Headquarters:
1804 Woodfield Drive
Savoy, IL 61874
(217) 359-7508
Other Illinois facilities:
2409 E. Washington Street
Bloomington, IL 61704
(309) 662-0436
(800) 252-7123
within IL only
Cosmetic laser surgery has come to the forefront of facial rejuvenation surgical procedures. This has actually evolved over many years and it is most recently due to significant changes in technology with the application of the CO2 laser. While the CO2 laser has been used in medicine for almost two decades, recent advances including the super pulse CO2 laser mode and the third generation of CO2 lasers, have made cosmetic facial rejuvenation more viable and the results more predictable and desirable.
It is for this reason that laser resurfacing has become a most popular and effective method of treatment of sundamaged skin or photoaging, lax or aging skin, wrinkles and facial scarring such as that due to acne. It is also useful for other conditions.
Laser surgery is carried out on an outpatient basis under anesthesia. Following laser resurfacing, the skin appears pink, moist and usually quite smooth. The outer layers have been removed during the surgical procedure and after the anesthetic wears off, the skin will be somewhat tender and some swelling is expected for the first two to three days. A burning sensation will be present but will be helped by the medication provided. It is important to keep the head elevated as much as possible for two days following the surgical procedure. A recliner is most helpful since it allows one to be able to sleep on his/her back. While the ability to work is not impaired, most patients may return to work and social activities within 7 to 10 days, depending on the extent of treatment. The skin at that point will look red and sunburned in appearance; however, makeup is used after the seventh day. Our Skincare Department can teach you how to camouflage the pink or red skin appearance quite well. Exercises may be resumed within one week. Extremes of heat, cold and wind should be avoided for several months.
Once the skin has healed, it is imperative to avoid sun exposure for at least six weeks; otherwise, sunburn, hyperpigmentation and other complications may occur. Lasered areas should be protected by using wide-brimmed hats and potent, broad-spectrum sunblock products (that protect against both UVA and UVB exposure) for at least six months.
Prior to laser resurfacing (and included in the cost of the procedure), an appointment will be made for you at the office for microdermabrasion. This simple non-ablative procedure will remove the upper layers of the epidermis that contains dead skin cells (keratin). This allows for proper, even penetration of the laser at the time of the procedure. Following the surgery, special products that enhance the growth of new skin will be applied to the face for the first week, which will facilitate and speed up the re-growth of new skin and the formation of new collagen. After the skin has healed, a bleaching cream and sunblock will be prescribed.
Laser resurfacing in combination with facelift and other facial rejuvenation procedures (eyelid surgery, forehead lift, etc.) has produced extremely good results for total facial rejuvenation.