Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

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laser skin resurfacing A method for smoothing
scars, ACNE pitting, WRINKLES, and other blemishes
from the SKIN, primarily on the face, using a heat
(usually carbon dioxide) laser. The laser focuses a
high-intensity beam of light that the dermatologist
moves across the surface of the skin, precisely targeting
the depth and skin areas for resurfacing.
This precision control allows the dermatologist to
target some areas more deeply than others,
accommodating such variations in the skin as fine
wrinkles to moderate scars. Like CHEMICAL PEEL and
DERMABRASION, laser skin resurfacing achieves skin
smoothing by destroying layers of cells. The new
skin that grows to replace the destroyed skin is
tight and smooth.
The dermatologist performs laser skin resurfacing
as an AMBULATORY SURGERY procedure in a clinic,
office facility, or an ambulatory surgery facility, typically
using local anesthetic to numb the skin and a
sedative medication for relaxation and improved
comfort. The length of time the procedure requires
depends on what kinds of blemishes the dermatologist
is treating. The dermatologist may cover the
treated surfaces with an ointment and bandages,
which remain in place for one or two days.
After the procedure the treated skin surfaces
are red, swollen, and tender or painful. After a
day or two the skin scabs or crusts, a normal stage
in the HEALING process. The dermatologist removes
any bandages at this time. As the skin heals the
scabs fall away, typically in 10 to 14 days. The new
skin is red and shiny, transitioning to normal pigmentation
and texture over the following six to
eight weeks (though most of the redness subsides
in about three weeks). Full HEALING and noticeable
improvement take about six months.
The risks of laser skin resurfacing are slight and
include excessive bleeding, INFECTION, and pigmentation
changes. As with all cosmetic procedures, it
is important to fully understand what laser skin
resurfacing can and cannot accomplish. Most people
who receive treatment from a qualified dermatologist
or plastic surgeon are satisfied with the
results. Some people may find that the new skin is
sensitive to soaps, cleansers, and makeup used
before the procedure.
The new skin is very vulnerable to damage
from the sun during as well as after healing,
requiring protective clothing, such as a widebrimmed
hat or scarf, and high sun protection factor
(SPF) sunscreen whenever sun exposure is
necessary. The effects of laser skin resurfacing typically
last several years, with wrinkles gradually
returning as a normal function of the aging
process. Alterations such as SCAR revision or
removal are permanent.
See also AGING, INTEGUMENTARY CHANGES THAT
OCCUR WITH; BOTULINUM THERAPY; LASER SURGERY; SUN
PROTECTION; SURGERY BENEFIT AND RISK ASSESSMENT.
lentigines Dark spots of varying size on the SKIN,
also called freckles, liver spots, or age spots.
Lentigines develop as a result of continued sun
exposure and indicate damage to the skin. A single
spot is a lentigo. Lentigines are often widespread
on areas of skin that receive high sun
exposure, such as the face and arms, sometimes
covering the entire surface of exposed skin. It is
important to examine the skin in areas of heavy
sun damage, such as those with many lentigines,
for signs of SKIN CANCER as most skin cancer arises
from such damage.
Cosmetic products such as creams and lotions
containing alphahydroxy acid, lactic acid, or other
mild fruit acids can lighten lentigines, functioning
as a mild CHEMICAL PEEL. These products have a