Question: What are some of the risks of laser skin resurfacing?
Answer: The biggest risk is scarring if it is done too deep and by an inexperienced practitioner. A herpes zoster viral outbreak is possible as are other infections. However laser resurfacing is very safe and with an experienced surgeon the results are fantastic and complications very rare.
Question: I’ve been reading up online about laser skin resurfacing. I’m a little confused, since I’ve read about CO2 lasers, Fraxel lasers, Dot lasers, etc. What might be the best laser skin resurfacing treatment for a 42-year-old woman with freckles and sun damage on the face, neck, and décolletage?
Answer: I would start with the CO2 Fraxel laser and plan on one or two treatments over a three month period. If necessary the only other laser I would consider is the Erbium which is stronger, but very safe and effective with an experienced practitioner.
Question: The laser skin resurfacing procedure intimidates me because of the laser. How does the laser actually work, and is it as dangerous as it sounds?
Answer: Laser skin resurfacing works by heating water in the skin. This is done through a transfer of light energy to thermal energy in the tissues. This results in the typical inflammatory response of a burn which in controlled circumstances results in the deposition of new healthier and nicer skin. The laser is simply a tool, which in the hands of an experienced practitioner in a terrific instrument and very safe.
Question: Is laser resurfacing effective in treating crow's feet? Is this area too sensitive for treatment?
Answer: Laser resurfacing is the best permanent fix for crows-feet problems. While fillers can help they are temporary. Laser is very long lasting, safe, and very effective.
Question: Does the actual process of laser skin resurfacing hurt? Do over the counter pain medications suffice for before and after the procedure?
Answer: Laser can be painful both during the procedure and for the first day afterwards. We use some combination of oral sedation, IV sedation and numbing creams depending on the patients’ needs.
Question: I’m considering laser skin resurfacing to even out my complexion and smooth out some fine lines on my face. The more research I do in terms of the different lasers such as the UltraPulse CO2 or the Pixel, the more confused I am. Can you clarify?
Answer: I use only two lasers with great success, the first is the Erbium and the second is the CO2 Fraxel. I can deal really nicely with any skin problems using just these two lasers.
I have read many pros and cons for IPL laser skin treatments. Are there certain patients who are more at risk for skin damage from this treatment?
Answer:
In general the IPL laser is excellent with very little chance for any problems. As with all lasers the big concern is pigmentation and avoiding any darkening. This is why it is used with caution in olive skined individuals, otherwise results are excellent.
I have several imperfections on my face such as chicken pox scars and sun damage that I’d like to address with laser resurfacing. I’m 25 and have a fair to medium complexion. What are the side effects from the procedure? Will it make my skin more sensitive?
Answer:
Either the Erbium laser or the CO2 Fraxel laser would be a good choice for your problem. There are no significant side effects and it should not affect your skin sensitivity
Dr. Galitz's Aventura office surgery facility is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc. Read more
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