Surgical Procedures

 
 
   

Laser resurfacing

 

Laser Skin Resurfacing:

"It is a surprise to many patients that a face lift does not eliminate facial wrinkling"

Facial lining and wrinkling is a sign of skin deterioration. One of the  three "D's"  ( Deterioration, Deflation, Descent)  of facial aging.  Certain types of thick, heavy facial lining cannot be corrected by topical creams or surgery. This is because the problem lies deep in the collagen layers of the skin. Time, sun exposure, smoking and genetics have resulted in the loss and disruption of this collagen layer.

A number of treatments have been attempted to correct this problem. High strength skin peels can be effective but result in permanent loss of skin color.  Erbium and similar  laser treatments do not cause pigmentation loss but are only mildly effective.

The single best treatment for significant facial lining is Carbon Dioxide ( C0?) laser skin resurfacing.

Currently there are a number of other lasers or "energy treatments" that promise dramatic results with little or no downtime. These include Erbium laser, FraxelTM, and ThermageTM among others.

While these treatments are generally safe and have less downtime than C02 laser resurfacing their results are poor and often not lasting. Additionally they are expensive, painful and unpredictable.

We are monitoring the new technologies as they become available. Once we are convinced that they are safe, reliable and effective we will introduce them into our practice.

 

Carbon Dioxide Laser Skin Resurfacing: How It's Done

Full face laser resurfacing is best done under a general anesthetic. It takes about one hour to perform. All of our procedures are done in our private accredited and inspected operating facilities. The Centre only uses fully trained and experienced certified anesthetists.  After you are asleep appropriate laser safety precautions are  carried out. Local anesthetic is injected to reduce post operative discomfort.

The C0? laser produces an invisible light beam that is absorbed by the water in the skin. This produces intense but very localized and brief heating of the skin. Two passes are done with the C0? laser. The initial pass removes the epidermis to improve tone and pigmentation. The second pass is essential to stimulate collagen renewal.

It is the application of this carefully controlled energy that causes remodeling of the disrupted aged collagen and the regeneration of new, normal collagen and elastin. This remodeling takes place over a 90 day period following the treatment. It results in significantly smoother and tighter skin. Since the superficial layer of skin is removed during the treatment the color and tone of the skin is also dramatically improved.

After the procedure you will recover for approximately an hour in our recovery room. A responsible adult must take you home. You may shower the day after your operation. The temporary loss of the superficial epidermis associated with laser resurfacing is similar to a first degree burn. Complete healing without scarring will occur in about 10 days. In the interim twice daily washing is essential to prevent the buildup of crusting or scabbing. This can be painful. Medications are prescribed for post operative discomfort. Medical grade Vaseline is applied between washings to prevent dehydration of the healing skin.

You will need to take about fourteen days off work. You will likely want to avoid  being seen in public for the first week or so although there is no medical reason not to be out and about. Follow up appointments are scheduled to allow monitoring of your progress and answer any concerns you may have. The final visit is usually at 12 -14 weeks post procedure or as long as necessary to ensure that all is well.

 

Questions about:

General anesthesia is required for the one hour procedure. If you are not healthy enough for an anesthetic we will not proceed.

Bleeding is not a concern following laser resurfacing as there are no incisions.

Infection can occur after any procedure. A surgically clean environment, careful technique, healthy patients and suitable antibiotic coverage will minimize the risk of infection. Bacterial infections are very rare following laser resurfacing. Herpes Simplex (cold sore) infections may occur. Anti viral medications are given to minimize this risk. Any type of infection may result is permanent scarring. This is rare.

Hypopigmentation or the loss of skin color is common following any significant resurfacing procedure. This is why this procedure is best for pale individuals. Skin color will be slightly lighter and pinker.

Hyperpigmentation or excessive skin pigmentation may occur following Carbon Dioxide laser resurfacing. This may be caused by genetic factors or more commonly following inappropriate sun exposure in the weeks following the procedure. It can be treated but it is best to avoid any sun exposure in the weeks following this procedure.

Scarring is rare following this procedure but may occur. Treatments are available to reduce this but it may be permanent.

Recovery following Carbon Dioxide laser resurfacing is about 14 days. At that time you can apply makeup and resume most of your normal activities. The skin will be tight and red. This color gradually fades over a three month period. C02 laser resurfacing produces truly dramatic results but you must be prepared for considerable downtime.

 

From Initial Phone call to Post Op Visits: How it Works

Your initial contact with the office will be with Trish, our Patient Coordinator. She will guide you through the process. You will then meet with Dr. Weiglein to determine the best solution to your particular problem. This initial meeting is designed to be an information and educational meeting. It is actually a time when you "audition" us and we "audition" you. With your input a recommendation will be made and all questions answered. We have numerous pre and post operative photos for you to see. There are always former patients available to speak with you about their experience. We welcome friends / husbands/ others to this meeting.

You will then meet with Trish again to discuss costs, scheduling and logistics. If you require more time to consider your options, or wish another appointment, we will arrange it. If you wish to finance the procedure we will assist you.

We encourage you to see us as a second opinion.

If you elect to proceed you will then meet with one of our nurses for your pre operative visit. She will review the procedure and expectations. Any necessary lab reports will be reviewed. Anesthesia standards require a pre operative physical from a family doctor.

We will provide you with full written post treatment care instructions, your prescriptions, follow-up appointment dates, contact telephone numbers and instructions for care-givers at your pre operative appointment. No question will be left unanswered.

 

Need more information?
Please contact us if you have questions.  Dr. Weiglein is one of the leading cosmetic surgeons in Canada. We always help you to decide what is best for you.

 

Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing  may be useful for you if: