One of the most exciting and innovative scientific advancement in years, laser technology is being utilized throughout the health care community. The doctors at The Maxillofacial Surgery Center use one of the newest lasers, the ultrapulse carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, to treat sun-damaged skin, facial wrinkles and scars in a procedure called laser skin resurfacing.

What is a laser?

The word "laser" is an acronym, which stands for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A surgical laser, such as the CO2 laser, is a beam of light capable of removing unwanted tissue, such as scarred, lined, wrinkled or otherwise imperfect skin. The laser vaporizes skin cells by emitting bursts of radiation that are absorbed by water in these cells. Laser light penetrates only to a very precise depth, making the procedure safe and predictable and reducing the risk of scarring or excess pigmentation. Laser skin resurfacing is bloodless, and is performed right here in our office under light sedation. The result of this treatment is more youthful looking skin.

What areas can be treated through laser resurfacing?

The laser is used to reduce tiny wrinkles, acne scars and other minor skin imperfections, especially around the mouth and eyes. It can improve sun-damaged and acne scarred skin concerns for both men and women.

Benefits of Treatment

Laser resurfacing can be used as an alternative to chemical peels or dermabrasion. This technique is less painful and results in faster recovery. In most cases, it is also less expensive.

Before Surgery

Prior to surgery, The doctors at The Maxillofacial Surgery Center will discuss with you your goals for facial improvement. After determining the most appropriate procedure to use, we will fully describe the procedure, the results to expect, and the cost. The skin is usually pretreated prior to surgery to improve the healing time.

The Procedure

A local anesthetic is given to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. The area is cleansed and draped. The doctor directs the laser beam toward your skin imperfections. The laser quickly and accurately vaporizes the only outermost layers of skin.

What can be expected?

In most cases, only one treatment is needed. The initial redness fades in a few weeks to a light pink, which can be camouflaged with cosmetics. Even this slight discoloration disappears in one to three months. The goal of laser resurfacing is to enhance facial appearance. You must be realistic and anticipate improvement rather than total correction. Many factors, such as the size, shape and location of the imperfection and your heredity, age and general skin condition may influence the result.