There are many ways to combat the signs of aging. Both surgical and non-surgical methods may be used to soften wrinkles around the eyes and mouth. These include dermabrasion, chemical peels, and surgery to correct loose or sagging skin.

Use of the laser to reduce wrinkles and acne scarring enables the surgeon to treat the skin precisely with great control. This offers certain advantages over other methods used in the past.

Q&A

What lasers are used and what is the difference?
Since 1985, Dr. Lyons has used the CO2 laser. This laser affects the superficial lasers, as well as the deep, and requires some attention to wound care during the healing process. Preoperatively patients are placed on either glycolic acid or Retin-A along with a few prepatory light chemical peels to “prep the skin” for the procedure. Post-operatively, sun exposure is to minimized. Numerous laser advances have occurred, and at the present time, the use of a computer generated handpiece on the CO2 laser permits a marked improvement in results along with decreased down time. The patient does require approximately one-week recovery for full face laser resurfacing.

What is the difference between laser resurfacing and a facelift?
Laser resurfacing is not a replacement of a facelift. Whereas a facelift tightens underlying tissues and removes excess skin, the laser removes the damaged, superficial layers of skin and tightens the collagen beneath. Laser resurfacing is frequently used in conjunction with a facelift.