Laser facial resurfacing: Patient survey of recovery and results

Objective: To determine patient satisfaction with the postoperative recover y period and surgical outcome after facial laser resurfacing. Design: Survey. Patients: Patients who underwent facial laser resurfacing by two of the aut hors (PAA or DAFE) between 1995 and 1996. Questionnaires were completed by 47 of 100 patients. Interventions: Facial laser resurfacing with the Sharplan CO2 laser and Sil kTouch Scanner. Main Outcome Measures: Questionnaire. Statistical analysis was generated fr om a 5-point analogue scale. Results: The overall side effects were moderate in severity, were well tole rated, and met the expectations of our patients. Redness was the most frequ ent side effect with an average duration of 3 months. Most patients returne d to occupational and social activities at 2.5 weeks. Moderate lifestyle di sruption was more frequent after full-face laser resurfacing than partial-f ace laser resurfacing. Excellent improvement was achieved for removal of fi ne wrinkles, improvement of skin quality, and sun-damaged skin. Good improv ement was obtained for acne scarring and deep rhytids. Overall goals were a ttained in 89% of patients. Conclusions: Laser resurfacing produced excellent results for fine rhytids, skin quality, and sun-damaged skin. Return to social and occupational acti vities may occur early in recovery with the use of camouflage make-up. Pati ent education and close follow-up are necessary in the postoperative period .