Laser for Skin Rejuvenation - Laser Resurfacing Surgery
Cosmetic laser surgery has come to the forefront of facial rejuvenation surgical procedures. This has actually occurred over many years and it is most recently due to significant changes in technology with the application of the CO2 laser. While the CO2 laser has been used in medicine for almost two decades, recent advances including the superpulse CO2 laser mode and higher power of CO2 lasers, have made cosmetic facial rejuvenation more viable and the results more predictable and desirable. It is for this reason that laser resurfacing has become a most popular and effective method of treatment of sundamaged skin or photoaging, lax or aging skin, wrinkles and facial scarring such as that due to acne. It is also useful for other conditions.
Laser surgery is carried out on an outpatient basis under "twilight anesthesia." The surgical procedure takes from 45 minutes for resurfacing of the mouth region to approximately two hours for resurfacing of the full face. Following laser resurfacing, the skin appears pink, moist and usually quite smooth. The outer layers have been removed during the surgical procedure and after the anesthetic wears off, the skin will be somewhat tender and some swelling is expected for the first two to three days. A burning sensation may be present but will be helped by the medication provided. It is important to keep the head elevated as much as possible for two days following the surgical procedure. A recliner is most helpful since it allows one to be able to sleep on his/her back. While the ability to work is not impaired, most patients may return to work and social activities within seven to 10 days, depending on the extent of treatment. The skin at that point will look red and sunburned in appearance; however, makeup is available for both men and women. Exercises may be resumed within one to four weeks. Extremes of heat, cold and wind should be avoided for several months.
Once the skin has healed, it is imperative to avoid sun exposure for at least six weeks; otherwise, sunburn, hyperpigmentation and other complications may occur. Laser areas should be protected by using wide-brimmed hats and potent sunscreen products for at least six weeks. This office provides two types of kits for laser procedures. The pre-laser surgery kit is extremely important since preparation of the skin prior to laser procedures is essential. Preparation of the skin consists of the use of glycolic acid products and bleaching agents containing hydroquinone and cogic acid. These products are utilized for a minimum of two weeks; however, in most patients we prefer to use them for at least six weeks prior to surgery. Following surgery, a post-laser kit is provided which allows for the use of the proper products to protect the skin from sun rays and to promote complete healing of all laser areas.
Laser Skin Surgery for Pigmented Lesions and Skin Blemishes
The development of laser treatment for port wine stains, broken blood vessels (whether they are the result of birth marks or whether they are acquired in later life), hemangiomas, tattoos and other skin lesions, is a wonderful advance in medicine. Laser treatments are possible because high intensity laser light is produced by the laser and focused on unwanted tissues, blood vessels or pigments to destroy them. In this manner, the normal portions of the skin are damaged less by laser than other traditional treatments.
This form of laser therapy involves the use of the Surgica K-1 laser, a device that produces an intense burst of yellow-green laser light that is specially optimized to treat vascular-pigmented lesions (broken blood vessels, dark spots, the so called liver spots and skin lesions). The light from the Surgica K-1 laser is absorbed mostly by the blood vessels in the lesions and passes harmless through the surrounding tissue and skin. Some lesions require only a few pulses and can be treated in one session, while larger lesions like port wine stains require multiple patient visits with multiple treatments. The treatment is carried out strictly on an outpatient basis and under topical (surface) local anesthesia. Work can be resumed immediately after treatment. Sun exposure should be avoided in the treated areas for a few weeks after surgery to prevent the skin from healing with a darker or lighter tone.
About Risks
Like any other treatment, there are some risks inherent to laser surgery, pertaining mostly to scarring and pigmentation of the skin. These complications are quite rare.
What Can Be Treated
Some birthmarks, port wine stains, hemangiomas (especially strawberry hemangiomas), telangiectasia (vascular spiders) and broken veins of the face, scars, tattoos, brown freckles and light brown birthmarks, skin cancers, warts and numerous other skin lesions.
Insurance
Many, but not all, insurance companies will pay for laser surgery. Generally, we obtain prior determination and authorization for payment of the treatment. As with most of our cosmetic treatments, laser treatments must be paid for in advance.
Typical Laser (Ultrapulse) Pricing (full facial):
Champaign/Bloomington Facilities: Facility: $900.00 Surgeon's Fee: $2600.00
Procedural Fee for Lids Only, OR Included: $800.00
Procedural Fee for Mouth Only, OR Included: $900.00
Elmhurst Facility: Facility: $900.00 Surgeon's Fee: $2700.00
Procedural Fee for Lids Only, OR Included: $1000.00
Procedural Fee for Mouth Only, OR Included: $1100.00
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