Laser Skin Resurfacing - David E. Marcus M.D. Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center

Damaged skin and wrinkles can add years to your face and detract from an overall vigorous, youthful appearance. Whether caused by aging, excessive sun exposure, heredity, lifestyle or acne, most wrinkles and damaged skin can be improved with the latest laser skin resurfacing techniques.

Laser resurfacing removes several layers of skin thereby revealing a new, younger looking layer of skin underneath and prompting the skin to create a new collagen supply. The laser also produces a tightening effect on the skin which can be particularly beneficial when used on the lower eyelids and cheek area.

Dr. Marcus uses both carbon dioxide (CO2) and Erbium lasers in his practice. These lasers can be used on the entire face, or just specific problem areas. If you are having facial cosmetic surgery such as a facelift or eyelid surgery, you may be able to have laser skin resurfacing at the same time to enhance the desired effect. More about this procedure

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Purpose	To remove the outer skin layers prompting the skin beneath to create a new collagen supply. It can also produce a beneficial skin tightening effect.
Length of Procedure	Depends upon number of areas treated; ranges from 30-90 minutes
Anesthesia	Local; local with sedation, or general anesthesia
In or Outpatient	Outpatient in private, in-office surgical suite (fully certified)

The effect of skin resurfacing using a carbon dioxide (CO2) or Erbium laser is similar to the results obtained using chemical peels and dermabrasion. The laser however removes skin layers by vaporization and heats the lower layers causing tissues to shrink or tighten.

The risks of laser resurfacing are few but can include:
Infection, Abnormal bleeding, Recurrence of allergic reactions or herpes (if previously experienced), Raised or thickened scarring (rare), or Permanent pigmentation changes in the skin.

After the procedure, a scab may or may not form over the treated skin. You will be advised about the cleansing and treatment of your skin by our trained staff.

Following laser resurfacing, you must avoid sun exposure until the redness of your skin is gone. Of course, it is better to avoid the harmful effects of the sun permanently with sun block and head coverings.

Camouflage makeup can be used within one or two weeks of skin resurfacing, and you should be able to return to work within ten days to two weeks. (These recovery times would be greatly shortened for smaller areas such as eyelids.)

When I was in my early 40s, I began to have that "tired" look - dark circles under my eyes and slight bagginess. In fact, friends often told me I "looked tired." I began looking in the mirror and seeing my mother who was 23 years older! I went to see Dr. Marcus who thought I was not quite ready for facial surgery but suggested laser resurfacing my lower eyelids. The effect was amazing. I looked ten years younger soon after the skin healed. That was seven years ago and the results have still lasted. People no longer tell me I look tired. Instead, they are always asking me what I do for my skin and are shocked at my age. Thank you, Dr. Marcus, for the excellent care and for steering me in the direction of the surgical procedure that was exactly right for me at the time. I will be back again, as will many of my friends.

Dr. Marcus recommended laser skin resurfacing under my eyes, and eyelid surgery on my upper eyelids. I didn't even realize that my upper lids were affecting my appearance, but Dr. Marcus was absolutely right! I had very little swelling and bruising on the upper lids, and I had redness on the lower eyelids for a week (which could be concealed with makeup on the third day).

David E. Marcus M.D., Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center

1128 Sonoma Avenue, Santa Rosa, California 95405 - (707)575-1626