WHO IS THE BEST CANDIDATE

The best candidates for laser surgery are men and women of all ages who are in good general health and who are realistic in their expectations. Laser Surgery can be performed on patients of all ages depending on their requirements.
Patients with olive skin, brown skin or black skin may be at an increased risk for pigmentation changes following laser surgery and may not be suitable candidates.

WHAT TO EXPECT

In the initial consultation with your Surgeon, be honest in discussing your expectations and don’t hesitate to ask any questions that you may have. It is important that you mention any medical history or medications that you are taking or have taken, particularly in the last twelve months. If you are prone to cold sores, you should mention this to your surgeon. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking three to six weeks prior to surgery. If you are a heavy smoker, you may not be a suitable candidate for this Surgery. Smoking has been shown to reduce blood supply to the skin, thereby delaying healing and increasing risk of development of complications following surgery.

SURGERY

Laser resurfacing can be performed under Local Anaesthetic with a Sedation, or General Anaesthetic. It can be performed as Day Surgery or you may opt for an inpatient stay. Laser Surgery is a relatively quick procedure. It usually takes from ten to sixty minutes depending on the extent of the area to be treated.
Laser Surgery is performed using a beam of laser energy, which vaporises the upper layers of the damaged skin at specific and controlled levels of penetration. The heat of the laser causes the underlying collagen to contract. These effects result in a smoothing out of the skin surface and removal of superficial abnormalities such as keratoses and fine lines. The underlying dermis is actually healthier, causing the new upper level of skin to regrow, leaving behind old wrinkles and blemishes. The process rejuvenates the complexion and restores the skin an appearance of being more youthful.
Laser resurfacing can be performed in two parts or the entire face, as well as by itself or in conjunction with other procedures such as facelift or eyelid surgery. Although the surgery can be uncomfortable for the first few days, our clients all tell us that the end result is worth the discomfort!

RISK

It is important that a qualified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon who is trained in the technique of laser resurfacing surgery performs the procedure, because complications will then be infrequent and usually minor. However, you are reminded that all surgery carries inherent risks and complications and it is important that you understand these risks and accept them prior to proceeding. Risks and complications are not mentioned to scare you, rather to inform you about your procedure. We would not be fulfilling our duty of care if we did not fully outline the risks and complications of each procedure.
Risks and Complications include:
Hyper-pigmentation, Hypo-pigmentation , Scarring, Scarring, Herpes Simplex, Eye Injury, Infection and droopy eyelid.

AFTER SURGERY

Swelling, bandages and pain will prevent you from driving yourself about for five to ten days, depending on the individual and the extent of treatment. You will need an adult carer to be with you for at least the first night or two following surgery, and it would be helpful if they could extend their assistance for up to one week following full face laser.
After your surgery you are likely to experience swelling and weeping of the areas treated for up to one week. Antibiotics will be prescribed to help prevent infection. An antibiotic ointment will be prescribed for the lips.
Laser resurfacing surgery is an exciting and modern technique, which when performed by a qualified Plastic Surgeon, will present you with minimal complications. The first signs of ageing are often around the eyes and mouth, and although laser resurfacing cannot stop the ageing process, it can be used to ablate those fine lines and give a balanced and fresher appearance to the face.