Lines and wrinkles in the skin are a result of aging, gravity, and repeated exposure to the sun. Apart from losing the youthful skin tone and texture, a process called "solar elastosis" or the breakdown of the skin’s natural elasticity occurs as well. Other changes commonly associated with aged and weathered skin are age spots, pigmented patches, and precancerous skin conditions. One area of particular concern is the smoker’s lines, or kissing wrinkles, noted around the mouth and upper lip. This area can not be addressed with surgery, and can only be partially alleviated with absorbable collagen fillers. Laser resurfacing replaces the damaged and cosmetically unappealing skin, by replacing it with new, fresh and healthy skin. This is accomplished by heating the top skin layer in a controlled fashion. As a result this damaged layer "sloughs" away, and is replaced by the body’s natural healing instinct. Many patients are familiar with older treatments set out to accomplish a similar goal. Dermabrasion and chemical peels, while still performed today, set out to accomplish the same goal; destroying damaged skin. Dr. Bassin does not perform these older techniques for skin rejuvenation, as he feels that the newer laser system can accomplish better results by maintaining a precise penetration depth, controlled by the computer generated laser system. Dr. Bassin has all of the state of the art laser systems at his disposal, including the Carbon Dioxide and Erbium lasers.

Patients who choose to have peri-oral (around the mouth) or peri-orbital (around the eyes) resurfacing can have the procedure performed in Dr. Bassin’s office, with the aid of local anesthetic. This is accomplished with a tiny injection placed around the nerve that provides sensation to the area being treated. The numbness lasts approximately 90 minutes. Patients are then placed in a comfortable reclined position and treated with the laser that may take 10 to 15 minutes depending on the areas being treated. Patients opting for full face laser resurfacing are encouraged to have the procedure performed at an outpatient surgical facility for maximal comfort. After the procedure, patients do not experience pain that can not be controlled with over-the-counter medicine. Dr. Bassin expects for the new skin layer to appear in approximately 5 days, during which time patients will be seen in the office by our Aesthetician for skin treatments. Dr. Bassin encourages all of his patients to consult with the Aesthetician prior to a laser procedure to adequately prepare the skin and formulate a skin care plan. Laser skin resurfacing is commonly performed with other facial cosmetic surgical procedures.