeks prior to your procedure including topical retinoids (RetinA, Differin, Tazorac and retinols) and light acid treatments. Patients who are prone to getting cold sores may be started on an antiviral agent.
Surgical Overview
Depending on the type of laser, area treated and depth of treatment, laser skin resurfacing is performed as an outpatient procedure at our West Chester office or surgical facility. Topical anaesthetic ointment or a local or general anaesthesia may be used prior to your procedure. A laser beam is directed at the chosen area to heat the skin, creating a uniform injury which works to stimulate a new formation of collagen. In some cases, a warm or stinging sensation may be experienced as the laser passes over the skin. After the laser procedure, a protective ointment or cream is applied to the skin.
Recovery and Healing Time
Your skin may feel as though it is sunburned, with pinkness or redness and varying degrees of swelling depending on the treatment depth and method of laser used. It may take 7-14 days for new skin to form after deeper laser skin resurfacing procedures. Your plastic surgeon will advise you on post-treatment care and instructions, which may include applying ointments or special creams. We will see you for a brief follow-up visit within a week and at one, two and three months to track your improvement and answer any questions. After the initial healing period, it is especially important to wear sun screen of SPF 30 or higher. Avoid direct sun exposure during the healing process and for at least 3 months after treatment. Camouflage make-up can usually be worn to help reduce skin redness or pinkness, which improves over time.
Procedure Risks
- Swelling
- Redness
- Skin discoloration
- Infection is usually rare
- Scarring is usually rare
UC Health Plastic Surgery in West Chester, has three nationally recognized Cincinnati plastic surgeons.
Located north of Cincinnati, we serve West Chester, Mason, Loveland, Indian Hill and the rest of Greater Cincinnati and Dayton for all of their plastic surgery procedure needs.
