Frequently Asked Questions

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Q. What is laser skin resurfacing?
A. Laser skin resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure which utilizes a laser device in order to treat wrinkled, sun-damaged and aged skin, as well as birthmarks and spider veins.

Q. Who is a good candidate for laser resurfacing?
A. Good candidates for laser resurfacing include physically healthy men and women who have realistic expectations and are looking to improve the appearance of their facial skin. Pigmentation changes in the skin may be more likely to occur in patients with olive, brown or black skin.

Q. What can I expect during a consultation for laser resurfacing?
A. During a consultation for laser skin resurfacing, the Doctor will perform a routine examination and discuss your medical history and your goals. Photographs may also be taken of the areas to be treated. The Doctor should also discuss the details of the procedure, the potential risks, the recovery and the costs.

Q. What should I look for in a surgeon to perform my laser resurfacing procedure?
A. It�??s best that the surgeon performing your laser skin resurfacing procedure be board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ABFPRS) as this ensures that they�??ve completed the proper training to safely conduct your procedure. There are also several important questions that you should ask any potential surgeon:

• Does the surgeon have privileges to perform surgery in an accredited hospital/outpatient surical center?
• Which hospitals/out-patient surgical centers?
• How many laser skin resurfacing procedures has the surgeon performed?
• How will the surgery be performed?
• Where will the surgery be performed and is the facility accredited by a national orstate-recognized accrediting organization?
• What are the risks of the procedure for you?

Q. What does board certified mean?
A. Board certification by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons is an indication of the following: (1) The surgeon has graduated from an accredited medical school; (2) The surgeon has completed a combination of at least five years of the face, head andneck surgery residency training; (3) The surgeon has passed comprehensive oral and written exams; and (4) The surgeon regularly attends continuing medical education courses and adheres to a strict code of ethics.

Q. Where can laser skin resurfacing be performed?
A. Laser skin resurfacing may be performed in a Doctor�??s office-based facility,or an outpatient surgical center.

Q. What type of anesthesia is used during laser skin resurfacing?
A. Laser skin resurfacing is commonly performed with local anesthesia and sedation, though general anesthesia may also be used.

Q. How is the actual laser resurfacing procedure performed?
A. During a laser resurfacing procedure, the activated laser is passed back and forth over the skin of the treated area, transferring the laser energy into the tissue of the skin. Upon completion of the procedure, the resurfaced skin may be treated with protective creams or ointments and then bandaged.

Q. How long does the laser resurfacing procedure take?
A. Depending upon the size of the treated area, a laser skin resurfacing procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour and a half.

Q. What is the recovery like after laser skin resurfacing?
A. After the laser skin resurfacing procedure, patients may experience some mild discomfort and swelling. The bandages will be removed after 2 days. The skin often appears pink or red and this can persist for up to six months. Frequent cleansing of the skin is done to prevent crusting. In 10 days you will be able to apply make-up to cover the redness.

Q. How much time will I need to take off from work after laser skin resurfacing?
A. Patients are typically able to return to work within 10 to 14 days after a laser skin resurfacing procedure.

Q. When can I exercise after undergoing laser skin resurfacing?
A. Strenuous activities should be postponed for four to six weeks and sun exposure should be limited for six to twelve months

Q. What are the risks or complications that can occur with laser skin resurfacing?
A. Some of the potential complications that can occur with laser skin resurfacing include adverse anesthesia reactions, burns or other heat-related injuries, cold sores, infection, lightening or darkening of the treated skin, and scarring.

Q. Are the results of laser skin resurfacing permanent?
A. The results of laser skin resurfacing are long-lasting, though new wrinkles may form as the skin continues to age.

Q. Is laser skin resurfacing covered by insurance?
A. Laser skin resurfacing is typically not covered by insurance, though some degree of coverage may be available when used to treat cancerous skin growths.

Q. Is it possible to get financing for a laser resurfacing procedure?
A. Financing is available for many plastic surgery procedures.