Laser Resurfacing Before and After Photos
Laser Resurfacing Procedure Information

1. What is skin resurfacing?
2. Laser, dermabrasion, chemical peel - which one is right for me?
3. Are there different kinds of lasers?
4. How do I know which approach is best for me?
5. What conditions can be treated with laser surgery?
6. How does laser surgery compare with traditional surgery?
7. Why isn't all surgery performed with lasers?
8. Will laser skin resurfacing help with my deep, pitted acne scars?
9. Will laser surgery lift my sagging skin?
10. Can I have laser resurfacing in combination with a facelift or browlift?
11. What kind of results can I expect from laser resurfacing?
12. When will I look "normal" after laser resurfacing?
13. Does my history of a cold sore on my lip affect my laser resurfacing?
14. Can you laser all skin types?
15. Will I still look like "me" after surgery?
16. Will laser resurfacing get rid of these deep frown lines between my eyes?
17. Will I be awake during laser resurfacing?
18. How much pain will I have with laser resurfacing?
19. What does it feel like after surgery?
20. Do I go home after surgery?
21. How long will pinkness and swelling last?
22. How long should I stay in Rochester following surgery?
23. I'm from out of town. Where can I stay overnight in Rochester?
24. I'm concerned about privacy.
25. When can I go back to work?
26. When can I "work out?"
27. What do I do to prepare for laser resurfacing?

1. What do I do to prepare for surgery?
2. What happens at the preoperative appointment?
3. What does informed consent mean?
4. What are the benefits and risks of laser skin resurfacing?
5. What are some of the other things to do to prepare for surgery?
6. What about my daily medications before surgery?
7. I take vitamins and supplements. Do I need to stop them before surgery?
8. Do I need any special prescriptions before surgery?
9. Why will I be asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight?
10. What happens when I check in for surgery?
11. Does someone have to stay at the Lindsay House while I have my surgery?
12. What other instructions are there?

1. What should I expect after laser surgery?
2. What do I look like when I wake up from surgery?
3. What does it feel like when I wake up from surgery?
4. Tell me more about the area after laser surgery.
5. Will I need any special prescriptions following surgery?
6. When can I shower?
7. When do I start taking these prescriptions?
8. Are there any dietary restrictions following surgery?
9. When is my first postoperative appointment?
10. Are there any instructions about regular daily activities?
11. How long does healing take?
12. I really want to do this but I'm nervous. What if I get stressed?
13. How can I learn more about laser surgery?

LASER RESURFACING

1) What is skin resurfacing?
Skin resurfacing is the removal of the outer layer of the skin - using abrasion, chemicals or a laser - resulting in smoother and less wrinkled skin. Often the results are impressive.

2) Laser, dermabrasion, chemical peel - what's the difference?
Let's start by defining each one!

Chemical peels offered at Lindsay House range from mild "lunch hour peels" performed in our Medical Spa to moderate TCA (trichloroacetic acid peels) to deep phenol peels performed in the surgical suite. Details on each of these peels are outlined at the skin resurfacing <Chemical Peels> section of our website.

Sometimes people get confused between dermabrasion and microdermabrasion. Dermabrasion, which is considered a surgical procedure, is typically more effective on raised scar tissue, acne and chicken pox scars and some of the deeper forehead wrinkles. Dermabrasion can be used alone or in combination with other skin resurfacing techniques.

Microdermabrasion, performed at the Q-the Medical Spa at Lindsay House, is a mini-peel achieved by projecting aluminum micro-crystals onto the skin. Microdermabrasion is also referred as the "Power Peel", "Euro Peel", "Parisian Peel" and "Derma Peel" and is safe for all skin types.

Lasers make it possible to change tissue without making an incision. Lasers can be used to vaporize tumors, close blood vessels, selectively reduce pigmentation, or even treat skin wrinkles. So a surgeon can treat birthmarks or damaged blood vessels, remove port-wine stains, and shrink facial "spider veins" without major surgery.

After your surgeon has indicated that a laser can be helpful in the surgery, your surgeon will explain the laser of choice and what can be accomplished. Your surgeon will decide on the appropriate method, dictated by the nature and extent of the surgery. Your surgeon will give you his best judgment for the particular procedure.

3) Are there different kinds of lasers?
The use of lasers in medicine is complex. It is important for the patient to realize that lasers have specific applications. The choice of the laser depends upon many factors, including the surgeon's experience, the size of the area to be treated, and the expectations of the patient. Your surgeon will decide if a laser is appropriate, and which laser is best for the situation.

There are constant technologic advances which lead to even new applications of future generations of lasers. Please ask your doctor to discuss the latest advances with you.

4) How do I know which approach is best for me?
The only way to know for sure is a consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon that specializes in all of the above skin resurfacing techniques. It is not uncommon to use a combination of approaches to achieve an optimal result. At the time of your consultation your surgeon will examine your skin to assess factors that could affect the outcome of the surgery and to determine the proper procedure for your condition.

