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THE LASER METHOD™

To bring renewed vitality to aged, sun-damaged skin.

THE PROCEDURE
	Invented in 1960, the laser (short for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation), is a unique type of light energy that consists of a focused beam of light at one specific wavelength. When directed to those areas of the face that are of particular concern to a patient, the Carbon Dioxide (CO2) laser creates a smoother, healthier, more rejuvenated complexion.

THE PROS
	Resurfaces the skin, regardless of age or sex.
	Removes facial wrinkles (particularly around the mouth and eyes), age spots, other hyperpigmentation, superficial skin cancers, other irregularities on sun-damaged skin, benign facial lesions, birthmarks, broken blood vessels, spider veins, warts and some tattoos.
	Improves scarring from acne, accidents or previous surgery.
	Leaves the skin with a more refreshed, youthful appearance.

THE CONS
	The CO2 Laser only penetrates to the middle layers of the skin, so it won't completely remove deep-set wrinkles, lesions or pigmentation.
	It cannot remove deep furrows on the forehead or cheek area and won't resolve droopy eyelids, pouches under the eyes, jowling or sagging of the lower face and neck.
	It can cause skin lightening when used at higher energies.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
	Ethnic background (Asian and Black skin types are more prone to pigmentation after surgery and are not good laser candidates.); skin thickness; specific areas to be lasered (if more than two, lasering the full face may be best); as well as any adjunctive procedures to be performed at the same time, such as facelifting or surgical scar revision.
	Previous facial peels or lasering.
	Whether makeup is routinely worn.
	History of Herpes infections, since lasering increases the risk of a breakout.
	Realistic expectations, based on laser energies selected.

TIME OUT
	Laser surgery takes approximately 30 to 90 minutes, depending on size of area being treated. (Usually only one laser treatment is required but sometimes touch-ups may be needed. Also, a sunblock of SPF 30 must be worn for a few weeks until the skin heals completely.)
	Usually discharged the same day, adults can resume light activities within 1 day of surgery, travel by day 10 and resume strenuous activities at 2 weeks.
	Depending upon laser energy selected, skin can be pink for several weeks to several months.