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Indications: This operation is done to remove the fine lines of the face. It does not signficantly tighten the skin, this requires forehead lifting and eyelid tightening and facelifting. The skin is often prepared with Retin-A especially if there is sun damage. It is also used after scar revision to smooth or sand scars and make them appear more even. When used on scars the most common technique is dermabrasion. Light peels are sometimes used when bleaching creams are not effective for anal pigmentation.
Method: The principle of resurfacing the skin is straightforward. Dermabrasion, chemical peeling and laser resurfacing work in similar ways. The top layer of the skin is removed and as the new skin grows there are changes in the remaining skin. Which of these procedures is best for you, depends on several factors and Dr. Hudson can discuss them with you. As with much in medicine the decision may rest on what method provides the most benefit with the least complications. There is no incision. The operation is done under either local anesthetic (you are awake) or general anesthetic (you are asleep). It depends a lot on the amount of skin to be resurfaced. Topical anesthetics, including ice and EMLA cream, have been used but except for small areas are not commonly used. Most of the time this is an outpatient operation and a stay in the hospital is not needed.
Problems: All operations have some risk. The risks of surgery can be divided into two groups. First those that are seen in all operations and second those that are unique or special for this operation. In the first group, the main risks are swelling, bruising, infection, scarring and change in feeling. Herpes infections after surgery are especially dangerous and require vigorous treatment.The main problems which are special for this operation include: prolonged redness, unevenness of the resurfacing, lines of demarcation between the treated and untreated skin, and changes in the pigment (color) of the skin. Remember that in all cases, even the laser, the surgeon is performing a controlled burn to achieve the beneficial effetcs. Despite the current popularity complications can occur using the laser as with all resurfacing procedures.
It is important to remember that no surgeon can give a guarantee about the final outcome, including appearance, shape, size and so on. You should have a realistic attitude about the outcome, and remember that all surgery has good and bad aspects. That there is no such thing as ‘perfect surgery’.
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The satisfaction rate for cosmetic surgery is around 90% and although a satisfactory outcome is anticipated this means that 10% of people do not achieve the result that either the patient or the surgeon would like.
If things do not go well you may need revision or secondary surgery. Although many surgeons do not charge for this, there is often a charge for anesthesia and operating room costs.
Postoperative care: The initial recovery takes one to two weeks. Most people are back to work within a week or two. The redness may last several weeks or months.
For more information see the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) or check with your doctor. There are many different ways to do this operation and your best advice comes from your own plastic surgeon