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There are several different types of skin resurfacing techniques that can all achieve the desired goal of healthier looking skin. Skin resurfacing is mainly used to reduce facial wrinkling and to reduce pigmentary changes of the skin by removing layers of the skin so that new skin will appear. Wrinkling can result from aging, sun exposure, hereditary and lifestyle factors including nutrition, alcohol consumption, and smoking. Examples of pigmentary changes of the skin can be brown spots as the result of age or birth control pills, pregnancy or genetic factors. Acne could have made your skin uneven, as well as other skin conditions. Any of these characteristics that are present would make skin resurfacing a viable option. During a skin resurfacing consultation you will be asked to point out the areas that you would like improved. The plastic surgeon can then carefully examine your skin to evaluate what type of skin resurfacing technique should be used. A combination of skin resurfacing techniques may be used depending on the damage and skin type of the individual. Your plastic surgeon should know about any skin treatment you have had in the past, as well as any medical conditions. The plastic surgeon will determine if a chemical peel, the application of a caustic solution, a dermabrasion, a high-speed rotary wheel is used, or a laser resurfacing, a laser beam is used, is right for the results and characteristics the patient wishes to receive. One type of skin resurfacing is a chemical peel. Chemical peel solution is applied to your entire face or to just certain regions. The surgeon will decide how long the solution should be left on your face based on any changes in the appearance of your skin. Some types of chemical peels will be neutralized after it has been on the skin for a certain amount of time. Dermabrasion is another type of skin resurfacing that uses a small, rapidly spinning wheel, much like sandpaper, to remove the skins upper layers. This type of skin resurfacing treatment is used more for the treatment of facial scars caused by acne. This technique is effective in reducing the appearance of vertical wrinkles around the mouth that often cause lipstick to fall out of the lines. If this technique is used on just some areas of the face it is not noticeable because it will blend with the surrounding skin. The last type of skin resurfacing is laser resurfacing. A carbon dioxide laser is the most recent technique. The laser removes skin layers by vaporization instead of with chemicals or sanding devices. The plastic surgeon will know how much energy should be transmitted to the skin’s surface by the laser beam and control the depth of penetration. The laser technique is an effective method in treating wrinkles, blotchiness, or age spots, and scars from acne or other causes. Directly following the type of skin resurfacing that your plastic surgeon advises your skin will become red and swollen. There will be a post-treatment regimen give to you by your doctor. Seven to ten days after the procedure your new skin will have started to form. Your look may not be apparent for several months due to persistent pinkness in your skin tone. Depending on the type of skin resurfacing technique chosen, repeat treatments may be needed. Skin resurfacing can cause infection or abnormal healing. Patients who are more prone to skin disorders can breakout with whatever type of condition that they may have due to skin resurfacing. Some patients can have a raised or thickened scar form that can be unpredictable. Medications are available to treat the scars but some scarring can become permanent. Unanticipated color change or skin blotchiness can also be a result of the skin resurfacing treatments. Skin is very sensitive to the sun after the skin resurfacing treatments and should be totally avoided until the redness or pinkness of the skin has disappeared. After that it is strongly advised to regularly use sunblock. |
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