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| Laser
Skin Resurfacing |
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Laser
resurfacing is designed to
improve facial wrinkles, acne
scarring, sun damaged skin
and other types of scars.
Aging, exposure to the natural
elements, smoking and other
lifestyle factors may contribute
to excess facial wrinkles.
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| Who
is a Good Candidate? |
| Anyone
who has any one or combination of the following:
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Sun
damaged skin |
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"Crow's
feet" lines around eyes |
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Acne
or chicken pox scars |
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Deep
lines of the face |
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| Private
Consultation: |
Age
is not usually a contributing factor for
laser resurfacing. Your physician will
evaluate your skin condition and let you
know if you are a good candidate for laser
resurfacing. Skin coloring is an important
factor in determining if you are a candidate
for laser surgery.
During
your initial consultation you will discuss
with your plastic surgeon your past
and present medical conditions and current
medications used. He needs to know if
you have hypertension, thyroid problems,
diabetes, allergies to any medications.
He should also know about your past
surgeries, personal habits such as drinking
and smoking. It is of utmost importance
to let him know if you have taken or
are currently taking Accutane for acne
or if you have a history of cold sores.
Your skin will be evaluated during the
physical examination. Preoperative photographs
will be taken. You may be shown before
and after photographs. Lab tests, x-rays
or EKG may be ordered depending on your
general health. At the conclusion of
your consultation and physical examination,
fees will be discussed with you by the
doctor and his staff.
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| Preparation: |
Stop
all non-prescriptive medication, diet
pills, herbs, and garlic two weeks before
surgery.
One month prior to surgery your surgeon
will place you on a skin care regimen
to prepare your face for surgery.
It
is advisable to stop smoking two weeks
prior to and two weeks following surgery.
Avoid aspirin
and aspirin
containing products such as Advil and
avoid garlic and garlic products two
weeks prior to surgery. These products
can prolong bleeding and increase bruising.
Tylenol may be taken during this period.
Do
not eat or drink anything after midnight
before surgery. You may, however, take
prescriptive medication with a small
amount of water and brush your teeth
the morning of surgery. Wear a loose
fitting button or zipper type shirt
that does not pull over your head to
the surgical suite. Loose sweats are
recommended as you will be in a compression
garment after surgery and they may be
difficult to get on. Do not wear jewelry
or bring valuables. Also bring a wide
brimmed hat to protect your face from
sun exposure for the drive home.
Please
plan to have someone bring you to and
take you home from the surgical facility.
Notify the office staff of this person's
name and telephone number prior to surgery.
Have
all prescriptions filled before surgery
so they will be available for you when
you arrive home from surgery.
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The
Procedure:
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Laser resurfacing can be performed
using local or general anesthesia on
outpatient basis. Weeks before surgery
your surgeon may start you on a skin
care regimen to prepare your face for
the laser surgery. Skin resurfacing
is performed using a carbon dioxide
(CO2) laser. The laser removes damaged
skin layers by vaporization. Your plastic
surgeon has been trained on the technique
of surgery as well as trained on the
proper equipment in order to perform
the surgery safely and effectively.
He can control the amount of depth and
penetration unlike chemical peels. The
top layer of your skin will be removed
and will require specific care during
the regrowth process. You will be instructed
on the specific skin care regimen to
follow after surgery. Be aware that
your skin may not return to its natural
color for several months, however, the
results are long lasting.
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| Postoperative Care:
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Rest
with your head elevated on two or more
pillows the evening after surgery.
Your
face will be covered with an ointment
such as vaseline, to keep your face lubricated
and keep the air away from your skin.
Keep your face covered with this ointment
at all times. You may shower daily and
wash away the residual ointment and immediately
apply fresh ointment. You will notice
pinkish color appearing over a period
of ten days, which may last up to several
weeks. Avoid any direct or indirect sun
exposure approximately four months following
surgery. During that period sunscreen
should be made a part of your daily skin
care regimen. Camouflage make-up can be
applied (at the discretion of your surgeon)
after two to three weeks to cover the
redness.
Social
activity can be resumed in approximately
two to three weeks when the scabs have
fallen off. You may return to work after
two weeks depending on your job.
You
are encouraged to call the office if you
have any questions.
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| Fees: |
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It
is customary that the fees to be paid
two weeks prior to surgery. This assures
that the patient is sincere in his or
her motivation. The fees include the surgeon's
fee, the facility charge, which is a private
and fully accredited with high tech equipment,
and anesthesiologist or certified nurse
anesthetist, if general anesthesia is
used. Also included in this fee are any
laboratory tests performed in the office,
or use of special equipment such as the
laser. It is very rare that insurance
plans cover cosmetic surgery. Please feel
free to ask the office staff if you have
any questions in that regard.
We
understand this is a very important decision
in your life and you would like to do
this for yourself. In your private consultation
with Dr. Zandi, who is a Board Certified
plastic surgeon, you may discuss your
needs in detail and also obtain additional
information.
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