Minnesota Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery Specialists, P.C.

6405 France Ave S, Suite W460, Edina, MN 55435
Phone +952 925 4161 | Fax +952 925 3520

CO2 Laser Resurfacing

CO2 laser resurfacing is a procedure used to rejuvenate and correct aging or damaged skin. The procedure is most commonly used to minimize the appearance of fine lines especially around the mouth and the eyes. It is also effective in treating acne scars or areas of uneven pigmentation. Laser resurfacing can also be done with other cosmetic operations such as eyelid surgery.

Laser resurfacing effectively removes the upper layer of skin in problematic areas. New skin is then formed in those areas. The new skin appears younger, more elastic, and with less wrinkles and other signs of age.

Laser resurfacing can be a rewarding experience. However, it comes with a daunting recovery time. It requires more pre-surgical preparation and after-surgery care than many other cosmetic procedures. After your CO2 laser skin resurfacing procedure you will experience, for a short time, a recovery process that will make your skin look and feel its absolute worst. You may even question why you decided to undergo such a procedure! But the final results of laser resurfacing can be remarkable.

Laser resurfacing won’t completely remove all facial flaws or prevent further aging. We can suggest ways to help you preserve and maintain your results by protecting your skin from sun exposure and by applying other simple lifestyle changes.

As with any procedure, risks are involved including burns, scarring, and obvious lightening or darkening of the treated skin. Ask our doctors about your level of risk. Not everyone is a candidate for laser resurfacing. Our physicians can help direct you in your best treatment options.

Before Your Laser Resurfacing Procedure

There are several steps you can take in order to ensure optimal results of your surgery; these steps begin well before your surgery is even performed! To begin, during the 4-6 weeks prior to your surgery you should maintain a well balanced diet as well as staying hydrated (6-8 glasses of water a day).

Blood thinners, including smoking, should ideally be avoided two weeks prior to surgery. However, we understand that certain prescribed medications cannot be ceased or need to be gradually weaned off of. Always talk to your primary doctor before going off of any prescription medication as he or she is most familiar with your specific medication needs.

Finally, you will be given three prescriptions. These can be filled at your local pharmacy and should be started one day prior to your surgery and taken as directed.

These prescriptions include:

  • Ciprofloxacin 500 mg: An antibacterial that is to be taken twice daily beginning one day before your surgery and continuing for fourteen days following the resurfacing.
  • Acyclovir (Zorvirax) 400 mg: An antiviral that is to be taken three times a day beginning the day before your surgery and continuing for ten days
  • Fluconazole 400 mg: An anti-fungal that is only taken once the morning of your surgery on an empty stomach