INTRODUCTION We are pleased in your interest in C02 Laser Resurfacing. Surface facial wrinkles, sun-damaged skin, lip creases and wrinkles, and acne scarring can be damaging to a person's self-image. In many cases, an individual's life can be enhanced through laser surgery to remove or improve skin imperfections. Through proven and advanced laser technology, Dioxide Laser has revolutionized sun-damaged the treatment the UltraPulse Carbon of wrinkled, scarred or skin of the face. The purpose of this manual is two-fold. From a patient's perspective, this manual will inform you about this procedure, as well as give guidelines for the proper pre and post-operative instructions. We are interested in the best possible result for you. Following before instructions and expectation after are essential in determining the your of this procedure. After reviewing this manual, any questions you might have concerning this procedure should be discussed with us. I~:_· I A_B_O_U_T_T_H_E_P_R_O_C_E_D_U_R_E Understanding your skin We were all born with smooth, baby soft skin. As we go through life our skin becomes a road map showing the effects of where we have been and what we have done. Even if we have taken care of our skin, many of us are affected by childhood and adolescent disease while heredity and gravity always take their toll. Exposure to the sun, use of alcohol, smoking and less than optimal nutrition all accelerate the signs of aging. Moles, warts, keratoses, scars from acne or facial trauma may further mark our skin and such blemishes may adversely affect our self image. Is skin resurfacing for you? The most basic requirement for any surgery is good health. Other requirements are more subtle and should be carefully considered in discussions with Dr. Clariday. Expectations of surgery and of the surgeon must be realistic. Skin resurfacing procedures cannot produce perfect skin; rather the goal is to improve the appearance of the skin as much as possible. Skin type and color, ethnic background and age are important factors that should be discussed prior to surgery. If you have dark skin or problems such as allergies, previous burns, a history of poor scars or radiation exposure, you may need a special evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for this procedure. Also, if you have had episodes of cold sores or blisters around the mouth, please inform Dr. Clariday. Before deciding on a skin resurfacing procedure, Dr. Clariday may recommend a skin care regimen to be started prior to the procedure itself. If you have extensive damage from aging or an injury, more than one treatment/procedure may be necessary. t_' ....l1 A_B_O_U_T_T_H_E_P_R_O_C_E_D_U_R_E · Making the decision for skin resurfacing Whether you seek skin resurfacing for functional or cosmetic reasons, your choice of a qualified surgeon is of paramount importance. Dr. Clariday will examine your skin to assess factors that could affect the outcome of the surgery and to determine the proper procedure for your condition. You and Dr. Clariday will explore your attitude towards surgery and discuss realistic expectations and risks. Trust is built through these discussions and the agreement between surgeon and patient is a prerequisite for a successful outcome to the surgery. Understanding the surgery The skin is composed of the epidermis and the dermis. Within the dermis are two layers, both of which are constructed of collagen, long fibers that loosen and stretch with age and sun damage. If the deepest layer, the reticular layer, is damaged, scars will result. While the upper layer of the dermis, the papillary layer heals from injury without scarring. The UltraPulse laser improves the quality of tissue treated with less risk and pain. It is the treatment of choice by many physicians because resurfacing with laser is preformed with much greater control. The UltraPulse laser in the hands of a skilled physician can initially shrink the collagen to nearly one third of its size. As the collagen shrinks, it contributes to a universal tightening of the treated areas, ironing out fine lines and wrinkles, with an overall improvement of the quality of the tissue. Superficial pigmented areas are wiped away. The results, in many cases, are astounding. Statistically, one should see a resolution of fine lines and wrinkles of up to 50-60%. Skin will look firmer and smoother, with a more even complexion. One more added benefit comes from the stimulation new collagen formation of new collagen. In some instances, is seen up to six months after the procedure. ABOUT THE PROCEDURE What to expect after the surgery Immediately following the surgery, the technician will apply a dressing to your skin. Swelling and "crusting" of the skin are normal. Ointments will keep the sk·IT6~nd will be applied for ten days following the surgery. The redness of the skin that persists after the initial healing phase will usually fade in about 4 to 6 weeks. Avoidance of extremes in temperature and any activities that would cause stress to the healing skin should be avoided. Following a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle is strongly recommended. operative instructions It is imperative that you follow the post- to the letter. In one to two weeks after the surgery, new skin will emerge that is pinkish, finer and less wrinkled. But it will take several weeks for all the redness to vanish. Follow up care involves using sun block in order