I f you watch TV or read magazines, then you probably have heard about skin rejuvenation involving lasers. There have been dramatic improvements in the design of surgical lasers over the last several years, making them extremely effective in the treatment of various skin conditions.

Lasers can be used to treat skin problems because they produce a concentrated beam of light that can be selectively absorbed by the skin, vaporizing the tissue being treated. The laser used in cosmetic skin resurfacing is the carbon dioxide (C02) laser, which produces a beam of light that can be absorbed by water. Since all living cells contain water, the CO2 laser can effectively vaporize the skin in a controlled fashion, one thin layer at a time. Turning the light on and off in quick, short pulses and allowing the targeted tissue to cool between applications minimizes thermal injury to the skin.

The new pulsed CO2 lasers have proven to be excellent and precise tools in the treatment of many skin surface imperfections and irregularities, including wrinkles, pigmented spots, acne scars and some precancerous lesions. The laser works to improve wrinkled skin by removing the skin irregularities and by shrinking the collagen layer of the skin.

The ideal patient is someone with a light skin complexion and fine wrinkles of the face and hands. Laser resurfacing is an office procedure done under local anesthetic. The procedure leaves the skin, which must be covered with makeup during the healing process, a mild to moderately pink color, which fades with time.

To find out more about how the new generation of skin resurfacing lasers can help you, please contact the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at 641-494-5360.

Mark W. Mulkey, M.D.,
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon,
Mason City Clinic