REJUVENATION OF THE SKIN WITH CO 2 LASER -RESURFACING

Resurfacing is an innovative technique that uses the laser for facial wrinkles. The application of the laser in surgery is one of the most advanced surgical that has the greatest impact of recent years and overall the ultimate one because of the precision of this instrument allows almost an absolute control with the process of exfoliation of the cutaneous layer and that offers greater efficiency for optimum results.

Resurfacing eliminates the external level of the skin that has been affected by the process of aging due to damage by the sun and other prejudicial factors of the skin. In Clinica Foguet we have the ultimate technology that allows possible major results with a minimum period of recuperation.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES TO HAVING REJUVENATION OF THE SKIN WITH THE CO2 LASER?

The actual method is very effective to rejuvenate the skin.
The procedure is safe and trustworthy and will not affect the surrounding tissue.
The depth is controlled with exact penetration.
All the skin regenerates the same.
We are able to treat you under local anaesthetic.
You are treated as an out-patient.

FAQs
The information that we have put in this website is of a general nature and is not intended for the individual. You need to understand that any treatment will only be offered after a full and informed consultation with your specialist plastic surgeon. If you do not understand anything please contact Clinica Foguet.

What technology do you use with this treatment?
We delicately apply the CO2 laser over the skin; it is abrasive but is highly controllable and is programmed according to the characteristics of each patient.

How does the laser work to obtain these effects?
When applied the laser vaporises the external layers of the skin eliminating the surface where the damage occurs. The light of the laser penetrates to exact depth that is controlled so everything is the same making this safe and omitting any kind of bleeding. The laser ray is like a stream of cold energy that does not burn or damage the skin or go lower than the exact layer of skin that we are treating. Also the heat generated stimulates the formation of new collagen and as a result gives a flat and uniformed shape to the skin.

What results are obtained with this technique and how long will it last?
After the application of the laser the body quickly starts a process that returns the skin to a young state, fresh and healthy. The skin becomes firm and tight and the accumulation of new collagen gives a younger look. This process continues for a lot of months and for that reason the results get better as time passes.

What lines and wrinkles can you treat with the laser?
This method is applicable to treating fine and moderate wrinkles as well as deeper ones. The first kind of wrinkles will disappear completely and the second ones get better as to almost disappear. It is for the wrinkles of the forehead between the eyebrows, crow’s feet, cheeks and above the lips and the chin area. It is very efficient at eliminating the vertical lines at the edge of the lips and the folds around the eyes that continue along the cheek.

Who is the best candidate for this?
The best candidates for this procedure are those who present fine and moderate wrinkles or deeper ones that are accompanied by other signs of sun damage with pigmentation changes and want to have younger, smoother and tighter looking skin. If there is also sagging skin present then it could be necessary to combine the resurfacing with a facelift. Any way it is the surgeon at Clinica Foguet who will determine what is best for each particular case.

What is done in the treatment?
The treatment consists of applying the laser over the areas of the skin to produce heat to eliminate the superficial layers.
This procedure is done in one session but it could be that with very deep folds we may need two.

Are you able to treat all wrinkles in one session?
The resurfacing can be done for individual areas or it combines well with treatment for the whole face.

How long is a session?
It can last from 30 minutes to 2 to 3 hours and depends if it is one treatment or more.

What type of anaesthetic do you use?
It is local anaesthetic with light sedation.

Is it necessary to be hospitalised?
No we treat you as an out-patient.

What dressings are used?
The application of the laser ends with the placing of porous papers being places over the area treated. This dressing is called occlusive and has the advantage of being very comfortable and being the colour of the skin it gives an agreeable look.

Is it painful after the treatment?
The first 2 to 3 days could produce some inflammation that little by little disappears. It is not painful but you may be able to feel tightness and tingling. The dressings are removed between 10 and 12 days.

How long before the new skin appears?
Normally, in the majority of patients it requires 10 to 14 days when we remove the dressing and the skin is totally regenerated.

What is the appearance of the new skin like?
At first the skin appears some what reddish and there are specific creams for that. Later the treated areas may show pigment changes that could last 4 to 8 weeks depending on the texture and colour of the skin. This can be perfectly covered by the application of make-up and will be indicated by the clinic for each individual case.

What care must be taken after the treatment?
Overall care must be taken to avoid exposure to the sun to avoid uneven pigmentation During the first month you are not able to be in the sun at all, later during the following 6 to 8 months there must be no exposure without sun-blockers, no staying out for very long and no bathing during the hottest hours. All these indications are agreed for each case and the amount of protection is to be agreed upon.

When can I resume normal activities?
You can return to normal life after 3 to 12 days approximately depending on the area that has been treated.

Are there side effects?
It is rare to have side effects. Normally swelling appears in the area treated and later the skin is regenerated. The reddening you are able to camouflage with the use of make-up that you are personally recommended to by the clinic. Occasionally the skin may darken or lighten after the treatment so it is important to limit the exposure to the sun before and after treatment as indicated by the clinic to avoid these kinds of complications.

Do the results last?
Generally they last many years. It is important to understand that resurfacing rejuvenates the skin but in general does not stop the future appearance of new signs of aging and for that you owe it to yourself to take the necessary care of the skin in a way that is for a life.

Are safety precautions necessary?
In the Clinica Foguet we make many treatments with laser, surgery and non-surgical techniques and we take all the necessary safety precautions that are required.

Are there contra-indications to this treatment?
There are some contra-indications such as the presence of certain illnesses or certain drug treatment that will be evaluated by Clinic Foguet.

PREOPERATIVE CONCERNS
When the resurfacing is made with a qualified plastic surgeon and adequate technology the complications are infrequent and of little importance. Any way each person has a specific anatomy, physical reactions and health capacity and it is for that reason that the results are not absolutely predictable. There could be some complications such as pigment changes, tightening and the appearance of small white lumps from the blocking of sweat glands but they are transitory. The presence of scars is rare but if you have suffered from Herpes, such as cold sores, they could reappear. The risk can be minimised by very carefully following the instructions of the surgeon before surgery.

How much time will pass before the final result is seen?

Study, understand and follow all preoperative requirements that you have been given by the surgical team

Tell the doctor if at any time before your treatment you feel unwell or have an infection such as a cold.
Arrive at the clinic free of all make-up and jewellery of any kind.
Stop sunbathing or using sun-beds for a minimum of 2 weeks before the treatment.
Stop taking all medication and the use of creams and treatments containing acids in general, Roacutan® etc unless permitted by the surgeon.
Apply all creams and take all medication that your surgeon has prescribed before the treatment.
Arrange all your activities with family, friends and work so that they do not interfere with your recovery for 3 to 12 days.

POSTOPERATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS

Try to ensure that you have a quiet life in the days before the session.
Keep your head elevated during the days following treatment to reduce swelling.
Stop strenuous exercise at least during the next 2 weeks.
Avoid getting the wound wet.
Stop taking any steam treatments or saunas in the following weeks.
No sunbathing or using sun-beds until permitted.
Always use sun-blocks over all the skin.
Apply any creams prescribed after the session.
Eat as normal.
Keep taking all prescribed medication and stay relaxed so saving your energy for your recovery.
Ensure that you come to the clinic for all your check-ups as stipulated.
Consult with these pages for information and instruction as often as you need to.