What is laser facial treatment? Laser facial treatment involves resurfacing of the facial skin using a laser. It is useful for removing the top layers of the skin, and hence wrinkles, but it cannot remove deep wrinkles, sagging skin and extra fat, which requires a surgical facelift. So it is usually most effective in people in their 30s and 40s.
What happens during laser facial treatment?
The laser can be focused on problem wrinkle areas, for example around the eyes, mouth or nose, or the whole surface of the face can be targeted. As the laser beam is used, it feels like an elastic band hitting the skin. The laser vaporises the upper skin layers, which allows the skin to regenerate in a more organised fashion to produce a softer, less wrinkled surface.
The procedure, which is carried out under local anaesthetic, lasts from a few seconds up to a few hours, depending on the area of skin being treated. If the procedure is combined with other cosmetic surgery, a general anaesthetic may be required.
After the laser treatment, the face may be covered with antibiotic cream and a dressing, or it may be left uncovered. Swelling and redness of the skin with bruising may occur, or scabs may form.
It is worth bearing in mind that because laser resurfacing can cause changes in the pigmentation on the face, some surgeons do not perform laser techniques on dark skin and surgery may be advised instead.
What happens before laser facial treatment?
You may be asked to visit the hospital one to two weeks before the date of the procedure, to have a preoperative interview. A nurse and/ or the anaesthetist will ask you questions about your current and past health, and will need to know about any allergies you may have, medications you are taking (including over the counter products or vitamin supplements), previous procedures, whether you smoke or take street drugs, and how much alcohol you use.
You may also be given a physical examination, during which your heart and lungs will be checked to make sure it is safe for you to have an anaesthetic. You may be given routine laboratory tests, such as urinalysis (tests of your urine), chest x- rays, or complete blood cell counts.
The surgeon will also meet you to discuss with you what you want from the procedure, and advise you of what you can realistically expect. Your face will be closely examined, looking at the degree of sagging skin, the cheekbones, nose and other bony prominences. Photographs may be taken as a record of the pre- operative look.
What are the possible common complications of laser facial treatment?
Complications from laser resurfacing are uncommon. The most common problems are infection of the skin, loss or gain of facial pigment, damage to the eyes and excessive redness of the face. You should bear in mind that the ageing process will continue and the effects of laser resurfacing may be reversed with time.
What happens after laser facial treatment?
After you leave hospital and for the first few weeks after laser facial treatment, you should follow several recommendations to allow the skin to heal quickly and correctly: stay out of the sun avoid exaggerated movements of the face, for example shouting or chewing strenuously moisturise the skin frequently to keep it supple wash hair with a mild baby shampoo. [ health insurance ]