SKIN
RESURFACING (dermabrasion, laser surgery, and chemical peel)
Dermabrasion, Laser Surgery and Chemical Peels are all types of skin resurfacing procedures that help smooth and refine damaged complexions. These procedures can help to reverse the effects of sun damaged skin that causes fine lines and wrinkles, or improve the look of acne or other light scars, and can remove pre-cancerous skin growths called keratoses.
The choice of procedure is based on the type of damage needed to be repaired, and the skin color, type, ethnic background, and age of the patient. A careful examination of your skin and a detailed history performed by the physician will determine the best method.
DERMABRASION:
Dermabrasion is a surgical technique that uses a high speed rotating burr to remove
the top layer of skin to the desired level of smoothness. This procedure is used
to remove acne and other scares, and reduces lines and wrinkles. It is particularly
effective on small areas but can be used over the entire face. It is often used
for deeper imperfections or scars, and on people who have darker skin because
it is less likely to change skin color.
LASER SKIN RESURFACING:
Laser surgery is performed by using a beam of laser energy which vaporizes the
upper layer of damaged skin at specific and controlled levels of penetration.
Lasers can be used to reduce wrinkles around the lips or eyes, or the entire face,
they can soften fine wrinkles and remove certain blemishes without making an incision.
As such, there is usually little or no bleeding and less postoperative discomfort.
However, some procedures may need to be repeated to get the desired final effect.
CHEMICAL PEELS:
In a Chemical Peel the surgeon or technician applies one of several chemicals
to the skin. As the chemical is applied, the outer layer of skin is removed. Some
chemical peels are very mild and give the skin an overall fresher and smoother
appearance. These are usually done in the office in less than 30 minutes and patients
can resume their daily activities immediately. Other peels involve stronger chemicals
and, like the Dermabrasion and Laser, remove a deeper layer of skin which reduces
fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes.
All of these procedures usually take an hour or less and they are generally done on an outpatient basis, under sedation analgesia. Except for the mild Chemical Peel, redness and mild swelling can be expected afterwards and the treated area may sting or burn. Most discomfort can be controlled by ice packs and medication prescribed by the doctor, and will subside in a couple of days. Prescribed ointments, which enhance the healing process, also help to eliminate scabbing and crusting. During this time it is very important to follow the doctor’s post-op instructions and to avoid sunlight as much as possible. Although the skin may remain quite pink, with the help of non-allergenic make-up, most patients feel and look good enough to return to school or work in a week or two depending on the scope of the treatment.
Healing may take several months. However, once the pinkness fades, patients usually notice a significant improvement in the quality of their skin and a fresher smoother appearance.
Face Lifts
| Nasal Surgery | Eyelid
Surgery | Forehead and Browlifts
| Ear Surgery | Facial
Implants | Skin Care
Skin
Resurfacing | Cleft Lip and
Palate Surgery | Facial
Injection Therapies: Botox, Lip Enhancement and Collagen