What is laser resurfacing?
During this process layers of wrinkled or damaged skin are gently removed using a carbon dioxide laser. It is most commonly used to reduce the impact of lines that have formed on the face, particularly around the mouth and eyes.

Important considerations about this treatment
Laser skin resurfacing is a relatively new process, however, it has been found to produce less post surgery discomfort than other resurfacing treatments. It is also highly accurate and can remove layers of damaged skin to a very precise level of skin penetration.

As the treatment is new there are only a few studies on its impact. However, the data available suggests that its results are similar to that of more traditional chemical peeling. As with all type of peel, the deeper the resurfacing process, the longer the recovery time.

The procedure is not ideal for everyone. It is important that you discuss laser skin resurfacing and the latest research with your surgeon. He or she may feel that traditional methods of chemical peel may be more appropriate.

Realistic expectations
You must have realistic expectations about what laser skin resurfacing can achieve for you. It will not change your personality or make people treat you differently. Everyone is individual and surgery will not transform you into someone else. It is critical that you spend time thinking about what you want to achieve from surgery and talk about your hopes with your surgeon.

Most importantly, patients with darker skin tones could be at risk of pigmentation changes. This is an important topic of discussion with your surgeon. Also anyone who is susceptible to scarring or skin infections is unlikely to be an appropriate candidate for this procedure.

Finally laser resurfacing will not completely remove all facial flaws or stop your skin from aging. Lines will inevitably occur in your skin as the result of growing older, smiling, talking and eating. However, you can protect your skin (and prolong the results of the treatment) by shielding yourself from the sun and wearing facial creams.

What happens during consultation?
The surgeon will need to know why you want the procedure to gain a complete understanding of what you want to achieve from the surgery. It is important that you are completely honest.

The surgeon will discuss your medical history and thoroughly assess your skin. Not all surgeons have the same level of experience of laser resurfacing and it is important to establish a level of confidence between you and the surgeon. If you are uncertain do not employ their services.

Getting the most out of your consultancy
Often in cases where clients are unhappy with the results of surgery it is because they did not discuss their expectations thoroughly or were afraid to talk about the outcome or risks.

You have to make an informed decision before signing the consent form so make sure you ask plenty of questions. You want to feel relaxed, confident and completely understand what will happen during surgery.

You may want to know:

• About the surgeon’s qualifications.
• How many operations of your procedure are carried out each year.
• How you prepare for the surgery.
• Whether you will require local or general anaesthetic.
• What realistic results can be expected and when.
• How long the results will last.
• About the side-effects and possible complications.
• How long it will take to recover.
• About the extent of scarring and how it will change in time.
• What happens if anything goes wrong.

Preparing for surgery
The surgeon needs to know your medical history and if you are on any medication. He or she will also give you details on how to look after your skin following the procedure. If you are to be given sedatives for your treatment make sure you have someone to drive you home afterwards.

What happens during the procedure?
Depending on the extent of procedure you will be given either local or general anaesthetic. The length of the procedure also depends on the size of the area to be treated and the depth of the laser’s penetration. In some cases you may need more than one visit.

After you receive the anaesthetic, the laser is gently moved over the surface of the area to be treated until the skin lines become less visible.

The surgeon will then administer protective creams and ointments to aid healing and in some cases may apply a dressing.

After surgery

• Your surgeon will visit you and advise when you can leave.
• There is likely to be some minor swelling and some discomfort, but this will be controlled by medication.
• If a dressing has been applied it will be replaced after a day or so.
• Ointment to help accelerate healing is likely to be supplied for daily application.
• Advice will be given on how to care for your new skin including when you can start washing and applying make-up.

Road to recovery

• Continue taking painkillers if you need them.
• The redness and soreness of the treated area is likely to continue for several weeks after the procedure.
• In some rare cases a hint of pinkness may persist for a few months.
• If the surgeon recommends that you take medication such as antibiotics, make sure you complete the course.
• Always protect the treated area by wearing sun block and a hat.
• If you are in doubt about any of the post operative effects speak to your surgeon.

All surgery carries an element of risk
Before you sign the surgery consent form for laser treatment you should be aware of any possible complications and side effects.

Complications associated with any type of surgery include problems healing, the danger of infection and the potential formation of clots. Some patients may also have an allergic reaction to anaesthesia.

After a successful operation you may feel sick due to the anaesthetic (if it was required) and soreness formed by the procedure may take several weeks (or even months) to heal.

Complications are rare and depend greatly on individual circumstances such as a person’s health, skin type and the extent of the procedure. Your surgeon will be able to explain how the risks apply in your circumstances.