Commonly Asked Questions
Erbium Laser
Pre-operative and Post-operative list for Laser Resurfacing
Consent form for Laser Resurfacing
Commonly Asked Questions
1.
What is laser resurfacing?
Laser resurfacing is an accurate method of replacing and smoothing the outer
layers of the skin which have been either damaged by the sun, the ageing process
or acne scars.
The procedure consists of a laser beam being passed over the skin which causes
the outer layers to vapourise away. The skin subsequently heals leaving a very
refreshed, tight, smooth rejuvenated appearance.
Patients with many sunspots, solar keratoses, pre-cancers and a tendency for
facial skin cancers will benefit tremendously from resurfacing. All the outer
damaged layers are replaced by a new fresh non sun damaged surface.
2. What are the benefits of laser resurfacing?
The benefits are:
A) Produces a natural rejuvenated appearance of the facial skin. There is no
change in the shape of your face as can be seen with the face lift surgery.
B) Less risk of scarring.
C) Less risk of pigmentation change.
D) Little or no pain.
E) Quick recovery.
F) No bleeding.
G) Remove skin layer by layer.
H) Very accurate and specific which allows the surgeon to vary the required
depth on different areas.
I) Able to vary the depth of resurfacing by a computer generator, which allows
precise control and a smooth result.
J) No risk of catching AIDS/Hepatitis.
K) No risk of nerve damage as with a face lift.
L) Able to safely treat fragile skin regions that previously have been untreatable.
eg.: under and around the eyes.
M) Long lasting - most results last years or have life long improvements.
Most Ideal Patients:
• Fair, non-olive skin
• Fine-lines or furrows in skin texture (see adjacent photograph)
• Blotchy pigmentation & sunspots
• Gentle slopping scars
Contour Laser
Dr Lanzer was the first doctor to use the Contour Laser in Australia. This was reported on "Today Tonight" (channel 7) and the "H B & H" magazine.
With ageing and sun damage, fine lines appear around our eyes and lips then as the collagen beneath our skin wears out, deeper wrinkles begin to appear. Surface irregularities such as pigment discolouration and acne scarring may also occur.
In the past the treatments of choice for these conditions were dermabrasion or chemical peels. In dermabrasion, layers of skin are actually sanded away and in chemical peels, layers of skin are burned away with an acid solution.
The Erbium Laser
The Erbium Laser is the latest advance for the treatment of ageing and sun-damaged skin. The Erbium Laser provides a safer, more accurate and less painful method of restoring a softer, smoother, more youthful appearing skin. In many cases, patients can have their procedure performed in the doctor’s office and be home that same day.
Erbium Laser skin resurfacing is a procedure specifically designed to remove superficial and moderately deep lines and wrinkles on the face.
The Erbium Laser produces less heating and burning of surrounding tissues than other lasers used for resurfacing. This allows your doctor to gently and comfortably vapourise the damaged skin cells, layer by layer. Many cases require only a local or topical anaesthetic. Recent studies have shown that the Erbium Laser stimulated the production of collagen, creating a tightening and smoothing of the skin.
Contour Laser
The latest and most significant breakthrough has been the Contour Laser which allows the treating physician to obtain the advantage of both the CO2 and Erbium with the same laser. The Contour Laser is unique in that the surgeon can adjust accurately, 2 separate modes of action. Firstly the laser can be adjusted to precisely vary the depth of penetration and so can be used both for light resurfacing and deeper facial lines and scar removal. Using a new principle called Optical Diatherming Technology (ODT), the precise level of deep vascular coagulation can be selected giving maximum control on collagen contraction. The Contour Laser is also more powerful than previous erbium type lasers which subsequently enhances the speed and ease of resurfacing.
The Contour Laser is also the first resurfacing laser that has a computer controlled function to predetermine the exact depth in microns of the amount of skin rejuvenation required.
What about recovery?
Skin resurfacing with the cool light of the Erbium laser, results in less post-operative redness, less swelling and provides a more rapid healing than with other skin resurfacing methods.
In most cases, patients are fully recovered and back to normal activities within 7 days. days. Following the procedure, the treated areas are covered with thin occlusive dressings for the first 5-6 days.
Make-up and sunscreen can be worn after the first week and is encouraged as it enhances the result, covers the initial redness and provides protection from the sun.
Over the next few weeks your fresh, new, pink skin will fade to a normal tone revealing a softer, smoother, younger skin.
What are the benefits of Erbium skin resurfacing?
• Erbium Laser skin resurfacing is a safe, reliable, well controlled procedure.
• Skin resurfacing with the Erbium Laser can be performed with local topical
anaesthesia in many cases.
• Resurfacing with the Erbium laser produces fewer unwanted side effects and
complications.
• Erbium Lasers can sometimes be used on the neck, chest and hands.
• With the Erbium Laser, it is possible to treat people with naturally darker
skin.
