As is the case with many types of cosmetic procedures, laser resurfacing can enhance your appearance making you feel better about yourself. It doesn’t, however, remove all facial flaws nor can it prevent future aging of the skin, natural changes or “expression lines,” which come from normal facial movements such as smiling, talking, or squinting.

Before you decide to have surgery you should think realistically about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Markus. The best candidates for laser resurfacing are those who seek improvement, not necessarily perfection.

Dr. Markus will thoroughly discuss your candidacy for surgery with you. There are some things you will want to consider in advance of that meeting. The best candidates have fair, healthy, non-oily skin. Laser resurfacing best treats the following conditions:

• Fine lines (“crows feet”) around the eyes
• Lines around the mouth or on the forehead
• Trauma, surgical and hypertrophic scars
• Uneven pigmentation, such as “age spots”
• Lines caused by sun damage
• Acne scars

Some people may not be good candidates or may e at higher risk for complications, including those who:

• Have olive, brown or black skin
• Have taken Accutane in the past 12-18 months
• Are prone to abnormal (keloid) scarring
• Have active skin infections, including the herpes virus
• Have had burns on their face