Several procedures are available for improvement of facial skin. These vary from the more simple office applied face peels and pharmaceuticals to the more invasive CO2 laser resurfacing.
I utilize the CO2 laser for the vast majority of my facial resurfacing. This has almost completely replaced my utilization of dermabrasion and the old Phenol peels. The control of the depth of the treatment with the CO2 laser leads to a predictable result with minimal postoperative recovery time. The resulting improvement in face skin texture is excellent and leads to a high level of patient satisfaction.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
We use the CO2 laser for our facial resurfacing. I have found this to give excellent results, in selected patients, in removal and modification of facial wrinkles, tightening of loose skin, and in removal of skin irregularities such as increased pigmentation.
This procedure requires the use of outpatient surgical facilities. The recovery time is related to the depth of skin resurfacing needed. This is very patient specific.
I feel that this procedure replaces the use of dermabrasion, except in certain cases, in my practice. The degree of safety is excellent if the proper technique is utilized. I was one of the first Plastic Surgeons in Houston to use the CO2 laser for facial resurfacing and I feel our results reflect this experience.