Cosmetic Laser Surgery
Conveniently located to serve Dayton, Columbus, Cincinnati and Gallia County
Laser skin resurfacing, a form of cosmetic laser surgery, is a common procedure that can be used to remove wrinkles, scars, sun damage, and other signs of aging. The laser carefully burns away the top layer of damaged skin, revealing smoother, healthier skin below leaving the patient with younger looking skin.
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE?
You may be an ideal candidate for cosmetic laser surgery if you have:
- Fine lines or wrinkles
- Acne scars
- Warts
- Enlarged oil glands on the nose
- Sun Damaged skin
- Non-responsive skin following a facelift procedure
- Sagging skin
Having realistic expectations regarding the results of the cosmetic laser surgery treatment is vital.
PREPARING FOR COSMETIC LASER SURGERY
During your cosmetic laser surgery consultation, you will need to inform your physician at Plastic Surgery Institute of Dayton, Inc. if you have a fever, blisters or cold sores. To prepare for the procedure, you will be prescribed antibiotics and antiviral medications to prevent any bacterial infections, blisters, or cold sores.
You will be instructed to stop taking certain medications such as ibuprofen, vitamin E, aspirin, and herbal supplements, all of which can increase bleeding. You should also give up smoking two weeks before and for two weeks after the treatment so that the process of healing is not delayed. Smoking at this time may kill the lasered areas.
THE TREATMENT PROCESS
At the start of the cosmetic laser surgery session, anesthesia is administered to ensure comfort. Local anesthesia is used in cases where only parts of the face are being treated, and general anesthesia is used for full face treatments.
The treatment session can take anywhere between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on whether the entire face is being treated or just a single area. The laser will be calibrated depending on your skin type and the types of skin issues being treated. Once the technology is calibrated, the handpiece is used to deliver laser energy to the treatment region.
COSMETIC LASER SURGERY AFTERCARE
About 24 hours after treatment, you’ll have to clean the treated areas multiple times a day and use an ointment so that scabs do not form. Swelling is normal and can be controlled by sleeping with your head in an elevated position using an extra pillow.
You will be able to resume normal activities soon after your treatment, and full recovery is typically completed within two weeks. Results become fully evident once healing is complete and lasts up to several years. Makeup is okay to wear at 3-4 weeks. Pinkness will fade over 3-6 months.