UTMB Cosmetic Surgery - Laser Skin Resurfacing

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Frequently Asked Questions

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Have you ever considered laser resurfacing to smooth wrinkles and areas of damaged skin? It may be possible to take years off your appearance through laser skin resurfacing.

Laser skin resurfacing, also know as a “laser peel”, uses a carbon dioxide laser to remove wrinkles or damaged skin in layers. While still a relatively new procedure, it’s already proving to cause less bruising and bleeding than other resurfacing procedures in many cases. We can target specific areas of your face, such as around your eyes or mouth, or we can treat the entire facial area.

For your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions, and the respective answers.

Q: How does laser skin resurfacing work?
Q: Am I a good candidate for the procedure?
Q: What are the risks?
Q: Where is the procedure performed?
Q: Who performs the procedure?
Q: What type of anesthesia is used?
Q: How long does it take to complete the procedure?
Q: What will I experience after the treatment?
Q: Should I avoid the sun after the procedure?
Q: Are the results permanent?
Q: Where can I find more information on this topic?

Q: How does laser skin resurfacing work?
A: Laser skin resurfacing works by directing a beam of light from a carbon dioxide laser at the outer layers of the skin. The laser light removes those upper layers of damaged skin in a controlled manner. As new skin cells form during the healing process, your face will appear more smooth, tighter, and younger-looking.

Q: Am I a good candidate for the procedure?
A: Patients with wrinkles around the eyes or mouth are normally good candidates for the procedure. The laser can be precisely controlled to specifically target those areas. However, patients with olive, brown or black skin may be at a higher risk for pigmentation changes (changes in skin color). If you’ve taken accutane in the last 12-18 months or are prone to abnormal scarring in the treatment area, we don’t recommend the laser resurfacing treatment.

Q: What are the risks?
A: Complications are normally infrequent or minor when a qualified physician performs the procedure. The risks associated with the procedure typically include: burns caused by the laser energy heat, skin discoloration, scarring, and activation of herpes virus infections. Your physician can explain the risk factors during your consultation.

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Q: Where is the procedure performed?
A: Depending on the extent of your treatment, the procedure may be performed in our outpatient clinic or in our operating room.

Q: Who performs the procedure?
A: A qualified physician performs the laser skin resurfacing.

Q: What type of anesthesia is used?
A: Depending on the extent of your treatment, the procedure may require local or conscious sedation.

Q: How long does it take to complete the procedure?
A: Depending on the extent of your treatment, it could take a few minutes to a couple of hours.

Q: What will I experience after the treatment?
A: Immediately after the procedure, your physician may apply a protective cream or ointment. You may experience some swelling, redness, and discomfort. You will normally be able to control the discomfort by applying ice packs along with the medicine your doctor provides. You may also experience some crusting of your skin. It’s important you not pick the crust off during this healing phase, as it could result in scarring. Any such crusting should resolve within about 10 days. You may experience redness for several weeks.

Q: Should I avoid the sun after the procedure?
A: It’s very important to protect your skin from the sun until your coloring returns to normal. Use an appropriate level of sun protection at all times.

Q: Are the results permanent?
A: While the results will generally be long lasting, it’s important to remember that they are not permanent. With aging and continued natural facial movements, lines will recur over time.

Q: Where can I find more information on this topic?
A: Additional information is available online or by contacting one of our technicians at (409) 772-7364 between 8:00-9:00 Mon-Thursday, or 3:30-4:30 Mon/Wed/Fri.

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