Case Study Two: Laser Resurfacing

This patient kept a diary of her recovery, which was published by the manufacturer of the laser unit.

Consultation...

This 60-year-old female patient came to Atlanta Oculoplastic & Cosmetic Surgery concerned with multiple sun spots and wrinkles around her eyes and lips.

Diagnosis...

She was diagnosed multiple actinic keratoses, widespread sun damage, and periocular and perioral rhytids.

Treatment...

Full face resurfacing and transconjunctival blepharoplasty.

DAY 1 POST-OP

I woke up feeling some swelling but had absolutely no pain! The lip tenderness is gone but they feel tight. My face feels similar to puffy skin after a mild sunburn, but not painful.

DAY 2 POST-OP

I am surprised at how swollen my eyes are because I had rested so well. As the day progressed the weeping of the new skin increases. I am amazed that there is no pain. My lips are the most tender,but are comfortable as long as I keep them lubricated.

DAY 3 POST-OP

During the night I could feel a lot of drainage and my skin was sticking to the pillows and sheets. The swelling is noticeably less and my skin is more comfortable. The weeping of the skin is my main focus, and the bandages are tedious. My lips feel better and I can open them wider.

DAY 4 POST-OP

My eyes are uncomfortable when I blink, and they are a little sore. My lips feel less tight. My bandages were removed from my chin.

DAY 5 POST-OP

I feel improvement each day. The only discomfort is a little tightness of my eyelids and lips. My skin does not hurt or sting - it just has to be lubricated. I'm getting cabin fever and feel like getting out, but will wait since I am still bandaged up.

DAY 6 POST-OP

My skin is becoming smoother and less puffy. My skin is itching. My lips feel tight but look great, so it is worth it. Most of the bandages have been removed.

DAY 7 POST-OP

My skin feels tender and tight and appears more reddened today. I had all of my bandages removed which made the skin feel much better.

DAY 8 POST-OP

Today my eyes are less swollen and my skin looks good with only a small amount of crusting. I went to the grocery store and a couple of people commented about me "staying in the sun too long." Although my face is red, it is as smooth as newborn skin, and natural looking.

DAY 9 POST-OP

Last night was the first night I slept without ointment and it felt great! My skin is less red, but it feels dry and tight. We went out for supper and only a few people even looked at me with curiosity. The shower hitting my face feels good with a damp washcloth soak to soothe the skin.

DAY 10 POST-OP

The skin is less red, but dry and flaking. My lips continue to improve. I am very pleased to see the continued improvement.

DAY 11 POST-OP

My skin is mo longer red, but is pink! There is some peeling but my skin looks smooth and beautiful. My upper eyelid is dry and cracking.

DAY 12 POST-OP

I continue to be amazed with the continued improvement of my skin. Dr. Cole told me that I will be even happier with my skin in a few more weeks.

DAY 13 POST-OP

My skin continues to show daily improvement - no itching today at all. There is still pulling and pinkness but no discomfort.

DAY 14 POST-OP

My skin is less red today and it looks as though I've had too much sun. I've noticed two spots on my nose. Towards the end of the day, I had a little itching.

3 WEEKS POST-OP

I think laser surgery is marvelous! My sister had a surgical facelift and complained of discomfort for weeks - and she did not look nearly as good as I do. My advice to anyone would be ABSOLUTELY have it done, but plan to be out of commission for seven to ten days - then you're home free. Overall, there has been mild to moderate discomfort of my lips, but no pain otherwise. It's difficult to smile while this is healing, but the improvement is going to keep me smiling for a long, long time.

4 WEEKS POST-OP

Every time I touch my skin I am amazed at how smooth it is. 5 WEEKS POST-OP Many people have commented about how good I look. I have been using makeup to conceal the redness. You can't see any redness with a normal amount of makeup applied. 6 WEEKS POST-OP It is so much fun now to go out and use my senior citizen card for dinner or a show. I always get a double take, and one person got the manager to check my ID.