What is CO 2 laser resurfacing?
Deep wrinkles, acne scarring and sun damaged can be improved
with CO2 laser resurfacing, which is the strongest, most aggressive
form of laser treatment for wrinkles.
Who is a candidate?
A candidate for CO2 laser resurfacing will typically have
deep facial wrinkles, acne scarring and uneven pigmentation. The
deep wrinkles may involve the entire face or regions such as around
the mouth or under the eyes.
Consulting with Dr. Mezrow:
During the consultation, Dr. Mezrow will ask you about
your particular concerns regarding your skin. This will help determine
your expectations and determine whether they can be realistically
achieved.
After obtaining a comprehensive medical
and surgical history, Dr. Mezrow will examine your skin. The skin
color and degree of wrinkles will be assessed.
How long does the procedure take?
A full-face CO2 laser resurfacing takes approximately 1
hour to perform whereas smaller regions take less than 1 hour to
perform. After cleansing the region to be treated, protective shields
are placed over your eyes and under local anesthesia or general
anesthesia laser resurfacing is performed. Following the CO2 laser
resurfacing, petroleum jelly is applied generously over the region
treated to facilitate healing for approximately one week.
CO2 laser resurfacing is performed
on an outpatient basis. You may be permitted to go home after recovery.
What are the potential complications?
Fortunately, significant complications from CO2 laser resurfacing
are infrequent, however, all surgery has risks. Dr. Mezrow will
discuss with you, the risks, benefits and alternatives and answer
all your questions
Some potential complications include infection, scarring, delayed
healing and skin color changes (abnormal pigmentation).
What kind of medications will be given to me?
Typically, local anesthesia is used for resurfacing of small regions
such as the lower eyelids whereas full face resurfacing requires
general anesthesia. When surgery is completed, you will be taken
into a recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored.
Petroleum ointment will be applied to the regions treated.
When can I return to work?
Typically, you may return to work in approximately one week.
How long is the healing process?
During the healing process, there will be slight swelling
and the skin will typically be bright red-pink and slowly fade over
time.
It is imperative to avoid sun exposure
for approximately one week during the healing process and then once
the skin has healed it is essential to wear sunscreen. During your
follow-up appointments with Dr. Mezrow, you will be instructed when
to discontinue the petroleum ointment (approximately 7-10 days),
transition to moisturizer, sunscreen and make-up.
CO2 laser resurfacing will improve
deep facial wrinkles, acne scarring and decrease sun-damaged skin
obtaining a more refreshed, and younger skin appearance. It is not
uncommon to be more confident about your appearance. Healing from
your surgery is a process that takes time for final result. You
will be instructed to return to Dr. Mezrow’s office for follow-up
care at prescribed intervals to monitor your progress and optimize
your outcome.
The effects of CO2 laser resurfacing
are long lasting and should last for many years.
If you have any questions or concerns
prior to surgery or during your recovery, you should contact Dr.
Mezrow.
CRAIG MEZROW. M.S., M.D., F.A.C.S.
Philadelphia Cosmetic Surgery Center
PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY - PHILADELPHIA
225 E. City Avenue, Suite 14
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Phone: (610) 664-8888
Fax: (610) 664-8080
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