to protect the skin while new pigment is created. Patients will notice that the skin remains lighter for a long time after surgery but that condition will usually subside when the skin's pigment level has been restored. Facial resurfacing makes it possible to correct many facial flaws and signs of premature aging that can undermine self-confidence. By changing how you look, cosmetic surgery can help change how you feel about yourself. MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING C02 FACIAL RESURFACING LASER SURGERY The carbon dioxide (C02) laser has become a popular instrument in facial cosmetic surgery. This laser delivers a very short pulsed light energy, which allows clean, layer by layer vaporization of skin without the spread of heat to the adjacent tissues. This gives Dr. Clariday extreme precision with means minimal risk of scarring and faster healing times than other techniques such as chemical peels. The C02 laser precisely removes tissues, layer by layer, permitting clear definition of landmarks and optimal depth control-a valuable tool for treating facial wrinkles, sunspots and scars from acne or old injuries. 1. What can laser surgery improve? The C02 laser can significantly reduce fine lines and wrinkles, loose skin, scars from acne, sun damaged skin and so-me types of pre-cancerous skin conditions. It cannot treat superficial blood vessels, red spots, melanoma or port wine birthmarks. 2. How does the laser remove fine lines and wrinkles? The laser provides an ultra-high energy pulse that removes a thin layer of skin by vaporizing the surface epithelium and exposing the underlying collagen layer. Once through the first layer, a second pass is applied. This acts to tighten the underlying collagen of the skin which reduces the fine lines and wrinkles. 3. Can the laser remove age spots? Yes, depending on the depth of the pigmentation. spots, pigmentation Freckles, sun from pregnancy or heavy sun exposure are removed well by the C02 laser treatment., 4. How long does the surgery take? Most treatment sessions take between 45 minutes to an hour depending on how much of an area needs to be treated. MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING C02 FACIAL RESURFACING LASERSURGERY 5. Will the surgery be painful? You will be given pre-operative medications that will help with anxiety and pain. Conscious sedation will be administered your procedure/surgery. during 6. Will there be pain following the surgery? Pain levels vary with each individual be discomfort. Pain medications patient. Yes, there is going to will be prescribed prior to surgery and can be taken for the first 5-7 days as needed. 7. What will the treated The area treated area look like following the surgery? by the laser will be very red and sensitive. Weeping will occur as new skin is formed. will depend on the age and health of your discharge and crust may develop. Usually crusting will have resolved from even the The degree of redness skin. A honey colored after 7 to 10 days the deepest areas treated and the patient is left with only mild redness. Most female patients at this state are able to resume makeup use. 8. How long will the treated area remain pink? The treated area will remain pink for generally one to three months, depending on the depth of wrinkles treated and your original skin color. Usually this is easily concealed by makeup. Each few days the patient will notice some improvement; redness and swelling are worse in the morning and after exercise. 9. When can I return to work? Most patients take 7-10 days before returning to work. At this point any mild redness that is still present can be concealed with makeup. Because everyone heals at a different may take a longer time before returning rate, some people to work. MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING C02 FACIAL RESURFACING LASERSURGERY 10. When can I begin wearing makeup? Is there a specific brand I should use? Normally patients can begin to wear makeup 10-14 days postoperatively. Remember, your complexion and skin tone will be changing on a day to day basis. We suggest using a hypoallergenic skincare product and moisturizer that contain natural products such as bee's wax and mineral oils. We will provide you with a base/powder from Jane Iredale Minerals that will be used on the resurfaced area for the next 3 months to conceal any redness that is still present. 11. Why is it necessary to have a gel dressing on the treated area following surgery? The gel dressing acts as a barrier protecting contamination environment and trauma while maintaining treated areas from a moist that promotes healing by absorbing drainage and weeping. Drainage or weeping is our body's natural way of healing after resurfacing surgery. Drainage or weeping must be kept moist with the gel dressing in order to keep the area from crusting. If crusting is allowed to develop, this will increase inflammation and delay the healing process. The gel products help the healing patient avoid the scab build up that can lead to unsatisfactory results. 12. What are the chances of scarring? The chances of scarring are extremely low with the C02 laser. The chances of scarring are much lower than with a chemical peel or dermabrasion. If scarring does occur, it is usually of a very low grade; it is treatable and is not a significant cosmetic problem. MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING C02 FACIAL RESURFACING LASERSURGERY '--..