Pre op

During initial consultations your needs are assessed including the areas that you want resurfaced, and the extent of the correction to your skin that you require. You will be asked to express your concerns about your appearance and to discuss your goals & expectations. Your medical history will be reviewed and a physical examination will be conducted.

Mr Golchin will advise you on the appropriateness of laser treatment. At the About Face Clinic our philosophy is that laser resurfacing should be done carefully and only on specific areas. If a resurfacing is performed too deeply, there is the possibility of scar formation.
Prior to treatment different skin care products may be recommended to optimise your skin in preparation for the treatment.
If you have suffered from cold sores or shingles (herpes virus), Anti-viral medication may be prescribed. Antibiotic may also be prescribed commencing on the day of surgery, and continued for seven days.

RISKS

Erythema (Redness):

Mild redness of the operated region is normal for about 4- 8 weeks following the procedure, but is effectively concealed by makeup once the skin has healed after 10 days. In some cases, it may be prolonged for several months or be more pronounced than normal. Redness of the operation site is necessary. In fact if there is no erythema, then there will be a poor effect to the treatment.

Changes in skin pigmentation:

Hyperpigmentation (increased pigmentation) is an irritating complication, but will eventually clear in all affected patients. It rarely occurs in people with fair skin. High-risk patients are pre-treated with creams.
Hypopigmentation (decreased pigmentation) is rare complication usually affecting lighter skin types. It may occur as late as six months after the procedure and is due to dermal fibrosis.

Hypertrophic scarring:

This is a very rare complication of laser resurfacing. It tends to occur more frequently in certain areas of the face for example peri-orally, which is a very dynamic area. Mr Golchin does not favour procedures such as total facial laser resurfacing as these cases are at risk of potentially serious complications.