Skin Resurfacing (Chemical)

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Skin Resurfacing (Chemical)
Skin Resurfacing (Laser)
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Vein Treatment

AKA: Chemical Peel

Skin resurfacing is used to improve the appearance of the skin as much as possible, not to create “perfect skin”. Being realistic about expectations and discussing them with your plastic surgeon will warrant satisfied results with the outcome.

Skin type, color, ethnic factors and age will have an effect on the outcome.

Skin is composed of 2 layers-the outer layer being the epidermis and the underlying layer, the dermis. The dermis is composed of 2 layers of collagen and fibers. The upper layer is the papillary while the under layer is the reticular layer. When this layer is damaged scars will form.



The Procedure

Laser surgery is probably the best way to go if you are concerned with sun damaged skin, crow’s feet type wrinkles or acne scarring. This is more of a spot treatment, problem area treatment.

Chemical peels are best used for more than spot treatment type of concerns. A chemical peel can resurface your whole face to smooth out wrinkles and facial scars or marks.

Dermabrasion is needed to smooth out deep scarring and wrinkled skin.

Discuss your desired results with your plastic surgeon to determine what your treatment options are. Often a skin treatment regimen will be prescribed to use at home prior to surgery.

Procedure for laser surgery:

Laser surgery is used to resurface the skin. It is best used to help smooth over sun damaged skin, crow’s feet and acne scarring. Laser is the cheapest, most painless way to correct “spot” problem areas. A laser is created by using high energy light waves of carbon dioxide to vaporize the top layer of skin. Instant results are created with no bleeding and minimal damage to surrounding skin.

Procedure for chemical peel:

The face is cleansed with a solution to remove oil and prep the skin for a chemical peel. There are various chemicals a surgeon may use. Glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid or phenol are common. Your surgeon will apply a chemical to your face and the epidermal layer wilol be removed and it will penetrate the first layer of the dermis. To remove deeper scares or wrinkles then dermabrasion is needed.

Procedure for dermabrasion:

Dermabrasion is a surgical technique where a local anesthetic or freezing is used to numb the area. Deep scars and wrinkles can be smoothed with this technique. Your surgeon will first numb the needed area. A rotating high speed bush is then used to remove the skin to create smooth results. The length of the surgery depends on how much treatment is necessary.

 

Recuperation

With laser surgery recovery may only require that you stay out of the sun, use prescribed skin care or sun block for a period of time. The skin may be red. With chemical peels and dermabrasion there will be redness and swelling, your doctor may prescribe ointment to be used 7-10 days after treatment. You may need to reduce activity, watch dietary intakes and try to remain stress free to help the healing process.




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Also Known As (AKA)

Chemical Peel