Laser Ablative Resurfacing

The CO2 laser is considered the gold standard for that purpose. It is one of the many tools that in the hands of a fellowship-trained, board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon can help achieve phenomenal results. Depending on the treatment settings there can be minimal redness and scaling lasting one day or more significant peeling and redness lasting one to more weeks. It’s important to analyze the skin and its health to select the proper parameters as well as choose the best aftercare for maximal & safe results.

Laser ablative resurfacing can be used for:

• Full or partial face wrinkle resurfacing
• Upper and lower blepharoplasty
• Surgical removal of keloids
• Actinic cheilitis (precancer of the lip, often appearing as a whitish film over the lower lip)
• Epidermal nevi
• Rhinophyma (enlarged and bulbous nose, often miss-associated with alcohol abuse)
• Resistant warts on hands and feet
• Acne scarring

What can I expect after laser resurfacing of the face for acne or wrinkles?

After the resurfacing procedure, the face often appears slightly red as if after a light sunburn. The patient has to avoid the sun for 10 days and apply a thick layer of Vaseline ointment for that period. Afterward, patients need to protect themselves from the sun for about another 2 months.

Depending on the skin color of the individual, the redness may last from 3 to 6 months. In 30% of patients darkening of some of the treated areas may occur and usually presents itself within the first 3 weeks. Usually, this is seen in dark-haired and dark-eyed individuals, especially if they do not follow the strict sun protection instructions. If caught early it often can be resolved. While Dr. Levit has had no cases of permanent hyperpigmentation, literature reports about 1% of the cases may become permanent.

The improvement in acne scarring is about 40%. The improvement in facial wrinkling is about 60% and depends on the number of passes.

Potential contraindications:

• The presence of keloids/hypertrophic scars
• Previous x-ray treatment or scleroderma
• The use of Accutane (isotretinoin)
• History of vitiligo or psoriasis as they may develop in that area due to the trauma (Koebner’s phenomena)