LASER SKIN RESURFACING :

The reason for choosing this treatment is that it is a highly effective way of giving you back fresher, younger, smoother and more even looking skin. The quality of your skin will be improved so you will be able to achieve improvement to sun damage, superficial wrinkles, draw string lines around the mouth and eyes, acne and chicken pox scars. It is important to understand that it may not be possible to remove every blemish or wrinkle especially if they are very deep.

The beam of light from a laser is powerful enough to vaporise very thin layers of skin. The accuracy of the laser allows the surgeon to safely map out the skin with the beam of light thus allowing him to remove fine lines and wrinkles with fine precision. The laser is usually passed over the area to be treated more than once. The strength and size of the beam will vary according to the depth of the line or wrinkle. This treatment will also stimulate the production of collagen, which gives the skin its elastic properties. Reduced amounts of collagen is a natural process of ageing and leads to sagging and wrinkling of the skin.

This procedure can be performed under local or general anaesthetic according to the size of the area to be lasered and whether the laser treatment is combined with other surgical procedures.

Pre Treatment Protocol:

Avoid the sun on your face at all times. Use hats, sunglasses and sun protection screen. You will be given Eldoquin 2% cream. This is on prescription and will help reduce the pigmentation in the skin. It must be applied every night to the areas of the face which are to be lasered. You are advised to commence a skin preparation which involves a morning and evening regime using the Environ skin products. They contain glycolic acid, Vitamin A and antioxidants. The method of application should be as follows:

• Every morning
  Cleanse the whole face with Environ Cleansing Cream/Gel
  Apply Environ Alpha Toner to the whole face
  Apply Environ Mild Day Cream to the whole face
  Apply Environ RAD Sun Lotion



• Every night
  Cleanse the whole face with Environ Cleansing Cream/Gel
  Apply Environ Alpha Toner to the whole face
  Apply Environ Mild Night Cream to the whole face
  Apply Eldoquin 2% cream to the areas to be lasered only


Do let us know if you start any new medications after your initial consultation, especially if they contain aspirin or any other anti-inflammatory preparations. These may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising after surgery. If you tint or perm your hair it is advisable to do this a few days before treatment.

On the Day of Surgery:

You will be advised about eating and drinking according to the time of your surgery. Have a shower or bath and wash your hair. Do not use hairspray. Make up can be removed when you change into your theatre gown on the ward. Initially the skin will look red as if you have sunburn. This will fade over a period of weeks. The discomfort described by most patients is like sunburn - hot, itchy and tight. Suitable pain relief will be given, although everyone's tolerance for pain is different and some patients require no pain relief. The first night after treatment you should sleep on several pillows or with the head of the bed elevated.

Post Treatment Protocol:

It is essential that the skin is kept moist for the next fourteen days with the prescribed Diprobase ointment. You will be shown how to apply this and will need to apply this liberally up to four times a day. It is important not to let your skin dry out.

Continue taking your prescribed anti-viral/antibiotic tablets until the course is completed. Commence taking Vitamin C 1g daily for the next month as this will aid the healing process. Expect the face to ooze slightly during the first few days. This is quite normal and will be followed by a thin yellow film which will develop on top of the skin by day 4 or 5. If scabs appear on the skin, a soothing weak solution of white vinegar (acetic acid) may be applied to a soaked gauze pad for ten minutes (one capful to one pint of cooled boiled water). This will help to soften the scabs. If the skin around the mouth does feel tight and sore don't be concerned as this is a common feeling. This is a very mobile area of the face and will tend to dry out quicker than other areas. Drinking through a straw and topping up the area with Diprobase ointment will help.

You may bath, shower and shampoo your hair the day after surgery but expect the face to be too uncomfortable to put directly under the shower for the first few days. Avoid any temptation to peel, pick, pop any tiny blisters or scratch your skin, as this will result in scarring. Sleep with your head elevated by using extra pillows and avoid lying down flat for the first week following surgery as this will help reduce overall swelling.

Concealing make up can be worn within ten days for local areas or fourteen days following surgery to the whole face and my Aesthetic Nurse can advise you on this. Do not go out in the sun until all signs of scabbing have gone and only then with the recommended daily sunscreens. Avoid all sunbathing for the next six months.

Risks

All operations can have some side effects and with it their complications. The most common for this type of surgery are:


• Erythema (redness of the skin) - This fades over a period of weeks to months. The lasered areas of the face could remain red for up to six months and any exposure to the sun, excessive exercise and alcohol may exacerbate this. The use of concealing make up will therefore be necessary for a little longer.



• Allergic Reactions - These may occur to some of the ointments and medications, and could present in a rash like appearance that may be itchy with little white spots. Appropriate medication can be prescribed to resolve this problem if necessary.



• Scarring - This is unlikely but could always be a risk. It may occur secondary to an infection if any scabs have been picked, the lasered areas have been allowed to dry out or the skin has been exposed to the sun unprotected.



• Hyper-Pigmentation - An increase in skin pigmentation can occur resulting in darker patches on some of the lasered areas.



• Hypo-Pigmentation - Some areas of lasered skin may lose pigmentation leading to light coloured skin in those areas


Any concerns or fears about complications can and will always be discussed with Mr Solomons and his team.

Post Surgery Tips:


• You will need to have some help the first few days following surgery so try and organise family and friends to support you.



• Prepare husbands/partners that you will be "sunburnt red" and they won't help you by being squeamish and unsupportive.



• Avoid T-Shirts, sweaters and nightwear that have to be pulled over your face. Button up clothing is much easier in the first few days after surgery.



• If you are having problems sleeping the prescribed painkiller (usually Tylex) will help you have a more restful sleep.



• A triangular pillow (shaped like and upside down 'V') is very comfortable to sleep against in the first week.



• Drinking plenty of water will not only maintain your hydration but will help prevent constipation, a possible side effect of some painkillers.



• Be sure to wash your hands frequently using an antibacterial soap to help prevent the spread of germs.


If you are worried or unsure about any of the above information please do not hesitate to ask us. In the event of any emergency please call 01483 451473.