Denis J. Winder M.D.
Durango SurgiCenter
316 Sawyer Dr
Durango Co 81303
Phone: (970)259-3818
Fax: (970)259-9553
e-mail:
winder@durangoplasticsurg.com

LASER SKIN RESURFACING

If you're considering laser skin resurfacing....

A Carbon Dioxide (CO-2) laser can resurface your skin to remove areas of damaged or wrinkled skin, layer by layer. The laser directs a beam of concentrated light on the area(s) to be treated which actually vaporizes the upper layers of the skin. It, sometimes, has advantages over alternative methods of treatment such as dermabrasion and chemical peeling, in that the plastic surgeon can more specifically control the level of penetration. Laser resurfacing is most commonly used to minimize the appearence of facial rhytids, or wrinkles, but can also be used on certain forms of scars such as acne scarring and discoloration.

The best candidates for laser resurfacing can be any age; the ideal patient has fair, healthy, non-oily skin. One of the risks of laser treatment can be pigmentary changes; the darker, more "olive" complected a patient, the higher the risk (for either lighter or darker changes). There are individuals who should not have laser, including someone who's taken Accutane in the past 18 months and those with skin infections.

Laser resurfacing can have dramatic effects; when used to minimize wrinkles, the effects are long lasting, but not permanent...you will continue to age, and facial "lines of animation" (crow's feet, nasolabial folds, oral commissures and "smile and frown lines") will inevitably recreate themselves over time.

You'll meet with Dr. Winder and his patient counselor to go over all the information and details you will need to know to make a fully informed and educated decision about this surgery (including looking at "before & after" pictures of other patients). Approximately one week prior to surgery you will have your pre-op appointment in the Durango office; one of our nurses and Dr. Winder will do a complete physical and history, and, if needed, we will send you for pre-op laboratory tests.

The surgery is usually performed under local anesthetic, with or without IV sedation, in our SurgiCenter in Durango with no overnight stay, complete confidentiality, and with considerable cost savings vs. hospitalization. The procedure can take anywhere from 1/2 hour to 3 hours depending upon the area being treated.

Depending upon the area being treated, a dressing must be worn for the first two to three days. After the first two to three days your skin will be raw and crusty, and very uncomfortable. Most of the healing takes place within the first two weeks; however, your skin will go from red to pink and back to your original skin tone over the next six months and it is very important to protect it from the sun.

Read our FAQ about laser skin resurfacing.