Skin resurfacing is done to remove the fine lines of the face. It does not signficantly tighten the skin, this requires forehead lifting and eyelid tightening and facelifting. The skin is often prepared with Retin-A especially if there is sun damage. It is also used after scar revisin to smooth or sand scars and make them appear more even. When used on scars the most common technique is dermabrasion.
Method: The principle of resurfacing the skin is straightforward. Dermabrasion, chemical peeling and laser resurfacing work in similar ways. The top layer of the skin is removed and as the new skin grows there are changes in the remaining skin. Which of these procedures is best for you, depends on several factors and your doctor can discuss them with you. There is no incision. The operation is done under either local anesthetic (you are awake) or general anesthetic (you are asleep). You can choose. It depends a lot on the amount of skin to be resurfaced. Topical anesthetics, including ice and EMLA cream, have been used but except for small areas are not commonly used. Most of the time this is an outpatient operation and a stay in the hospital is not needed.
Problems: All operations have some risk. The risks of surgery can be divided into two groups. First those that are seen in all operations and second those that are unique or special for this operation. In the first group, the main risks are swelling, bruising, infection, scarring and change in feeling. Herpes infections after surgery are especially dangerous and require vigorous treatment.The main problems which are special for this operation include: prolonged redness, unevenness of the resurfacing, lines of demarcation between the treated and untreated skin, and changes in the pigment (color) of the skin. Remember that in all cases, even the laser, the surgeon is performing a controlled burn to achieve the beneficial effetcs. Despite the current popularity complications can occur using the laser as with all resurfacing procedures.
Postoperative care: The initial recovery takes one to two weeks. Most people are back to work within a week or two. The redness may last several weeks or months.
For more information see the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) or check with your doctor. Remember that these responses apply to Dr. Hudson's practice. There are many different ways to do this operation.