For example, a patient who wants improvement in the lines around the lips might benefit from a simultaneous procedure of laser resurfacing and dermabrasion. A patient with acne scars may achieve the best result with optimal blending from a full-face laser combined with dermabrasion of the deepest acne scars and a TCA peel of the neck. The choice of which approach is right for you depends on many factors including the nature of the defect (traumatic scar, premature aging, pigmentary changes, acne scarring, etc.), the anatomical location, skin type, medical history and more.

5) What conditions can be treated with laser surgery?
Facial plastic surgeons are experienced in the use of the laser and are the best source of information as to whether laser surgery is appropriate for your condition. Here are a few applications for lasers.

The facial plastic surgeon often uses the minimum laser intensity possible. The low intensity requires many treatments. However, the low intensity also preserves as much of the healthy tissue as possible. This produces an aesthetically pleasing result. Many of these laser surgeries are performed in our surgical suite as outpatient procedures.

6) How does laser surgery compare with traditional surgery?
Facial plastic surgeons use lasers on a routine basis. They use the laser as a "light scalpel." The tissue is left sterile and bleeding is greatly reduced. As in the example above, when the laser is used to treat port-wine stains, no cuts are made. The laser energy penetrates through the skin to shrink the abnormal blood vessels that are the cause of these marks. In this application the laser surgery can be performed without a traditional incision.

7) Why isn't all surgery performed with lasers?
As with all surgery, the laser has its limitations. Facial plastic surgeons are trained in the use of lasers and understand how and when to use a laser. Many procedures can achieve the best results only with the use of laser. Likewise, some procedures are better performed without the laser. The laser is not always the best tool for surgery. The choice of using a laser or other surgical methods is carefully made by the facial plastic surgeon, who has to consider the results, the possible complications and the alternatives. Always remember that there are very few "right" and "wrong" answers with laser surgery.

8) Will laser skin resurfacing help with my deep, pitted acne scars?
It depends on the scars. Sometimes combining a full face laser resurfacing with dermabrasion of the deepest acne scars is the best approach. Other times, resurfacing by itself is not enough. Preparatory surgery such as scar excision or the use of fillers such as fat injections prior to dermabrasion may be needed to achieve an optimal result. Excision of multiple deep, pitted acne scars may be performed over several sessions. These must be evaluated on an individual basis.

9) Will laser surgery lift my sagging skin?
Laser and all skin resurfacing techniques are employed to change the surface texture. Laser resurfacing is not performed to correct sagging skin.

10) Can I have laser resurfacing in combination with a facelift or browlift?
Most skin resurfacing can be and often are combined with other procedures to achieve both sagging and skin surface irregularities.

11) What kind of results can I expect from laser resurfacing?
It depends on what we're working with and what the patient is trying to achieve. Laser is not a perfect science. Even in the best of hands, one can not expect 100% improvement. However, after reviewing realistic expectations, most surgical outcomes make patients very happy.

12) When will I look "normal" after laser resurfacing?
You will be presentable at one to two weeks. You may put make-up on seven to nine days following laser surgery and resume most all daily activities. The lasered areas are quite pink and this pinkness lasts for eight to twelve weeks. You will look great at three months and even better at six months. Your final result is evaluated at one year.

13) Does my history of a cold sore on my lip affect my laser resurfacing?
Cold sores are actually a viral infection. All patients are pretreated with an antiviral medication to prevent the recurrence and spread of cold sores while the lasered area heals.

14) Can you laser all skin types?
Yes! However, careful selection for blending reasons must be done. Some patients can very easily be more prone to post laser hyperpigmentation (variations in skin color). This can be managed with bleaching creams and agents, however, sun avoidance and judicious use of sunscreen is most important.

15) Will I still look like "me" after surgery?
Many of our patients report that, upon return to work and routine daily activities, friends and acquaintances make the following remarks: "Gee you look great. Did you change your hairstyle?" or "Have you been on vacation?" Retaining your uniqueness is the sign of a successful procedure. Although the change may be significant to you, it's not uncommon that friends and family don't really notice the specific changes.

16) Will laser resurfacing get rid of these deep frown lines between my eyes?
Several modalities exist to treat frown lines, one of which is laser. Some patients opt for a less invasive treatment such as Botox or fillers, which achieve temporary results. Other patients want more permanent correction such as a browlift with permanent treatment of those muscles that cause the deep frown lines.

17) Will I be awake during laser resurfacing?
For most patients, a limited anatomical area such as around the mouth (perioral) or one or two scars, patients remain awake. For full-face skin resurfacing, patients are asleep.

