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Laser Skin ResurfacingThe treatment is also effective in treating facial scars or areas of uneven pigmentation. Laser resurfacing may be performed on the whole face or in specific regions. The procedure is also known as "laser peel," and uses a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. All resurfacing treatments (including dermabrasion and chemical peels) work essentially the same way. First, the outer layers of damaged skin are stripped away. Then, as new cells form during the healing process, a smoother, tighter, younger-looking skin surface appears. This is quite a new method in cosmetic surgery, and not much long-term research has been done so far. Patients with olive skin, brown skin or black skin may be at increased risk for pigmentation changes no matter what type of resurfacing method is used. Also, individuals who have taken accutane in the past 12-18 months or are prone to abnormal scarring or those with active skin infections on the treatment area may not be appropriate candidates for this procedure. In the months following treatment, it's very important to protect the treated area from the sun with a very high SPF protection, using hats and other accessories, if necessary, to assist in protection from sun rays. This, as all major surgery procedures, has major risks, which should be discussed with your doctor before the procedure. To find a plastic surgeon who performs this procedure, there is an online referral service available from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) at plasticsurgery.org. Laser Skin Resurfacing - StudiesToshio HASEGAWA, Tomoyuki MATSUKURA, Yuki MIZUNO, Yasushi SUGA, Hideoki OGAWA, Shigaku IKEDA (2006). Clinical trial of a laser device called fractional photothermolysis system for acne scars. The Journal of Dermatology 33 (9), 623–627. Nonablative Laser Skin Resurfacing for Facial Rhytides. Journal Watch Dermatology, Vol. 1999, Issue 1001, 9 October 1, 1999.
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