•.: 13. What areas of the skin can be treated with the C02 laser? This particular laser, because it is predominately absorbed by water, is ideal for resurfacing facial skin (90% water). The best results are seen with fine to moderate wrinkle (static wrinkles) around the eyes or mouth, acne or chicken pox scars or benign lesion. 14. Are there risks of pigmentation change with different skin or pore sizes? Yes, darker skinned individual have an increased risk of pigmentary changes after surgery. Most pigmentary changes are temporary and a "patch" test behind the ear may be preformed prior to surgery. 15. How does this type of surgery differ from chemical peels or dermabrasion? Advantages of laser treatment include; more precise control, no chemical or mechanical damage to the remaining tissues, more consistent results, less bruising and swelling and less risk of scarring and pigment changes. There is also the benefit of collagen shrinkage which produces the "face-lift effect". 16 .. Can you have the C02 laser done if you've had a dermabrasion or a face-lift? Yes, with the approval of your doctor. Generally, we want you to wait at least 6 months after a face-lift and at least one year after a dermabrasion. MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING C02 FACIAL RESURFACING LASER SURGERY NOTE: If you have been using "Accutane" in the last two years, you will need to see your dermatologist to get approval for the surgery. "Accutane" is an oral vitamin A that stops production of the sebum in the body, and has been associated with delaying the healing and may cause scarring following a C02 laser treatment. 17. How long will the rejuvenation results last? Results vary depending on skin types, pigmentation, wrinkles and general skin care following depth of the laser treatment. Results should last up to several years. Actually, new collagen is produced that thickens the skin and may be more resistant to aging effects. 18. Can I get the same results from a full face laser treatment I would from a facelift? The two procedures serve different be an alternative traditional a purposes. Full face laser can for patients who medically cannot undergo facelift procedures with acceptable results. But the full face laser is used to only remove the static wrinkles. 19. Can I have the surgery done more than once in the same area? The surgery can be repeated after a period of six months to one year. 20. Is the skin rejuvenation covered by insurance? No, it is considered strictly an elective/cosmetic "beautification procedure". surgery or INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES FOR LASER RESURFACING 1. You may experience some stinging when you apply water for the first few days. This is normal. Do not skip the cleansing or soaking steps. This step will sooth the skin and removes the cellular debris. 2. Some people experience a few break-outs after about three weeks. It is not unusual to see a few whiteheads at this time. If this happens, your doctor will recommend a product to clear this up. Do not squeeze these pimples, it can leave a mark on the skin. 3. A small percentage of the people who have had laser surgery will experience some hyperpigmentation. This appears on the skin like a dark brown color. This is not at permanent condition, and can be treated by your doctor. 4. Do not use facial scrubs for at least three months after surgery. They are too harsh and can irritate the skin. 5. Avoid astringents and toners with alcohol for the first 90 days. 6. Do not apply self-tanning products to the skin after laser surgery for at least three months. These types of products can make the skin appear splotchy and uneven. It is better to use a bronzing powder which can be washed off. 7. Do not use bronzing gels. They can get into your pores and give your skin a pitted look. INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES FOR LASER RESURFACING 8. Do not go to tanning salons. The doctor will not be responsible for any reactions your skin may have after laser surgery if you use any machines which are supposed to tan your skin. The UVA and UVB rays emitted by these machines are many times greater than the sun. We suggest that you avoid them all together. 9. Try not to smoke while healing and for at least three weeks after surgery, or try to decrease your frequency of smoking. Smoking raises the carbon monoxide levels in the blood and interferes 10. with the healing process. Do not use any products except those given to you during the first three visits after your surgery. These products have been formulates to promote healing and cover redness. They do not contain perfumes or pore clogging ingredients that could lengthen the healing process. 11. Do not use any skin products prescribed by any other physician without prior consent of Dr. Clariday. This includes eye drops. 12. Retin-A is a prescription drug. Please ask Dr. Clariday how long you should wait before returning to using the product after your surgery. 13. Do not apply hair color, perm or hair straightening solutions to the skin or face for six weeks after surgery. 14. Do not apply any acne treatments for six weeks after surgery that are drying to the skin INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES FOR LASER RESURFACING 15. Do not wax your eyebrows, upper lip or other facial areas for three to six months after surgery. You run the risk of removing your skin with the hair, leaving a scab. If the wax is too hot, it can blister the skin, also leaving a scab and or scar. 16. Do not use hair depilatory surgery. 