ABOUT

Also known as skin resurfacing and fractional resurfacing

Sun exposure, aging and lifestyle habits (such as smoking) have a damaging effect on the quality, color and texture of your skin. Laser resurfacing is an effective way of reversing these damaging effects. Resurfacing lasers are either ablative or non-ablative.

For removing the damaged upper layers of your skin, Ablative lasers use rapid pulses of high -intensity light to remove the damaged upper layers of your skin. Thereby we can see the effects of smoothing and tightening the skin, removal of wrinkles, and correction of pigmentation problems.

Non-ablative lasers are non-wounding and less invasive; they act by stimulating collagen growth and tightening the underlying skin.
Many people who consider laser skin resurfacing also consider chemical peels,dermabrasion and facelift.

WHERE IS IT DONE
Operation Theatre
DURATION
2-3 Hours

ANAESTHESIA

Local Anaesthesia

INCISIONS,STITCHES & SCARS

Nil

STAY AT CLINIC
1-2 Days

HOW IS IT PERFORMED?

Eyeshields are given to the patient to protect the eyes from any possible damage due to the laser light. A brief pulse of high intensity light is emitted from the instrument which causes damage to the upper layers of the skin. This in turn stimulates healing from which a healthier and younger looking tissue emerges.

Depending on your cosmetic goals this resurfacing can be done at varying depths and a wide variety of lasers are available to cater for the same.

These devices are categorized into 3 main groups

Ablative lasers

These act in a way similar to the deep chemical peels and dermabrasion. They cause an uniform injury to the skin and the layers are removed with each application. These are useful for

  • Skin tightening
  • Treatment of acne scarring
  • Reduction of wrinkles

Non ablative lasers

These layers cause heat damage to a certain degree to the upper and deeper layers of the skin. Unlike ablative lasers they do not remove the skin. Results may take months to appear. These are Useful for Treating.

  • Fine lines
  • Wrinkles

Fractional Lasers

These target the deeper layer the skin and drills ‘tiny’ holes into, the skin eventually heals by trying to close these gaps thus creating a tightening effect. These are useful to treat.

  • Fine lines
  • Deeper wrinkles
  • Sun damage
  • Acne scarring
  • Melasma (irregular brown spots).

The following types of lasers are used for resurfacing

  • Carbon dioxide laser (We use this in our clinic)
  • Erbium: YAG laser
  • Variable Pulse Erbium laser
REST AT HOME BEFORE RESUMING OFFICE WORK
1-2 Weeks

AFTER CARE AND RECOVERY

For men who underwent laser resurfacing, shaving should be avoided for a while.

Also, avoid waxing and any other depilatory treatments in the treated area.

Use a moisturizer with a sunscreen.

The recovery period depends on the technique and the depth of the treatment. For superficial treatments the healing time is lesser when compared to the deeper treatments.

FOLLOW UP VISITS
1-2 Weeks after the procedure.

HOW LONG WILL MY RESULTS LAST?

Superficial Skin Resurfacing: need periodic repeat sessions to maintain the results.

Deeper Skin Resurfacing: Skin pinkness would persist for a few weeks, hence it may take months before you can fully appreciate the accurate results of the procedure. The benefits with deeper skin resurfacing are relatively longer lasting and most patients feel that they worth waiting for.

Maintain good communication with the aesthetic plastic surgeon

Keeping safety in mind as well as for the most beautiful outcome of the procedure, we advise that you visit the clinic for follow-up evaluation at prescribed times and whenever you notice any changes in the treatment areas. Do not hesitate to contact the surgeon when you have any questions or concerns.

ASSOCIATED COSTS

Click here for the cost for LASER skin resurfacing.

LIMITATIONS & RISKS

Significant complications from Laser skin resurfacing, fortunately, are infrequent. The risks specific to your health will be discussed during the consultation. Thousands of people undergo this procedure every year and are glad with the results.

Other risks specific to laser skin resurfacing are outlined below

  • Abnormal mending
  • Scars formation which are raised and thickened
  • Unanticipated shading changes
  • Unanticipated skin blotchiness
  • Eruption of blisters around the mouth (herpes infection)

You can minimize certain risks by following the instructions given by the doctor both before and after the surgery.