18) How much pain will I have with laser resurfacing?
Understandably, after any surgical procedure, some discomfort can be expected. All patients are provided with prescriptions for pain medication. Most patients who have laser surgery say how surprised they are that the pain is less than they anticipated. Pain is well managed with medications. Patients who undergo full face skin resurfacing complain much more about wanting to have a clean face and keeping the face moist with ointments or dressings than they do about pain.

19) What does it feel like after surgery?
It depends on the amount of skin resurfacing you have done. Lasered skin is covered with a moist jelly-like dressing. Patients complain more about wanting to wash their face than discomfort. If you are asleep for the procedure, our nurses will be right by your side as you wake up to attend to any needs you have.

20) Do I go home after surgery?
Skin resurfacing is done on an outpatient basis. Because you will go home after receiving sedation, you will need to make arrangements for a responsible adult to drive you home, to stay with you overnight and to drive you to our office for your first postoperative appointment. Patients having surgery must stay in the immediate Rochester area overnight within 30 minutes of our East Avenue facility.

21) How long will pinkness and swelling last?
Postoperative swelling begins to resolve at the end of the first week. Full resolution of swelling may take two to three weeks. The pinkness associated with skin resurfacing can last six to eight weeks. For that reason, patients use make-up to camouflage the pinkness until it settles.

22) How long should I stay in Rochester following surgery?
Most patients stay in Rochester about seven to ten days following surgery. After that it's ok to fly or travel long distances.

23) I'm from out of town. Where can I stay overnight in Rochester?
Accommodations are comfortable and convenient for Lindsay House clients. The Strathallen, located "just down the street" provides upscale, affordable accommodations for Lindsay House visitors. For added convenience following ambulatory surgery, some patients elect to stay in our Carriage House, located adjacent to the Lindsay House. For guests without the benefit of family or friends in the Rochester area, our staff will be happy to assist you with arrangements for a smooth, restful experience following your procedures.

24) I'm concerned about privacy.
During a recent independent study, privacy was found to be one of the advantages that attracted people most to Lindsay House. Because all consultations, office visits, surgical and nonsurgical experiences take place at the same address, the check-in process is completely confidential.

25) When can I go back to work?
Restrictions from work are generally two weeks for skin resurfacing. Because initial surgery swelling may still be present, patients who are more concerned with privacy about the procedure take three weeks off to be safe.

26) When can I "work out?"
Aerobic activities should be avoided for three weeks following surgery. Any activity that potentially increases blood pressure will increase the amount of time it takes for postoperative swelling to resolve.

27) What do I do to prepare for laser resurfacing?
As with any procedure, taking care of yourself and maintaining good diet, exercise and optimal health helps. Learn as much as you can about laser resurfacing so you know what to expect. Ask questions! Learn more about skin resurfacing - how it is performed, preoperative instructions, postoperative routines and other frequently asked questions. Reading the procedure information below will help get you started.

LASER RESURFACING PREOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

1) What do I do to prepare for surgery?
Although the preparation for surgery is pretty simple, it is an essential element in a successful outcome. To prepare for surgery, a preoperative appointment will be scheduled with one of our experienced nurses.

2) What happens at the preoperative appointment?
Many things! To name a few, you will meet with our nurses who review your health history, answer your questions, instruct you on how to prepare for surgery, provide prescriptions for use after surgery and tell you what to expect. Most of the instructions are listed here below. This list of questions, however, will not take the place of a preoperative visit, which is essential in determining a patient's understanding and readiness for surgery. We will be sure you are signing an informed consent.

3) What does informed consent mean?
Informed consent means you have an excellent understanding about the benefits of surgery as well as any risks, and all the preoperative and postoperative information. You are making an "informed" decision as to whether surgery is right for you.

4) What are the benefits and risks of a laser surgery?
As part of your initial consultation, your physician will review your expectations for surgery. At that time, he can provide a realistic picture of what surgery can and cannot accomplish. Depending on which procedures you are interested in, we will provide you with a list of any risks reported in the medical literature associated with any procedures you are considering. Although risks from cosmetic surgery are uncommon, every patient should be fully informed of any risk associated with surgery.

5) What are some of the other things to do to prepare for surgery?
We review your health history and any daily medications you may be taking. We ask about your health history including previous radiation treatment, bleeding disorders, poor healing, diabetes, "cold sores" (herpes infections) and prior cosmetic surgery.

6) What about my daily medications before surgery?
You will have a preoperative appointment well in advance of your surgery when our experienced staff will review all mediations with you. If you are on "blood thinners," you will be asked to stop them approximately one week prior to surgery. If you have been on Accutane therapy we will ask about duration and date of discontinuation. Also, see below about vitamins and supplements before surgery.

7) I take vitamins and supplements. Do I need to stop them before surgery?
Most vitamins and supplements have few side effects. However, there are some that can affect bleeding during surgery such as Vitamin E, ginkgo-biloba, fish oil and others. We will provide you with a list of medications and supplements to avoid before surgery.

