Preoperative anesthesia and postoperative considerations in laser resurfacing.

This article details patient selection, preoperative preparation, and postoperative considerations for conducting UltraPulse (Coherent Medical, Palo Alto, CA) CO2 laser resurfacing. The authors share their more than 3 years experience with more than 1,000 patients to help physicians perform this technique, choose optimal treatment parameters, and select appropriate patients for treatment. Methods to decrease postlaser adverse sequelae are discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the minimization of postoperative infections. An extensive section on anesthesia techniques is also provided.