QUICK FACTS

LENGTH:
30-60 minutes

ANESTHESIA:
Topical and local

IN/OUTPATIENT:
In the clinic

SIDE EFFECTS:
Temporary swelling, redness, and some pain

RISKS:
Discoloration, infection, and scarring

RECOVERY:
1 - 2 weeks back at work
2 - 3 weeks more strenuous activity:
4 - 8 weeks for swelling to completely resolve

DURATION OF RESULTS:
About 10 years

ERBIUM LASER RESURFACING

(ERBIUM LASER RESURFACING ALSO KNOWN BY THE BRAND NAME SCITON)

Natural aging, sun exposure, acne, heredity and lifestyle factors can contribute to the damage of your skin. These problems, as well as certain other skin conditions, may be improved by Erbium laser resurfacing. The procedure is designed for use on the face, neck and hands and treats with minimal burning of the surrounding tissue.

Erbium laser resurfacing is a procedure that has a sound track record and has been used in Dr. Kenkel’s Dallas laser resurfacing practice since 1999.

Dr. Jeffrey Kenkel is a *Board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic surgery. He is Vice-Chairman of the Department of Plastic Surgery and Director of the Clinical Center for Cosmetic Laser Treatment at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.

* Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

Erbium laser resurfacing is used to treat the following:

Moderate and deep wrinkles around the lip, eye and cheek area
Acne scarring
Pigment changes
Sun and age spots

Am I a good candidate for the Erbium laser resurfacing procedure?

Your visit with Dr. Kenkel will determine if you are a good candidate. Individuals, who have taken Accutane™ in the past, prone to keloid-like scarring, or those with active skin infections on the treatment area, may not be appropriate candidates for this procedure. The best candidates for laser resurfacing have fair, healthy, non-oily skin and have wrinkles around the lip, eye and cheek areas.

How does the Erbium laser resurfacing work?

As the laser passes over your skin, a 30 millionths of an inch of tissue is removed layer by layer at a time. This specific control is one of the advantages of this type of procedure. Dr. Kenkel will only treat as deeply as needed for your particular skin type and defect, tailoring the procedure to your specific needs. Your skin cells will absorb the erbium light, which causes an instant vaporization of the cell. After the damaged skin is removed, new skin is created in its place.

What should I expect during the Erbium laser resurfacing?

The procedure is performed in the clinic using local anesthesia (topical or site injections) and generally takes 30-60 minutes to complete depending on the areas being treated. Sedative medications can be given prior to make you more comfortable. Pain thresholds are different in people but most people experience only mild discomfort during the procedure.

What is the Erbium laser resurfacing recovery like?

The laser resurfacing will produce swelling to redness to varying degrees depending on the patient and the depth of treatment. Some patients will experience pin-point bleeding in some areas. These effects are normal and are signs of a successful treatment.

You will wear a dressing to cover the areas treated for up to 2 days. It takes about 7 to 10 days for new skin to begin to form. As the skin begins to heal, the face will feel dry and begin to peel. It will take about 7-10 days to completely peel. After the initial redness subsides, your skin may be pink for several weeks to months. Camouflage makeup can be used within a couple of weeks to cover the redness, but Dr. Kenkel will advise you on this. Dr. Kenkel and his staff will provide you with detailed skin care instructions. He will put you on a skin care regimen following this procedure so that you can continue seeing improvements as well as protect your skin over the next few months.

What should I know about my Erbium laser resurfacing results?

Following all laser resurfacing treatments, it is important that you avoid sun exposure until all the redness or pinkness of your skin has subsided. Even after that, it is advisable for you to protect your skin by regular use of a sun block and a hat. Because of the persistence of skin pinkness following many types of resurfacing procedures, it may take months before you can fully appreciate your new look.

Patients feel that the results are definitely worth waiting for and, in the case of deeper treatments, the benefits are relatively long-lasting. Your skin will continue to age and the wrinkles made when your face animates will reappear. Some wrinkles may recur sooner than others, depending on their location as well as the type and extent of your resurfacing treatment. You can expect that improvements in skin quality and texture achieved by resurfacing will make your complexion appear younger and fresher for many years to come.

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