Laser Skin Resurfacing

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Many fine lines around the mouth cannot be removed by the facelift. These are ideal for laser surgery. The Erbium Derma-20 laser is used here to resurface the skin. This is done under local anesthesia with IV sedation in the office operating room. The advantages of skin resurfacing are the following:

• It's bloodless. The high-energy, amplified light waves of the Erbium Derma-20 laser vaporize the top layer of skin instantly with no bleeding and little trauma to the surrounding skin.
• It's more precise. The surgeon can make repeated passes with the laser device in areas that require more correction to shave down the skin to a uniform level.
• It's easier on the skin. Laser therapy may be less likely to cause the skin to develop problems with pigmentation or photosensitivity than other treatments.

Laser resurfacing can be used to correct a variety of problems, including wrinkles caused by excess sun exposure, "smile lines" and "crows feet", and acne scarring. It also is effective for treating rhinophyma, a thickening of the nasal skin associated with enlarged oil glands; precancerous lesions; and enlarged pores.

The laser of choice for skin resurfacing is the Erbium Derma:20 Laser. This differs from carbon dioxide laser in that its wave lengths and wave properties are such that it does not penetrate deep to the collagen which decreases the healing time and avoids the complications. People are usually able to put make-up on in four days. This laser is different than the other ones because it can also be used on the neck and back of the hands. Because of the unique properties of the Erbium Derma-20 laser, it can be used on darker skinned individuals as opposed to the CO2 laser. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes to one hour and afterwards the skin may feel like it has a mild sunburn. The staff at Texas Regional Cosmetic Surgery Center employs a full-time make up artist who assists the patient in recovery..