The carbon dioxide laser is an alternative to chemical peels and dermabrasian for skin resurfacing. These lasers are now commonly used to treat surface damage to the skin caused by aging, acne scarring, uneven pigmentation and damage caused by the sun. Laser resurfacing may be the best tool to treat fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth, and may be performed in conjunction with facelifts, used to correct deep skin wrinkles or sagging.

The procedure is usually performed as an outpatient, and takes 30-60 minutes depending on the extent of treatment. It may be performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation, or general anesthetic, depending on the amount of area to be treated. Laser surgery removes the outer layers of skin, leaving the treated area moist and raw for approximately 7-10 days.

During the initial healing phase most patients are instructed to keep the skin moist with an antibacterial ointment. The initial redness will diminish often the first 1-2 weeks, after which time moisturizers and makeup may be used. Once the surface has healed the skin will remain pink for 3-6 months. During the healing phase, it is important to avoid sun exposure and wear sun block. Most people are able to return to work in 2 weeks.

Risks of laser resurfacing are increased pigmentation, flare up of viral infections and burns caused by laser heat.

The results of laser resurfacing are long lasting, although the natural aging process continues. Following treatment, fine lines around the eyes and mouth will be diminished, if not eliminated, and the skin should be smoother, with more even pigmentation.

Other plastic surgical uses of lasers:
The laser is commonly used to remove tattoos, "age" spots, unwanted body hair and very small veins of the legs and face. For tattoo removal, local anesthetic may be used. It may take more than one treatment before maximum benefit is achieved and if the tattoo color is very deep in the skin all of the tattoo may not be removed with this method alone. "Spider" veins of the legs or very small veins of the face may be treated without anesthesia. More than one treatment may be necessary. The area treated area will show some discoloration, which will fade with time.

Many types of lasers are available for removal of unwanted body hair. Each laser has pros and cons, so the technique and type used should be discussed with your board certified plastic surgeon. During the removal of hair, a topical anesthetic may or may not be used, depending upon the area to be treated. More than one treatment may be necessary as the hair to be removed is in different cycles of growth. Hair removal by laser is not permanent, but multiple treatments can result in long term hair reduction.