ANSWERS TO MOST COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT LASER PEELS

1. WHAT IS A LASER PEEL?
ANSWER: A laser peel involves the use of a carbon dioxide laser to carefully remove wrinkles and sun related changes of the skin of the face. A laser peel can be used to treat changes of the skin that result in premature aging including deep wrinkles, blemishes, dark spots and pre-cancers. After the peel, the skin in the area treated looks more youthful and “refreshed”. The laser peel can remove years off a person’s appearance and most times these changes persist for years after the procedure. The laser peel is the gold standard which all other facial rejuvenation procedures are compared. 

2. WILL IT HURT?
ANSWER: Patients undergoing the laser peel are put to sleep under general anesthesia at a nearby outpatient surgical facility. The anesthesia is administered and monitored by board certified anesthesiologists. This makes the somewhat time consuming procedure easy to tolerate and completely pain free. There is mild to moderate pain after the procedure for the first 12-18 hours and you will be given a prescription of pain medication to manage this pain. 

3. WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF A LASER PEEL?
ANSWER: Because the laser peel removes the damaged layers of skin, the area treated is susceptible to infections from bacteria, yeast and even viruses that cause cold sores or fever blisters. In order to minimize the risk of infection after the procedure, you will receive antibiotics and anti-viral medications to take both before and after the procedure. It is very important that these medications are used correctly because if not, an infection could result in significant scarring in the areas affected. Some patients may get temporary darkening of the skin in the areas treated. This is more common in patients with darker skin tones. This risk is minimized by the use of retin-A and a bleaching cream after the procedure. 

4. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER THE LASER PEEL?
ANSWER: Once you recover from the anesthesia, you will go home with a mesh bandage covering your entire face. Pain medication can be used as needed and you will continue to take your antibiotics and anti-viral medications for the period of time your doctor instructed. After 48 hours you will return to the office where your bandage will be removed and the doctor will examine you to be sure your skin is healing well. At that time a thin layer of ointment will be placed over the entire face and you will be sent home.

5. WILL I HAVE TO CARE FOR MY SKIN AT HOME AFTER THE BANDAGE IS REMOVED?
ANSWER: Yes. You will be given wound care instructions that consist of daily cleansing of the area treated with a non-soaped based cleanser followed by a layer of Vaseline petroleum jelly. This will be continued until the area treated has healed completely. This usually takes 7-10 days.

6. IS THE TREATMENT VERY EXPENSIVE, AND WILL MY INSURANCE PAY FOR THE TREATMENT?
ANSWER: The cost of treatment varies per person, and depends on the area being treated the time required in the operating room. The total cost of treatment averages around $5000. This treatment is considered a cosmetic treatment, and is generally not accepted by insurance companies. Therefore, payment by the patient is expected at the time of service.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, OR TO ARRANGE A CONSULTATION VISIT WITH DR. BAUCOM OR DR, PHARIS, PLEASE CALL 404-943-1996