Recent technology has allowed the use of the carbon dioxide laser to lessen wrinkling around the eyes and mouth with consistency and safety. Although the laser is not a mystical, futuristic cure-all wand, it is a useful instrument that nicely complements the well-trained surgeon’s techniques. In many cases, it provides comparable results to existing treatment methods.

Laserbrasion is an exciting, new technique for the treatment of superficial or medium-depth wrinkles with great safety and efficacy. In specific cases, the laser can provide comparable results to the chemical peel. Patients with fine wrinkles around the eyes or mouth benefit most from this approach to treatment. Superficial scarring responds moderately to laserbrasion; deeper scarring is best treated with conventional dermabrasion. With this in mind, during your consultation, the laser may or may not be considered a treatment option for your concerns.

The outer layers of skin are vaporized and cause the collagen to restructure in a new smoother network of fibers, resulting in smoother skin with less wrinkling. Before this procedure is performed, the patient’s skin must be prepared to optimize the results. During the two to four weeks prior to the procedure, a glycolic solution is used nightly. A light peel is generally performed, and then a glycolic solution and a skin bleach cream applied. The patient must avoid sunlight and consistently apply sunscreen daily. The procedure is then performed under local anesthesia with sedation for optimal comfort and safety. Following this procedure, as in chemical peels, a strict regimen must be followed to minimize complications.