All Procedures

Procedure: Laser Facial Resurfacing

Useful information for patients on Laser Facial Resurfacing - providing facial rejuvenation by improving the appearance and texture of the skin.

Laser facial resurfacing treatments reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles using a carbon dioxide (CO2) Erbium laser, or another laser device, that resurfaces several layers of damaged skin. This procedure also helps to soften lines around the eyes and mouth, minimize facial scars and provides even skin coloring.

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Useful Information

Ensure you consider all aspects of a procedure. You can speak to your surgeon about these areas of the surgery in more detail during a consultation.

Length

The procedure takes approximately one hour, depending on the area to be treated. Some cases may require more than one session – six at most.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia or intravenous sedation with local anesthesia.

Inpatient/Outpatient

This is an outpatient procedure.

Additional Information

Temporary swelling of the resurfaced area along with mild discomfort, lightening or darkening of treated skin (hypo or hyperpigmentation), acute sun sensitivity and/or increased sensitivity to make-up and skin care products. A pinkness or redness of the skin may persist for up to six months.

Burns or injuries caused by the laser’s heat, scarring, abnormal changes in skin color, flare-up of viral infections (cold sores) and rarely, other infections.

The patient may return to work after approximately two weeks. Activities that are more strenuous may be resumed after four to six weeks. Complete fading of redness can take up to six months. The patient should avoid ultraviolet light exposure for three to six months. The use of sun blocks that contain UVA and UVB protection is very helpful and strongly recommended.

Long lasting, but this procedure does not stop the aging process. New wrinkles and expression lines may form as the skin continues to age.