Facial Plastic Surgery Laser Surgery and Plastic Surgeon Information
The answer to the question, “What is laser surgery?” can involve many answers. Specifically speaking, laser surgery can be used on several parts of the body, including the eyes and skin. The information below will deal with laser surgery on for the skin, and general facts will be provided. However, if you’re looking for more specific answers to whatever questions you have, you need to contact a cosmetic surgeon immediately for accurate and individualized results.
What is laser surgery?
In regards to skin, laser surgery is a relatively new procedure in the world of cosmetic surgery. Laser resurfacing uses a carbon dioxide laser to remove areas of damaged or wrinkled skin in layers. The procedure is most effective in regards to mitigating the appearance of fine-but-unsightly lines, most often around the mouth and the eyes. Laser surgery is also very useful for treating facial scars or areas of uneven pigmentation.
How should I proceed towards laser surgery?
If you have skin that you think could be improved with a cosmetic procedure, there are certain steps you should take as you decide on a course of action. Although many different strategies could apply, your best starting point is to contact a cosmetic surgeon. He or she will be able to explain the process to you and to evaluate your skin to determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure.
After your initial consultation, you need to make some value choices. Are you looking for a permanent solution or would you rather manage your skin effectively with the use of other strategies such as topical creams or Botox? Are you prepared to undergo this procedure and to put forth the effort that’s necessary for a full recovery? Have you tried other methods to improve your skin without desired results?
If your answers to these questions all lead to the desire to look further into laser surgery, then you need to prepare specific questions for your cosmetic surgeon during the initial consultation. For instance, you’ll need to gather information regarding the length of the procedure, how to prepare and plan for the surgery, what the potential risks are, what type of anesthesia is used during the procedure and of course, how long you’ll need to recover from the surgery.
Overall, the answer to the question, “What is laser surgery?” is quite complicated, and can involve several different and specific facts depending on your unique situation. If you’re ready to take the next step towards improving your overall look and your self worth and confidence as a result, go ahead and contact a cosmetic surgeon today to get the process started.
Laser Surgery Candidacy
If you are unhappy with your skin’s overall condition, you have several options at your disposal. One of the newest and fastest-growing procedures is laser surgery. As is the case with any surgical procedure, you owe it to yourself to gather all the information you possibly can in regards to this process so that you can make an informed decision based on everything you need to know. As such, three common questions in regards to laser surgery are, “How can I tell if I’m a good candidate for laser surgery?”, “How will I be evaluated for laser surgery?” and “Will my insurance help offset the costs of surgery?”
How can I tell if I’m a good candidate for laser surgery?
The best candidates for laser surgery are those with specific areas of wrinkles, crow’s feet, frown lines or pigmentation problems, as the laser that’s used is extremely precise and will be able to target those areas within a millimeter of accuracy. Those with darker complexions may not always be good candidates for this procedure, as discoloration can occur in certain instances.
How will I be evaluated for laser surgery?
Your evaluation for laser surgery will be extremely thorough. Your cosmetic surgeon will take a close look at your overall medical history and will specifically look for the presence of a few factors before recommending the next step. These factors include individuals who have taken a medication called accutane within the previous 12-18 months or those who are prone to abnormal scarring. Not to mention, those with active skin infections on the treatment area will not be approved immediately for laser surgery.
Will my insurance help offset the costs of surgery?
There is no uniform answer to this question. Basically, most health insurance policies will cover procedures that are medically necessary, and will not cover procedures that are considered elective. Whether or not your laser procedure is necessary or elective will depend on a few factors, such as any need for reconstruction due to an injury or other unforeseen circumstances that led to this need.
Regardless of the answer you get from your insurance company, make sure to consult with your cosmetic surgeon before communicating with your carrier, and get any answer or feedback from your insurance company in writing in order to avoid any problems after the surgery is complete.
Overall, patients have common questions regarding the new phenomenon of laser surgery. Three of the most common are, “How can I tell if I’m a good candidate for laser surgery?”, “How will I be evaluated for laser surgery?” and “Will my insurance help offset the costs of surgery?” General answers to these questions are provided above, but for more specific feedback, contact a cosmetic surgeon today for a complete consultation.