17. If you are on a prescription antibiotic for the skin, we need to clarify why you are using it and how long you can be off of the medicine. You will need to contact your physician to find out his information 18. products for three months after before your surgery. The normal time suggested by many physicians to return to your glycolic or other alpha-hydroxyl 19. acid is three months. If you have been on an at-home program of 20% glycolic acid, we suggest you drop to a lower percentage for three months and work back up to a higher when you are healed from your laser surgery. 20. Avoid any glycolic peels unless suggested by your physician. ( ( Appendix C Laser Resurfacing: Full Face 0 Per orbital (under eyes) 0 A B Purchase distilled water and white vinegar. If you are having FF resurfacing have enough food supplies for one week after the surger . Valtrex or valacydovir Cipro- Pre Pre Day 2 Day 1 Day of Surgery Post Day I 3 2 3 4 5 6 X X X tablets twice a day for 5 days. C D E F G H I J K L M No make-u , wear loose clothing, Nothing to eat or drink after midnight if you are havin anesthesia Vinegar & distilled water soaks every 3 to 4 hrs. 3 Tbs. vinegar in I gal. distilled refri erated water Apply dressing to skin Darvocet N 100 for pain or Vicodin for oatients havin Full Face Resurfacin Full Face resurfacing. Shower twice a day, wash hair w/head tilted back. Next allow water to run down face while gently rubbing skin in circular motion with gauze. Skin red and oozing Stay out of direct sun. Wear hats and visors First Post-op visit Return for post-op visit and pictures X X X X X X X X X X X 7 8 9 ]0 months Post-Op I POST-OP SUPPLIES AND MEDICATIONS '---------- Please have the supplies listed below on-hand before your laser resurfacing. They will assist in making your recovery more comfortable. soap (For hand washing) • Antibacterial • Gauze Pads (Non-sterile for you) • Benadryl Allergy, 25mg (If restless or itching, you may take I large 4><4 s; we will provide these two, then one every four hours thereafter. Benadryl may make you sleepy, so take with caution.) • Extra Strength Tylenol (May take two every four hours as needed for pain) • Hydrocortisone 1% Cream (Maybe used for itching or discomfort only as directed by your physician.) • Antibiotics (We will call you in an antibiotic prior to your surgery day to be taken when you get home from your procedure. Please follow all medication instructions!) • Valtrex, SOOmg(This is an antiviral agent which you will start taking the day of surgery. It is normally taken as SOOmg twice a day starting the day before surgery and continued twice a day for the following six days.) POST-OP SUPPLIES AND MEDICATIONS ------------• Vicodin (A pain medication we will call in for you prior to your surgery. It should be taken no more than every six hours after surgery as needed for pain. Most patients use Vicodin only the first couple of days and then are quite comfortable taking Extra Strength Tylenol for discomfort thereafter. ) • Artificial tears (Maybe used as needed in the eyes to rinse exudates and soothe eyes while swollen and not closing well; W!! will also p r0¥ide-t1i Me: ftJl ~kk • Post-operative ointment-Aquaphor (A post-resurfacing gel especially formulated to relieve post-operatively discomfort and minimize redness. This will be provided by our office the day of surgery.) • Straws (To be used if swallowing • is a problem) Bottled Water (For drinking, at least 640z. per day. Drinking at least 8-10 eight oz. bottled water per day will enhance the healing process by replacing fluids lost from oozing and as a natural diuretic to help decrease swelling.) • Small- Water Mist Bottle (To be filled with the same cold vinegar and water solution used to soak resurfaced areas . . Mist resurfaced areas as needed to relieve burning sensation between soaks.) • Reading Material/Videos (It is important occupied during the healing process.) to keep your mind I ---POST-OP SUPPLIES AND MEDICATIONS • XL Shirts (With button-up fronts or large opening to slip over your head easily) • Snacks/Healthy Foods (Foods low in sodium and high in nutritional value. Foods high in sodium could put you at risk for unnecessary swelling and discomfort. nutritional Foods high in value will provide much needed vitamins, complex carbohydrates and protein. A diet high in nutritional value will promote healing • Vitamin E (To be taken orally post laser resurfacing) A. 400 IU twice a day starting the day after surgery for patients who are not having a Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). B. 400 IU twice a day staring three days after for patient who are also having a Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). Follow-Up Care: Ten Days Post Resurfacing How to take care of resurfaced skin ten days after Laser Skin Resurfacing: 1. Stop Vinegar and H20 Soaks 2. Start Skin Care as follows: 1. Cleanse 2. Moisturize 3. Sun-block 4. Make-up 1. Cleanse 2. Moisturize 3. Increased itching can be associated with very dry skin. Use Aquaphor at night before bed for extra moisture and relief. Recommended Products: Cleansers: Cetaphil'P'/Skinceuticals Cleanser Gentle Moisturizers: Cetaphil" Aquaphor" Neova Day Therapyr» Sun-block: CetaphilTM Neova Day Therapy'Y Skinceuticals UV Ultimate SPF30 Make-Up: Jane Iredale"
© Copyright 2024