EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 20, 1997
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PLASTIC SURGEONS APPLY ADVANCED LASER TECHNIQUES FOR DRAMATIC RESULTS IN FULL FACE RESURFACING
SAN FRANCISCO (September 20, 1997) ñ The evolution of laser resurfacing techniques is producing dramatic improvement in full face resurfacing, according to two studies to be presented at the 66th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASPRS), September 20-24 in San Francisco, Calf.
One retrospective study, including 258 patients treated over a two-year period, was made to establish a consistent method of laser skin resurfacing that would result in predictable improvement of facial skin quality. Among the patient group, 201 were treated for photo damaged skin, 53 for facial acne scarring and 4 for post-surgical scars. Each of these conditions involves contour irregularity of the abnormal skin. A conservative technique of laser skin resurfacing, including pre- and post-operative care, was shown to provide dramatic improvement.
"While skin resurfacing with the CO2 laser has effectively replaced chemical peel and dermabrasion, the procedure still has limitations and complications" said Warren M. Lent, M.D., clinical assistant professor of surgery, University of Southern California, in private practice in Beverly Hills, California, and first author of one of the studies. "Using a less aggressive approach in laser resurfacing will provide more consistent and predictable results for the patient."
The other study examined the combination of full face laser resurfacing with a facelift for rejuvenation of the aging face. The ongoing study included 22 patients, all of whom underwent facelift procedures and skin resurfacing with the CO2 laser in the same session. Resurfacing of the facial flaps was found to be safe, and healing time was no longer than for either of the procedures alone. Completing the two procedures in one session is beneficial to the patient because there is only one anesthetic, one recovery period and better results.
"The risks associated with performing both procedures at the same time were shown to be no more than performing them separately," said Russel S. Palmer, MD., plastic surgeon in private practice, Hollywood, Fla., and author of the study. "With careful pretreatment of the skin and pre-operative planning, the surgeon can complete both procedures effectively in one session. The beauty of combining these treatments is that you correct the effects of aging, such as sagging skin, fat and muscles, and also improve the quality of the skin in one procedure."
The American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons represents 97 percent of all physicians certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). By choosing an ASPRS member plastic surgeon who is certified by the ABPS, patients can be assured that the physician has graduated from an accredited medical school and completed at least five years of additional residency, usually three years in general surgery and two years of plastic surgery. To be certified by the ABPS, a physician must also practice plastic surgery for two years and pass comprehensive written and oral examinations. Consumers may call Plastic Surgery Information Service at 1-800-635-0635 or access the ASPRS website at www.plasticsurgery.org for informational brochures and names of qualified plastic surgeons in their areas.
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