8) Do I need any special prescriptions before surgery?
Most patients do not need any special prescriptions before surgery. Please let us know of any special medical concerns you may have. Because tobacco abuse impedes wound healing, you will be asked to stop for two weeks before surgery and two weeks following surgery. Our nurses will be happy to discuss over-the-counter aids to help you with this. In the postoperative instructions that follow, we will discuss all medications needed after surgery.

9) Why will I be asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight?
The best way to prevent after effects from anesthesia will be to avoid food or drink from midnight the night before surgery. For patients with special concerns, such as a patient with diabetes, our nurses will be happy to address arrangements with you ahead of time.

10) What happens when I check in for surgery?
Our nurses will help you get ready for surgery. We check your blood pressure, listen to your heart and lungs, start an IV and such. Please let them know of any special needs you may have. Also, be assured that you have plenty of time for any last minute questions with your surgeon.

11) Does someone have to stay at the Lindsay House while I have my surgery?
No one needs to stay at the Lindsay House during your surgery. However, you must have someone available by telephone at all times during your surgery.

12) What other instructions are there?
Glad you asked! See the postoperative instructions below.

LASER RESURFACING POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

1) What should I expect after laser surgery?
After the surgery, you will probably experience some swelling and skin redness for several days. Antibiotic ointments may be used during the healing process. It is important for the patient to follow all the post-operative directions of the surgeon, particularly in using sunblock and avoiding sun exposure.

2) What do I look like when I wake up from surgery?
Following the procedure, you will have a soft head wrap around your head and under your chin. This helps minimize swelling. Initially, some patients report a shiny forehead or a "surprised" look because surgical swelling has raised the eyebrows. As this swelling subsides, the surprised look disappears. You may have some bruising, however, this is typically more pronounced 24-48 hours after the procedure if eyelid surgery has also been performed.

3) What does it feel like when I wake up from surgery?
Most patients report only mild to moderate discomfort, which may be associated with some numbness, itching, tightness or a pulling sensation. These postoperative symptoms subside with time. We will make sure you are not nauseated or queasy. Our nurses will be right there with you as you wake up from surgery to give you special attention.

4) Tell me more about the area after laser surgery.
Dressings vary depending on the size of area that is lasered. You will notice a gel like substance on the dressings that we will change for you the day following the procedure. You will be asked to switch to an ointment about three days following surgery. You will be asked to return to the office about seven days from the surgery date for evaluation of healing and to switch to a moisturizer with sunscreen. It is uncommon for patients to complain of significant pain.

5) Will I need any special prescriptions following surgery?
Yes. Postoperative prescriptions are provided well in advance of surgery day so you arrive home completely prepared. Postoperative prescriptions and over-the-counter medications for laser surgery patients include the following:

6) When can I shower?
As long as you keep your head dry, you may bathe at any time following the procedure. Approximately two days following laser surgery, one may shower and gently wash the hair.

7) When do I start taking these prescriptions?
Patients take their pain medication as needed. The other medications all begin on the day following the procedure.

8) Are there any dietary restrictions following surgery?
No. Patients can eat whatever they want. Advance your diet from liquids to soft food to solids as tolerated. Please drink as much fluid as you can which will help you from becoming dehydrated.

9) When is my first postoperative appointment?
You will be asked to come to the Lindsay House the next morning following laser surgery for removal of head wrap dressing and drain. You will need someone to drive you to this appointment.

10) Are there any instructions about regular daily activities?
Sleep with head of the bed elevated or use two to three pillows for one week. Facial fullness, headache and disrupted sleep are very normal postoperative symptoms and will decrease as the healing process occurs. Absolutely no bending, lifting or straining. If you have little children, bend at the knees or sit on the floor and let them climb on to your lap.

11) How long does healing take?
The full impact of the laser may not be apparent for a month or two, especially with vascular deformities. Healing and evaluation of the final result takes one full year. However, after three months, most patients have about 90% of their final result.

12) I really want to do this but I'm nervous. What if I get stressed?
It's ok to be nervous. (Frankly, we would be nervous if you were taking this step lightly!) One of the best ways to deal with nervousness is to see what other patients have gone through. Take a moment to  look at Before & After Photos. As you learn in Selecting a Surgeon an educated patient knows when and if the time is right for cosmetic surgery.

13) How can I learn more about laser surgery?
Several ways. First, contact our patient care coordinator at our contact us page or at 1-585-244-1000 for any specific questions. If she can't answer them, she will gladly forward them to the appropriate physician or staff member. We also have several patients who have had a laser surgery who are willing to discuss their experience. Also, you can learn more about how to Select A Surgeon and what happens at Your Consultation appointment, or more about the training and experience of our Surgeons & Staff. We can also suggest some other resources for you to explore.

Laser Resurfacing Before and After Photos
Laser Resurfacing Procedure Information