Laser Surgery Specifics
If you’re considering a procedure to remove or reduce wrinkles or discoloration from your skin, you likely have come across the prospect of laser surgery. As this procedure continues to grow in popularity, the general public is formulating questions in relation to this up-and-coming surgery. Two of the most common questions in regards to the specifics of the procedure itself are, “Where are incisions placed for laser surgery?” and “What are some variations to the common laser surgery method?” Each of these questions is answered in general terms below, but you need to contact a cosmetic surgeon for individually-tailored facts that will help you come to an educated decision.
Where are incisions placed for laser surgery?
Given the nature of laser surgery, there are no “incisions” used in a technical sense. The procedure is done by guiding a laser back and forth across the affected area of the skin and removing discolored or wrinkled skin in layers. This procedure can be done very quickly, but can also take up to 90 minutes depending on the number of layers of skin that need to be removed before the wrinkles or discoloration is removed from the patient’s outward appearance.
What are some variations to the common laser surgery method?
The variations involved with laser surgery deal more with the end of the surgery as opposed to the technique used during the surgery. For instance, some cosmetic surgeons will apply a topical cream to the affected area in order to promote healing and to prevent discomfort. However, other cosmetic surgeons prefer to apply bandages to the affected area for a period of five to ten days after the surgery to completely protect the area until it’s ready to be exposed to the sun, wind, lights and other elements that can damage skin that’s too sensitive to these forces.
Overall, two of the most common questions in regards to laser surgery as they relate to the procedure itself are, “Where are incisions placed for laser surgery?” and “What are some variations to the common laser surgery method?” Although the answers above are general in nature, the procedure itself is still so new that few variations to the standard techniques have been developed. However, the early results in patients around the world are extremely encouraging, and the future bodes well for the prevalence of this surgery.
The best way to get started with your decision on whether or not laser surgery is a good option for you is to contact a cosmetic surgeon. He or she will be able to explain the process to you and to show you results of other laser surgeries as they compare to the conditions that you’d like to have corrected.
There’s never been a better time to recapture the look of your youth. Contact a facial plastics cosmetic surgeon today and get the process started.
Laser Surgery Preparation
As you consider the possibility of laser surgery, you need to make sure to gain a full understanding of every aspect of the procedure. This includes much more than the specifics of the surgery itself, and patients should also consider such aspects as preparation for laser surgery. Three common questions in regards to this phase of the decision-making process include, “What are some of the risks associated with laser surgery?”, “What steps should I take to prepare for surgery?” and “What can I expect the day of surgery to be like?” Each of these questions are answered below, but you should gain a specific understanding of laser surgery from an experienced cosmetic surgeon.
What are some of the risks associated with laser surgery?
Although laser surgery is very safe statistically, every procedure comes with at least a minor degree of risk. The risks involved with laser surgery include burns or other injuries from the heat of the laser beam, scarring, and obvious lightening or darkening of the treated skin. Lasers can also create cold sores, but most of these complications are treated quite simply with medication and the passage of time.
What steps should I take to prepare for surgery?
Every procedure should come with the proper level of preparation, and preparing for laser surgery is no different. Specifically, your cosmetic surgeon will recommend a schedule of pre-procedure treatment for your skin so that it’s in the best condition possible when the day of your surgery arrives. You will also be given a post-procedure plan to make sure that your skin heals as quickly as possible.
What can I expect the day of surgery to be like?
If you’re like most patients, you can expect the day of your procedure to be filled with several sometimes-conflicting emotions. Everyone gets a bit nervous before a surgery, and that’s entirely normal. You will also most likely feel anxiety, excitement and perhaps a bit of fear, but as long as you’re prepared for these emotions, you shouldn’t have any trouble processing them. Otherwise, the procedure itself takes only about 30 minutes on average, and you’ll be sent home when it’s finished.
Overall, three of the most common questions patients have in regards to preparing for laser surgery are, “What are some of the risks associated with laser surgery?”, “What steps should I take to prepare for surgery?” and “What can I expect the day of surgery to be like?” If you’d like more specific information than what is offered above, you need to contact an experienced cosmetic surgeon immediately for a full consultation.
Your surgeon will explain every detail you’ll need to understand as you prepare to make a decision on which procedure is best for you, and patients are always more comfortable when they have as much knowledge about a surgery as is possible to obtain.
