Skin Resurfacing

SKIN RESURFACING

Understanding Skin Resurfacing

Skin resurfacing removes the outer layers of facial skin to reduce or eliminate lines, wrinkles and mild to moderate scars. Skin resurfacing procedures stimulate new skin growth, resulting in a fresher, more youthful appearance. These procedures can be a time consuming, frustrating, and anxiety producing experience. However, they can produce some of the best results accomplished by cosmetic procedures.

Who Is A Candidate for Skin Resurfacing?

If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, you may be a good candidate for skin resurfacing.

Chemical Peel

A chemical peel involves the application of a chemical solution to facial skin. The solution causes the surface layers of skin to peel, leaving a newly regenerated skin that is usually smoother and less wrinkled. A chemical peel may reduce or remove freckles, age spots and uneven pigmentation caused by birth control pills or pregnancy. Certain types of acne can also be treated with chemical peels.

Dermabrasion

When the skin has an uneven texture that results from acne or injury, dermabrasion may provide improvement. The process of dermabrasion is similar to sanding a mark from a surface. The more elevated areas of skin are smoothed down to diminish the variations that cast shadows when light strikes the face. Because the skin of the face is fairly thick, dermabrasion can be performed in all facial areas except the eyelids.

Laser

State of the art skin resurfacing is performed with a carbon dioxide laser that vaporizes the upper layers of the skin. The laser is effective in treating wrinkles, age spots, skin discolorations, and scars from acne or injury. In addition, laser treatment results in a mild tightening effect of the skin, especially in the lower eyelid area. Patients with a variety of complexions can be treated with the laser.

Before Surgery

As a part of the consultation visit, Dr. Coley discusses medical history and expectations. He examines the skin to determine skin type, severity of sun damage, pigmentation and the depth of skin imperfections. These factors are carefully evaluated to determine the resurfacing technique that will produce the best results.

During Surgery

Depending on the type and extent of the resurfacing, general anesthesia local anesthesia with sedation is usually required.  The procedure varies in length, but usually takes approximately one hour.

Understanding the Recovery

When the skin resurfacing is completed, the patient leaves with no dressings on the skin. There is a fair amount of stinging in the resurfaced area for several hours afterward, but this is easily tolerated through the use of oral medication. Some swelling occurs which peaks about 72 hours after the procedure. Some activities that interfere with healing must be avoided during the early recovery period. Most patients return to work within two weeks.

The skin takes a minimum of six weeks and a maximum of three to nine months to heal. The red coloration of the skin becomes pink and then regains a more normal skin color during the healing process. While the skin is healing, it is more sensitive and must be kept moist a protected from the sun.

Understanding the Results

The final result of skin resurfacing may not be apparent for at least three to nine months. The patient must be willing to accept the temporary swelling and discoloration that occurs following the procedure. Most patients feel the inconvenience is a small price to pay for the cosmetic improvements.