• Treatment with the Erbium Laser produces minimal heating and burning of surrounding
tissue.
• Healing is more rapid because the Erbium Laser causes minimal redness, swelling
and bruising.
• I may be combined with eyelid rejuvenation, liposuction, BX muscle relaxant* or facial fillers.
What conditions are treatable with this laser?
• This method is ideal for texture problems such as pigmentation, blotching,
freckles and acne scarring, sun damage and solar keratoses.
• Both superficial and deep wrinkles will respond to laser and the most commonly
treated area is around the mouth and the eyes.
• With advanced ageing, the skin ‘falls’ from the bony structure and
this is commonly treated with face lift surgery although with the laser you
may expect some tightening of the skin which also produces a ‘face lift’ effect.
• Patients usually have their full face resurfaced for a uniform rejuvenated
appearance. Localised areas i.e. a cosmetic unit such as under the eyes or the
lip can be resurfaced alone, however there may be a slight colour difference
between treated and non treated areas. (Permenant Fillers* line).
Erbium
Laser - Commonly Asked Questions
1.
Is there any pain?
You may feel discomfort if the procedure is done while you are awake. We recommend
sedation or general anaesthetic for full face resurfacing. During the healing
there is usually no pain at all. Occasionally the skin can become irritated
or itchy. Swelling and crusting on the edges of the dressing can occur.
2. How long do the effects of the laser treatment last?
The effects last for many years. I have performed resurfacing procedures for
over a decade with long lasting results.
3. What risks are involved with the Erbium Laser?
Although risks are much less compared to the CO2 laser, the same side effects
can occur. These include infection, persistent redness, increased or decreased
pigmentation and scarring.
In order to predict these risks, a test area may be recommended particularly
if you have a dark complexion. Fair skin patients who burn easily have the least risk of pigmentation.
4. How successful is this procedure?
Our experience indicates excellent results for sun-damaged skin, superficial
pigmentation, wrinkles and acne or surgical scarring. Results are long-lasting
and usually do not need to be repeated.
Localised treatments for benign moles and seborrhoeic keratoses is very successful
and usually leaves no scar compared to excisional surgery..
5. Who uses the laser?
The laser machine is very expensive and the operator needs specialised supervised
training in order to use the laser safely. Our doctors are trained and have
experience in the latest laser methods. Please make an appointment so that we
can answer any further questions.
6. When can I resume work?
Usually the skin is fully resurfaced and healed between 6-10 days. At this stage,
redness can be covered with make-up and ordinary duties recommence.
7. Alternatives?
Face-lift involves cutting out the loose, sagging skin and pulling tight on
the muscle and skin. Chemical peels and dermabrasion also improve skin texture
but have higher risks. Sun protection and avoidance of smoking may prevent skin
damage.
8. Combination?
Laser is often combined with other procedures.
9. Risks
Dr Lanzer has performed laser treatments since its discovery and therefore has extensive experience. Risks are very low but every procedure has them and it is important that you read the consent form. The most nuisance risk is pigmentation, browning of the skin in olive skin patients. Cold sores can occur if the patient has had them before and therefore a tablet is taken to suppress this. The skin may be red when healed but can be covered with makeup. Scarring and pigmentation are also uncommon risks.
Pre-operative
and Post-operative list for Laser Resurfacing
Patient Instructions
A. Pre-operative
1. All information read and questions answered. Consent form needs to be signed.
2. No aspirin for at least two weeks before surgery.
3. Screening blood tests for H.I.V./liver enzymes/Hepatitis/full blood test.
4. Pre-operative photos taken.
5. After-care appointment made.
6. Payment is required 10 days before surgery.
Medication
You will be prescribed Keflex (antibiotic) to commence the day before surgery.
Take one capsule four times a day for 5 days.
If you have had a cold sore you will need to take a special tablet called Valtrex.
Take one tablet per day until the packet is finished.
B Post-operative
Dressings & Skin Care
Leave adhesive dressing on for 7 days. Expect weeping of fluid and occasionally
the dressing can be changed. After 7 days you may remove the dressing. A good
way of doing this is to soak the dressing off under the shower. When the dressing
is removed, soak any crusty areas with water and apply Vaseline thinly until
full healing occurs. From this point, apply 30+ sunblock under make-up when
you are outdoors for the next 3-6 months.
• Do not apply anything to your skin without consulting Dr Lanzer please.
• Please call our rooms 1800 444 333 or 03 9826 6644 for any questions or concerns. Follow the post-op direction sheet for pager number.
• Once the skin has healed, resume ordinary moisturiser such as sorbolene and
make-ups.
• Sunblock preparation and make-ups are essential for 6 months.
Consent form for Laser Resurfacing
• Printfriendly version of the consent form (Opens in a new window)
* Due to Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) laws about advertising trade names in Australia over the internet, it has become necessary to label some treatments products with different names. Please call us on 1800 444 333 for more information or register as a patient online to access more detailed information.