Procedure
Ablative laser resurfacing is usually performed in your dermatologic surgeon's office. Before the procedure, your face will be thoroughly cleaned. The areas to be treated will be numbed with a local anesthetic to help reduce pain. You may also be given a sedative to help you relax.
You will wear protective eye shields during the procedure to protect your eyes. Your doctor will hold your skin taut while the laser is fired. The intense heat from the laser causes just the right amount of controlled damage to the small targeted area of skin. This removes aged or sun-damaged skin and at the same time, encourages healthy collagen to grow in its place.
Ablative laser resurfacing typically takes between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on the technique used and the size of the area treated.
Recovery
After laser resurfacing, an ointment and dressing will be applied to your skin. Your face will be covered with a mask bandage for a few days.
Your skin will look and feel as though it is severely sunburned. It may be raw, oozing and have significant drainage for up to two weeks following laser resurfacing. You will be instructed on how to care for your skin during the initial healing process. It is important not to pick or scratch at the skin while it is healing.
You may experience pain, tingling, burning and itching. You may use pain medicine and ice packs to relieve your pain.
Remain at home and avoid strenuous activity. It is important to complete the antiviral medication that the doctor has given you to reduce the chance of infection. You will need to have multiple follow-up appointments so your doctor can monitor your recovery.
It typically takes two to four weeks for your skin to completely heal. After about two weeks, new skin grows and covers the wounds. The skin can remain pink and red for many months after the procedures; however most patients can use makeup to cover the skin color after about two weeks.
It is critical to minimize excessive direct sun exposure and use proper sun protection following laser resurfacing. Too much sun may cause permanent irregular coloration in your facial skin.