Laser Facial Resurfacing

Procedure:	Smooth the face and smooth fine wrinkles using a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser device that treats layers of damaged skin. Softens lines around the eyes and mouth and minimizes facial scars and unevenly pigmented areas.
Length:	A few minutes to one hour. May require more than one session.
Anesthesia:	Local with sedation or general.
In/outpatient:	Usually outpatient, unless combined with other surgical procedures that require hospitalization.
Side effects:	Temporary swelling, discomfort; lightening of treated skin; acute sun sensitivity; increased sensitivity to makeup; pinkness or redness in skin that may persist for up to six months.
Risks:	Burns or injuries caused by laser heat; scarring; abnormal changes in skin color; flare-up of viral infections (cold sores) and other infections (rare).
Recovery:	Back to work: usually two weeks. More strenuous activities: four to six weeks. Complete fading of redness: six months or less. Return of pigmentation/light sun exposure: 6 to 12 months.
Duration of results:	Long-lasting, but does not stop aging. New wrinkles, expression lines may form as skin ages.