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Laser Resurfacing

Birmingham, Alabama

The Resurfacing removes or reduces fine lines, skin discoloration, acne scars and other scars. The lasered skin tightens. The action of the laser actually causes the collagen to thicken and the elastic fibers in the skin to increase in number. This means that the skin will have properties more similar to an earlier time in your life. Sun damaged, cigarette damaged and aged skin is rejuvenated in a fashion and to an extent never before attainable with chemical peels and dermabrasion. Laser Resurfacing is a very effective tool in the improvement of aged skin, acne scars and other scars. In aged skin one treatment will have significant effects, rejuvenating the skin. In severely sun damaged and aged skin sometimes a second treatment will be helpful. In significant acne scars, the procedure is sometimes performed twice. The first operation causes about a 30-50% improvement. The second operation causes a 20%-30% improvement. Unfortunately, there is no way to create a 100% elimination of acne scars.

There is generally very little pain after laser Resurfacing, this is however variable from individual to individual. One must, protect the skin from the sun for 8-12 months using total sun block (sunscreens rated #30 or greater). One also should stay out of direct sun exposure during this time. The skin will have a shade of pink to it for approximately three to five months. This is generally not too bothersome, is covered by make-up and is far outweighed by the benefits of the procedure in most patients minds. Please note however complications can occur and these primarily consist of: In 5-10% of patients darkening or brown discoloration will occur requiring bleaching creams. This will generally resolve the discoloration in 2-3 months. Prolonged redness occurs in 3-5% of patients and this delays the fading to normal color by about 2 months.

The Operation
This operation is performed under anesthesia. The procedure takes 30 to 90 minutes. A lubricant is placed on the skin at the end of the procedure.

The First Week After Surgery
The patient returns to Dr. Core's office one week after surgery for a follow-up visit. Ointment is to be used for 10-14 days continuously after the day of surgery.