AESTHETIC SKIN REJUVENATION: LASER RESURFACING
One of the first human features noticed is the state and physical appearance of the skin. Youthful healthy skin is untainted
and iridescent like a silk veil over the delicate contours of the face and body. An infant’s skin is pure and unblemished
with the appearance of perfectly cured Italian Carrara marble.
With the passage of time, the adverse effects of nature and poor habits take their toll upon the complexion with blemishes,
wrinkles, furrows and decreased elasticity. The most significant cause of premature aging is the additive sun exposure we
receive over our lifetimes. The skin has a “memory” and is dramatically damaged by the total hours an individual spends
absorbing the ultraviolet rays of the sun (both directly and from artificial tanning salons). Areas exposed to moderate or
severe burns may lead to skin degeneration enough to cause precancerous conditions or even malignant transformation.
Early signs of aging skin include: broken capillaries, a flushed and red complexion, and scattered freckling. Later, the
skin develops uneven pigmentation, sunspots and a crepe papery texture appears. Then, slowly the elasticity of the skin is
sufficiently damaged and deeper wrinkles, furrows and lines result. Other factors which influence aging of the skin
include diet, stress, smoking and lifestyle. And so, over time the skin loses its youthful, uplifted appearance which
enhances, accentuates and defines the underlying bony and muscle structure. Aging progresses to laxity and predictable
furrowing, hollowing and draping, obscuring the underlying structures of attractiveness and beauty
My philosophy of holistic, comprehensive skin care is to incorporate preventative daily practices and proactive skin care
measures for healthy skin throughout your lifetime. It takes commitment and diligence to improve or maintain a healthy
complexion. With more advanced knowledge and insightful understanding of the skin and aging process, numerous
options are available today to enrich the quality and appearance of their skin. Skin care analysis and individualized skin
care programming are a few tools we use to successfully create a personalized protocol of the most appropriate treatments
to improve the look and feel of the skin.
Today there are both non-invasive (non-surgical) and invasive (surgical) techniques for skin care management. It is
imperative that every individual practice skin protection with UVA/UVB broad spectrum sunscreens and actively engage
the skin with collagen stimulants. There are alpha hydroxy acids or equivalents, retinoids, microdermabrasion and light
chemical peels. Wrinkles may be addressed with Botox in an effort to relax the muscles that create secondary dynamic
wrinkles. Injectibles are available to soften or fill the superficial wrinkles such as collagen (Zyplast, Zyderm, Cosmeplast,
Cosmederm) or hyaluronic acid (Restylane or Perlane). Deep furrows and facial soft tissue atrophy may be enriched by
fat transplantation. Additionally, specific blemishes such as redness, age spots and freckles, and pigmentary problems
may be treated with Intense Pulsed Light therapy (PhotoFacials). Radiofrequency subsurfacing therapy (ThermAge) is
another noninvasive technique by which the second layer (dermis) of skin is stimulated by heat to produce collagen
without disrupting the surface (epidermis) of the skin. The aforementioned techniques are excellent treatment options to
address the early aging features of the skin.
Pronounced aging, including severely photodamaged skin, precancerous skin, advanced wrinkles and skin laxity are best
managed with deeper more invasive treatment techniques. Dermabrasion, chemical peels and laser resurfacing rejuvenate
the deeper layer (dermis) of skin to obtain the most dramatic results. Laser skin resurfacing allows the skin to be treated
with precision and control, reviving the aged skin to a softer, silkier and more lustrous appearance. The carbon dioxide
laser, used like an artist’s brush, can smooth and soften the fine lines and wrinkles around the delicate areas of the eyes
and mouth with minimal risk. It is also effective treatment for sun damaged skin, surface irregularities and lesions,
scarring, and sculpting the facial and eyelid skin as a treatment option prior to traditional surgical lifting techniques.
Additionally, it is valuable in application after a facelift or eyelid surgery to further tighten and soften the skin surface.
Laser skin resurfacing, due to its precise application, offers many benefits over traditional techniques of skin rejuvenation.
Patient Info: Laser Resurfacing/Aesthetic Skin Rejuvenation
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It allows for more control and specificity with respect to depth of treatment, wrinkle severity, and individual skin type.
This technique treats above the skin avoiding bleeding and minimizes the risks of scarring. Lightening of the skin may
occur postoperatively, however, results are often natural and create an unoperated look.
In preparation for laser resurfacing, skin conditioning is a prerequisite. An individualized skin care program will be
recommended and implemented to include light exfoliating creams and toners (bleaching creams). Preconditioning of the
skin improves the circulation and expedites healing and the recovery period. After laser resurfacing, facial swelling is
dramatic within the first few days. A continuous moist emollient is applied to the skin consistently for the first 8-10 days
until new healthy skin has formed. Thereafter, the skin is pink or red which resolves over several weeks. It is within the
second week of healing that camouflage cosmetics (please consult with our office skin care specialist) are applied, at
which time the facial appearance is characterized as a sunburn. A tanning stage or hyperpigmentation may occur weeks
after surgery which is variable among patients. Postoperatively, a post treatment skin care program will be initiated to
include sunscreens, moisturizers, and toners. You will be followed closely after this cosmetic procedure to ensure and
expedite a comfortable recovery. As healing progresses over weeks, the skin is stimulated to produce collagen resulting
in softening and tightening of the skin and wrinkles, and eventually your new rejuvenated appearance.
At times, a combination of laser resurfacing and lifting techniques are required to optimize aesthetic results as all cosmetic
procedures have limitations, indications and applications. For advanced and excessively lax skin, more traditional
surgical techniques are required to tighten the skin. These techniques are necessary to sculpt, trim, tighten or lift
excessively relaxed tissue.
Your experience at the Institute of Aesthetic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery is most important to us. We look forward
to assisting you in achieving your aesthetic goals and are openly available throughout your course of care.
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Patient Signature
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Date
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Physician Signature
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Date
PMS/kdw-06/10/03
Patient Info: Laser Resurfacing/Aesthetic Skin Rejuvenation
Page 2 of 2, Last Update: June 19, 2003