Laser resurfacing is a well-established, revolutionary technique for rejuvenating the skin. There are many problems that can be successfully treated using laser technology.
The Australian climate is wonderful but our fair skins pay a price for all our beautiful sunshine.
Sun damage often starts showing during the teenage years but is most commonly seen during the late twenties and early thirties. The first signs are unevenness in the colour of the skin such as freckles and brown spots. Fine lines start appearing around the eyes and then on the upper lip.
As the sun damage and natural aging progresses, the lines around the eyes, across the forehead and in the mouth area become deeper and less amenable to simple treatments. As sun damage continues the skin may develop a waxy look called solar elastosis, sunspots may appear and pigmented lesions called lentigines become more prominent.
These changes occur both in the surface layer but also in the deeper layers of the skin. If they are to be reversed then both the surface and the deep layers need to be treated. For those with very early changes a simple chemical treatment of the skin may be all that is required. For those with deeper problems laser resurfacing is the only answer. This can be done very lightly where the damage is early and shallow or more deeply in areas where the damage is more severe.
Laser resurfacing can be done to the entire face or just to small cosmetic areas such as the upper lip or around the eyes.
It requires only local anaesthetic and a mild sedation, which can be administered either by mouth or by injection. There is very little discomfort afterwards as the laser seals the nerve endings. Patients require no more than simple Panadol or Panadeine.
The first stage of healing is usually complete in one week but full healing may take up to six weeks. The skin is a pink colour during this period but simple makeup can be worn to cover this.
With modern high-speed computer controlled lasers complications are very rare. A medication is always given to prevent outbreaks of cold sores. Infection is rare. Some lightening of the skin is normal as the abnormal pigment in the skin caused by the sun is removed. Patients are now able to get sunlight on their skin after laser but sunscreen are recommended.
As part of laser treatment other techniques such as the use of muscle relaxant to minimise recurrence of upper facial lines and fat transfer to fill out deep folds and depressed scars may also be performed. Your Doctor will discuss all of these options.
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