Laser Resurfacing
See More: Facial Surgery
Question: If you have laser resurfacing of the whole face - how deep do you go and also if you have to have it repeated how soon can this be done and how much does it cost for the first time and then the repeat procedure.
Answer:
If the CO2 laser is used, the laser beam penetrates 50 microns with each pass (each application). For acne scars & deep wrinkles, we usually do 2-3 passes for a total depth of 1-1.5 mm. It should not be repeated any sooner than 6-12 months, and at that time either less power or fewer passes would be used. Healing time is 10-12 days. Other lasers (Erbium, Fraxel) penetrate only 20 microns per pass & have little or no down time (healing time). Yet they do not achieve the same degree of smoothing & tightening. Currently we do not use these 2 but we are investigating the Fraxel laser for selected uses. Cost for a full face CO2 laser resurfacing is $3150 including surgeon, operating room, and anesthesia fees assuming a 1.5 hour operation time. If you would like a personal consultation, please call one of my patient coordinators, Tabitha at (912) 351-5050 ext. 133 or Susan at (912) 351-5050 ext. 129. Thanks! Lawrence E. Ruf, M.D.
