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Lasers in Plastic Surgery

Who does it help?

It treats the effect of sun damage and ageing of the face, thus it reduces fine wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and rough skin. It also slightly tightens the skin. It is moderately effective in treating facial scars as for instance shallow acne scars. Certain early skin cancers can be treated by CO2 Laser where the aesthetic result is particularly important. Other methods may give more certain cures.

Are there other options?

Dermabrasion and chemical peels have been used for the same purpose for many years. A CO2 Laser is newer, more expensive and possibly more precise and effective.

Is this an alternative to surgical procedures?

No - they are different things. A facelift (rhytidectomy) lifts tissue and removes surplus skin. It is particularly good for the jaw and the neckline which is inaccessible to the laser. Excess skin is removed more precisely in an eyelid reduction (blepharoplasty) and the bags or bulging fat can be removed. The CO2 Laser will reduce fine wrinkles and tighten the skin of the lower eyelids generally rather than precisely.

What is involved?

Small areas can be treated under local anaesthetic cream (EMLA, Ametop) or local anaesthetic injections. Intravenous sedation can be given by an Anaesthetist to supplement this, or if the patient prefers, a full general anaesthetic. This would be usual if the whole face is treated. After treatment the skin is raw and may be covered with ointment or a dressing.

Healing takes 7-10 days leaving the new skin red. Camouflage make-up is helpful in covering this. The redness usually fades after two to six months during which time sunshine should be avoided. Sun exposure increases the risk of the development of dark pigmentation. This is more common in patients with olive, brown or black skin.

What are the risks?

Slight changes in pigmentation can occur. Any darkening can be treated but will tend to resolve spontaneously. Long term lightening of pigmentation is also a possibility. Scarring is rare with normal skin. The risk is greatest is patients known to produce keloids, who have been treated with radiotherapy in the area or have had a recent course of Roaccutane. Cold sores (herpes) can be reactivated. Patients with this tendency are given preventative treatment. Risks will be reduced by choosing a surgeon who is an accredited plastic surgeon trained in laser surgery. Members of BAAPS are all on the General Medical Council's Specialist Register in Plastic Surgery.

© British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons

Reproduced with the kind permission of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS).

For more information, visit www.baaps.org.uk

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