Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing of the upper layers of the skin using the carbon dioxide laser continuous to be a fairly commonly used technique that may significantly improve skin wrinkles as well as acne scars. The laser produces brief pulses (flashes) of high-energy light that vaporize the upper layers of skin and heat up the deeper skin layers. The laser cauterizes (seals) blood vessels so there is no bleeding during the procedure. As Dr. Zemplenyi has been using lasers in his training and practice since 1982 he is very familiar and well-versed in utilization of multiple lasers.  

As the high-energy of carbon dioxide laser offers greater precision and control of the depth of penetration of the skin, and it has replaced dermabrasion as techniques for treatment of large surface areas such as the entire face. The risk of scarring and pigmentary changes is reduced with conservative depth of treatment. Fine wrinkling of the cheeks, eyelid region, forehead, nose, and mouth can be smoothed with this procedure.  Deeper laugh and frown lines can be minimized. Even the lingering effects of chicken pox, acne scars, irregular surgical scars, superficial pigmented lesions, and other surface abnormalities can be improved with this procedure.

Pre-operative bleaching creams and retinoids are usually begun about three weeks prior to the procedure. Anti-viral (herpetic) medications are also used in the period immediately before and after the procedure.  Laser skin resurfacing is performed by Dr. Zemplenyi at the Bel-Red Center for Aesthetic Surgery on an outpatient basis. Depending on the desires of the patient and the area to be treated, all levels of anesthesia may be used, though most commonly it is performed under sedation anesthesia ("twilight sleep"). Special occlusive dressings are applied that accelerate skin healing.  Post-operative discomfort last usually about one day and is aided by prescribed narcotic analgesics and anti-inflammatory steroids.  Most of the acute changes such as swelling and weeping of the treated area subside in five to seven days following the surgery.  Camouflage cover-up makeup obtained from the esthetician at the Bel-Red Center for Aesthetic Surgery is applied to the treated areas at about ten days, and its application will be required for several weeks to months as the skin surface remains pink in discoloration that gradually fades over several months.  Use of appropriate sunscreen is mandatory. With respect to facial wrinkling, long term results of carbon dioxide laser skin resurfacing are similar to those of a deep phenol peel though skin pigmentary changes (white depigmentation) appear to occur less frequently with this technique.

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