Optimizing Fully Ablative Resurfacing

The presentation discusses optimizing fully ablative resurfacing, a procedure known for providing significant results in treating photoaging but associated with considerable downtime and post-treatment care. The speaker shares personal experiences of growing in confidence with this technique and addresses the risks involved, such as hypopigmentation, particularly in certain patient demographics. The advantages of ablative resurfacing over fractional lasers are highlighted, including enhanced results, especially in regions like the mouth and eyes when combined with other treatments. Important pre-treatment considerations include patient history, skin priming, and potentially using neuromodulators for better outcomes. Techniques for local anesthesia, such as using injectable lidocaine and effective eye protection, are described to ensure patient comfort. Post-procedural care is crucial, involving consistent wound care practices and monitoring for infection. The speaker notes that while dramatic improvements can be achieved, complete wrinkle removal is not guaranteed. The role of combining treatments, understanding patient expectations, and deciding between resurfacing and surgical options like blepharoplasty are emphasized. Several before-and-after cases are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the procedure, demonstrating its positive impact on patients' lives.