Laser Surgery Recovery
Before you move ahead with laser surgery, you need to make sure that you’re aware of what you’re about to encounter with each passing phase of the procedure. This includes not only the proper preparatory steps and knowledge regarding the procedure itself, but also the knowledge that’s helpful for your understanding of the after-effects of laser surgery. Three of the most common questions asked by patients in regards to laser surgery recovery are, “How will I look and feel immediately following the surgery?”, “When can I pursue my normal activities again?” and “How long can I expect results to last?” Answers to each of these questions are provided below.
How will I look and feel immediately following the surgery?
As is the case with most surgeries, you will feel a degree of discomfort after the procedure is complete. There is quite likely going to be a small degree of swelling as well. Generally, you’ll feel some numbness in certain areas, and you may feel some itching under the bandages that are applied to the affected area. Overall, though, you will feel relatively well considering the invasiveness of laser surgery.
When can I pursue my normal activities again?
You will most likely be able to resume most of your normal activities within a period of a few days subsequent to the procedure, but there will be some limitations to keep in mind. For instance, your skin will be a bit pink for a period of weeks or even months after the surgery, and if you usually use makeup, you may need to stay away from it until your skin is ready to absorb the material. In some cases, you may need to change your makeup brand or type, but that’s something you can consult your doctor in regards to, as this is a somewhat common adjustment.
How long can I expect results to last?
After the immediate after-effects of the surgery have dissipated, you should begin to enjoy lasting benefits from laser surgery. Your skin will look much more smooth and radiant, and you’ll feel much better about your overall appearance. However, laser surgery is not a permanent solution, as it does not simply stop the aging process. In effect, it “turns back the clock,” and you’ll always have a younger look than you would have otherwise, but your skin will still age with the rest of you.
Overall, three of the most common questions regarding recovery from laser surgery include, “How will I look and feel immediately following the surgery?”, “When can I pursue my normal activities again?” and “How long can I expect results to last?” If you’d like more specific answers to the questions answered generally above, you need to contact a cosmetic surgeon for a complete consultation.
Laser Surgery Checklist
Laser surgery for skin improvement is a new and growing phenomenon. As such, there is a lot of new information to consider if you’re thinking about having this procedure done. Below is a checklist with basic information you’ll need to understand as you move towards a decision.
Background of Laser Surgery
The background of laser surgery is brief in nature. Laser technology in general is being used in several innovative ways, and cosmetic surgery is just the latest benefit of this technology.
Best Candidates for Laser Surgery
The best candidates for laser surgery are those with wrinkled or discolored skin and those who are in reasonably good medical health. Those who are not the best candidates are those with darker complexions, as the laser can create some form of discoloration.
Uncertainty and Risk of Laser Surgery
There is uncertainty and risk with laser surgery, as is the case with any procedure, but the uncertainty and risk associated with laser correction is minor in nature and rare in number. You may experience some burning and discomfort, but these issues can be managed and treated.
Planning for Laser Surgery
Planning for surgery is a collective effort between you and your doctor. Generally, planning for surgery involves following a certain set of guidelines your doctor relays to you that involves pre-procedure skin care.
Preparing for Laser Surgery
Preparing for surgery is, by definition, taking care of all the “little things” that are inherent in any surgical procedure. You’ll need to make sure that you have enough time off from work or school to properly recover, and you’ll need to make sure that you have a ride home from the procedure.
Where Surgery is Performed
Where surgery is performed depends on the location of the laser device. Sometimes the device is housed in the doctor’s facility, while other procedures may require you to report to an out-patient care facility. In rare instances, you may need to have the surgery done in a hospital.
How Surgery is Performed
How surgery is performed is quite standard in nature. The doctor will aim the laser at the area you want corrected and run the laser beam back and forth across this area until enough layers of skin have been removed to either reduce or remove the wrinkles or discoloration.
Anesthesia for Skin Resurfacing
The level of anesthesia administered will depend on the extent of your skin resurfacing. If you’re only having a specific area re-done, you’ll most likely be given local anesthesia. If you’re having extensive skin work done, general anesthesia may be recommended.
Post Skin Resurfacing Laser Surgery
Post-op considerations are generally quite minimal. You should be able to return to your routine quickly, but your skin may be a bit pink for a period of months after the surgery is complete.
