If yo've ever wished that you could "renew" your complexion to make it smoother and more even-toned, laser resurfacing may be a good option for you. Cosmetic laser resurfacing, also called "laser peel," is a procedure that smooths the facial skin by using a laser to refinish damaged areas and shrink fine wrinkles. It also corrects areas of uneven pigmentation. The result is a fresher, smoother complexion.

You'll find basic information about laser resurfacing in this brochure. However, the best way to get complete answers to specific questions that relate to your individual needs is to have a personal consultation with a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. *

In Canada, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Men and women of all ages can benefit from laser resurfacing. The ideal patient for laser resurfacing has fair, healthy, non-oily skin. When healing is complete, the face has a more youthful appearance.

Fine, vertical creases or "lipstick lines" are commonly treated with laser resurfacing.

Within about five weeks after treatment, the upper lip is noticeably smoother.

Is laser resurfacing right for me?

Men and women of all ages may benefit from laser resurfacing. The best results from the procedure are typically seen in individuals with fair, healthy, non-oily skin.

You may be a good candidate for laser resurfacing if you have any of the following conditions:

fine lines, especially around the eyes

vertical lines around the mouth

facial scars caused by injury or accident

scars caused by acne

areas of uneven pigmentation, such as "age spots"

lines on the cheeks caused by sun damage.

You may wish to discuss other resurfacing options with your plastic surgeon if any of the following applies to you:

you have skin that is olive, brown or black

you have taken Accutane@ during the past 18 months

you are prone to abnormal (keloid-like) scarring

you have an active skin infection.

What should I expect from the consultation?

A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering laser resurfacing. During this meeting, your surgeon will assess your physical health and discuss your specific cosmetic goals for the procedure.

You should arrive at the consultation prepared to provide complete information about:

previous surgical procedures, including cosmetic facial peels or dermabrasion

any abnormal skin condition that has been diagnosed or previously treated

medications you are taking or previously, including nutritional and herbal remedies

skin allergies, acne or facial injuries you have had.

During your physical evaluation, your plastic surgeon will evaluate the quality, thickness and color of your skin and perhaps take photographs for your medical record.

Often, people who undergo laser resurfacing choose to have other facial-rejuvenation procedures at the same time, such as a facelift, browlift, or eyelid surgery. Be sure to let your surgeon know if you are planning to have any other cosmetic procedure in the future.

How is laser resurfacing performed?

In laser resurfacing, a beam of laser energy is used to vaporize the upper layers of damaged skin with accurate precision. As new cells form during the healing process, a smoother, tighter, youngerlooking skin surface appears.

During the procedure, the activated laser is carefully passed back and forth over the skin until the surgeon reaches the safest level that will make the wrinkle or scar less visible. When imperfections are deep, your surgeon may recommend that the resurfacing be performed in two or more stages.

Are there other options?

Precision and predictability are the major advantages of laser resurfacing. However, laser resurfacing isn't the only method that plastic surgeons use to refinish the facial skin. Alternative methods include:

Retin-A^@ treatment - a light skin-refinishing treatment that involves regular applications of a vitamin A-enriched cream.

glycolic acid peel (sometimes called "fruity" acid peel) - a light resurfacing treatment that involves use of a prescription-strength facial wash or cream.

dermabrasion - a more aggressive method in which the surface layer of skin is removed with a motorized brush.

chemical peel - a resurfacing method in which a chemical solution is applied to peel away the top layers of skin, allowing a fresh new layer to emerge.

Lighter resurfacing options offer shorter recovery times. However, they may need to be repeated several times to achieve results that are comparable with those achieved by more aggressive techniques. Your plastic surgeon will advise you if one of these other methods may be a better option for you.

How will I learn about the safety of laser resurfacing?

Each year, thousands of men and women undergo laser resurfacing and experience no major complications. However, it is important for you to be informed of the risks as well as the benefits.

One of the most important parts of your consultation is the discussion that you and your surgeon will have about the possible complications of laser resurfacing. In addition to listening carefully to what your surgeon tells you, be sure to raise any questions that you may have about the safety of the procedure.

By carefully following your surgeon's advice and instructions - both before and after surgery - you can do your part to minimize some of the risks.