Imagine the thrill of looking at yourself in the mirror and seeing your face like it was 10 years ago. Or how great it would feel to never worry about your wrinkles, laugh lines and crow's feet again. As your body ages, the effects of the sun, pollution, smoking, alcohol and stress take their toll. Then with a decrease in collagen produced within the skin, you'll start seeing those lines turn into deeper wrinkles. At the same time your skin looses it's elasticity and firmness causing it to sag.

Most cosmetics or traditional moisturizers only treat the symptoms of aging skin. You may see a temporary fix but none of them can actually renew your skin's youthful glow. That's because the way to erase wrinkles and lines is to smooth the skin and tighten it at the same time.... just what laser resurfacing can do for you.

- What exactly happens    during the procedure? - What areas can be treated? - Does it hurt? - Who is a good candidate for    laser resurfacing?		- How long does recovery    take? - What complications and risks    are possible? - How much does it cost?

What exactly happens during the procedure ? Using an advanced carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, you'll get a precise exfoliation of the thin layer of damaged skin. As these older skin cells are gently removed, layer by layer, they are replaced by new, fresh, healthy skin. This process also starts the production of natural collagen, which tightens and gives a lift appearance to your face.

What areas can be treated? Laser resurfacing works well for lines and wrinkles on and around the face and under the eyes.

Does it hurt? No, depending on how large an area you'll be having done, you will be under local or twilight anesthesia.

Who is a good candidate for laser resurfacing? Almost anyone who wants to get rid of wrinkles, lines, sun damage, uneven texture, or acne scarring can benefit from laser resurfacing. It doesn't matter if you are 30 or 80 years old. One important point though: people with lighter complexions will get greater results. If your skin is darker than olive complexion, laser resurfacing might not be for you.

How long does recovery take? Because the outer layer of skin is being resurfaced, your skin will look significantly raw and swollen for about a week. Your face may look bad but you will not have much discomfort or pain. Then after the second week you'll see almost complete healing of the skin. Your skin will stay red for about 2 to 3 months but you will be able to wear special camouflage make-up to hide the redness.

What complications and risks are possible? As with any procedure, certain complications can occur. The redness mentioned is the most common. Also an outbreak of cold sores can be triggered by resurfacing. Most likely, you'll be given an antiviral medication before and after your treatment to reduce this possibility. Also there is a possibility of hypo or hyperpigmentation (if this does occur most changes in skin color will fade away over time.) And rarely will scarring or infection occur.

How much does it cost? The cost varies depending on the area treated. The larger the area the greater the cost. However your total investment in laser resurfacing ends up being significantly less than what you would pay year after year for all those expensive cosmetic products that do little or no good. Most patients consider the cost to be an investment in themselves.