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Skin Resurfacing
(CO2 Resurfacing Laser)
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Best Candidates: |
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Patients with fair, healthy, non-oily skin
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Dark or Olive skin may increase risks of complications
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a patient must not be on Acutane for 1 year prior to or after treatment
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About Procedure: |
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Resurfaces the skin to reduce facial flaws (wrinkles or scars)
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Will not remove all defects or wrinkles
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Reoccurance of aging lines will occur at some point
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Can be done with other procedures (facelifts, eyelids, etc..)
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Location: |
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Anesthesia: |
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IV Sedation / Local Anesthetic (possible)
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General Anesthetic (most commonly used)
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Known Risks: |
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Bleeding, infection, asymmetry, swelling, loss of skin, pain, pigment changes (darkening, lightening, blotchiness), redness of skin, scarring, cold
sore reactivation, hypersensitivity of skin, shiny skin appearance, thinning of skin, injury to facial structures (eyes, teeth, etc..), changes in skin complexion, need for
additional surgery, facial deformaties
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Preop preparations: |
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Avoid tanning for 1-2 months
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Use of Retin-A, skin bleaching agents, sunscreens
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Recovery: |
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Skin dressing for 5-8 days
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Need 8-10 days for skin crusting to improve
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Redness may be present for 1-6 months post op
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Can usually return to work in 8-10 days
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