Acne is a skin condition characterized by inflamed pustules. It can also lead to scarring when the pustules rupture and fail to heal quickly, or the skin is squeezed or picked at. Laser resurfacing is a common treatment for scars caused by acne that can also treat other skin problems. This technique removes the upper layers of skin, which can then heal without the scarring.
CO2 Laser
A carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is an older type of laser that's used to resurface the skin. The CO2 gas is used to produce coherent light with only one wavelength, unlike normal light--which consists of light with many different wavelengths. The CO2 lasers have a longer recovery time but produce more consistent results.
Er:YAG Laser
An erbium, yttrium, aluminum and garnet (Er:YAG) laser uses a crystal composed of these materials to produce coherent light. An Er:YAG laser is a more recent technological development that requires a shorter recovery time than the CO2 laser. However, the results may not be as consistent as those of the CO2 laser.
Preparation
Laser resurfacing is typically performed on the face. The patient lies face-up and wears protective goggles or patches to protect the eyes from the intense beam of the laser. The surgeon then administers a sedative to keep the patient relaxed.
Anesthesia
The type of anesthesia depends primarily upon the size of the treatment area. A smaller treatment area may require only a local anesthetic; a larger area may need a nerve block anesthesia. Some surgeons may also administer twilight anesthesia that renders the patient semiconscious.
Operation
The operator inputs a series of parameters into a computer which then controls the laser. The laser makes a series of passes over the treatment area. The laser produces a series of very brief pulses of light that heat the skin and cause the top layers to vaporize. An Er:YAG laser generally requires more passes than a CO2 laser. The recovery period is 7 to 10 days for the CO2 laser and three to five days for the Er:YAG laser.
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