CO2 Ablative Laser Resurfacing Near Me in Boise, Idaho: Frequently Asked Questions


What is laser resurfacing?
Skin resurfacing involves the reduction of wrinkles and discoloration of the skin via our fully ablative CO2 laser technology. The vaporization of damaged outer skin layers and tightening of the deeper layers achieves this effect. A healthy lifestyle and a good skincare regimen will ensure that the results of the procedure last as long as possible. Our office recommends and sells the regimens offered by the brands Epionce and Obagi Medical.
What causes wrinkles and discoloration of the skin?
A combination of genetics, sun, gravity, facial expressions, and aging cause wrinkles/discoloration. Pregnancy can also cause skin hyperpigmentation. Smoking can result in
deeper lip lines and generally diminishes the quality of the skin.
Who is a suitable candidate?
Anyone wishing to improve the quality of their skin is a candidate. Fair-skinned people with sun-induced fine to medium wrinkles are top candidates. Very deep wrinkles and folds associated with facial expressions are usually only partially corrected. Because of the fully ablative nature of the CO2 laser, neck skin is not an area suitable for treatment. Excess eyelid and eyebrow skin can be tightened to a degree using the laser.
Payment?
The price of resurfacing is dependent on the details of each procedure. Cost is based on factors such as total procedure time, techniques, and anesthesia. A 20% non-refundable deposit is due when the surgery is scheduled. The remaining balance is due two weeks prior to surgery. We accept cash, check, Visa, MasterCard,
Discover, and Care Credit.
How do I prepare?
Pretreatment with exfoliating agents or Retin-A may be recommended. A bleaching agent may also be prescribed if you are not fair skinned. Antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals are started the days before surgery if there is any history of acne or cold sores. You should buy soft cotton gloves to wear while sleeping to prevent scratching your treated skin. Wear a front opening shirt/blouse and do not use makeup the day of surgery.
What anesthesia is used?
Local injections may be adequate for lower eyelid resurfacing, but IV anesthesia is required for full face treatment. Conscious sedation, or twilight anesthesia, is used which allows you to breathe naturally and sleep comfortably throughout the procedure. This adds approximately $1550 to the cost of your surgery, depending on how much of the face is treated. Payment for anesthesia is due the day of your procedure and payments are made to T-Medica Mobile Anesthesia. Anesthesia fees will increase if you opt to combine surgeries.
Is skin resurfacing painful?
Some discomfort similar to a moderate sunburn is usually experienced the first 1-2 days. The skin may feel “tight” for several days.
What will my recovery be like?
The skin should be covered during the first 6-9 days. A period of redness begins after the first week and lasts 2-6 weeks, but occasionally longer. This timeline can vary depending on your body’s healing and recovery rate.
When are the follow-up appointments?
Most patients are seen at 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 6 months.
What are the risks?
Scarring is very rare but can occur with heavy treatment for deep wrinkles. Inform your surgeon if you form keloids. Hyperpigmentation can arise in the weeks following treatment. This is more common in dark-skinned individuals and usually resolves with bleaching agents. Some recurrence of wrinkles can occur, especially with lines of facial expressions. Hypopigmentation rarely occurs but is permanent. Dryness of the eyes and retraction of the lower lid can occur but normally resolve spontaneously.
Where is the procedure performed?
The resurfacing treatments are performed at Idaho Eyelid & Facial Plastic Surgery, 111 West Main Street, Suite 200 in Boise, Idaho.
Why do our surgeons perform laser resurfacing?
Resurfacing allows the correction of crow’s feet and other fine lines of the face, which do not respond to traditional surgery. Our surgeons are trained in both the care of your eyes and in plastic surgery of the eyelids and upper/lower face. They have used lasers to treat the eyes and face for many years. Dr Boerner has used the CO2 laser for skin resurfacing since 1995.