Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Department of Plastic Surgery
(909) 558-4176
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.
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| Laser depth dependent on intensity | |
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| Preoperative appearance | Postoperative appearance |
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| Preoperative appearance | Postoperative appearance |
Actual patient photographs available at time of consult.
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