Sun, smoking, and other environmental factors are hard on our skin. The appearance of fine lines and age spots seem to appear over night. Our office offers several procedures that can improve the overall appearance of your skin. A consultation with our plastic surgeons is important in deciding which of these procedures best fits you. The surgeon will take into account your skin type and the amount of recovery that best accommodates your lifestyle. Depending on the individual these are procedures that can be done in our office with medications that will relax you.
Fraxel laser
This is one of our newest treatments for facial rejuvenation. Fraxel laser has the benefits of the CO2 laser with out the down time that is associated with it. Fraxel can be used on various parts of the body that are damaged by the sun. We have noticed dramatic changes on our clients hands, chest, and of course the face. Most clients will require at least three separate treatments. You may elect to do more treatments if you desire. You will have some medications to relax you for the procedure. You can apply makeup the next day. You will likely notice some dryness and a light pinkish color for approximately one week.
Chemical peels
There are different strengths to the chemical peels we use. Your doctor will tailor the depth of peel that is right for your skin type. A chemical peel is done in the office. You will be given medications that will help you relax through the procedure. The chemicals will provide a deep exfoliation to get rid of pigment changes and add a youthful glow.
CO2 laser
This treatment is also called a laser peel. It removes the entire epidermis and a controlled amount of the dermis. New skin cells regenerate causing the skin to be smoother, tighter and more youthful. It requires the most time for recovery, but the results are dramatic. The treatment will diminish pores, fine wrinkles, acne scars, and age spots. Healing time for the laser peel can take months. After a few weeks make-up can be worn to camouflage redness. This treatment is not recommend in people with ethnic backgrounds because it tends to lighten the facial skin. This is not a procedure that is recommended for all our clients.
Click here for a printable brochure on laser skin resurfacing (Provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons).
Microdermabrasion/Light Chemical Peels
Microderm abrasion is a simple, straight forward, non-invasive procedure that revitalizes dull skin, reduces large pores, minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, reduces mild pigment irregularities (hyperpigmentation), and age spots.
Light chemical peels offer non-invasive peels with breakthrough formulations of mild acids that provide a consistent and effective peel.
These treatments increase skin glow and radiance, tightens the skin and restores a more youthful appearance, improving clarity, color and skin texture.Visible improvement after one treatment, significant improvement with a series of peels.
Dermabrasion
This is a resurfacing procedure that is more aggressive. Typically we will recommend this for severe acne scars. A tool is used to remove the epidermis of the skin and the deeper dermis. Healing usually takes one to two weeks.
Thermage
This is the only procedure that works below the skin surface to tighten and contour. This makes the procedure non invasive, meaning that you can return to work the next day and no one will know you have had anything done. Thermage is a radio frequency tool that remodels collagen and over time will tighten the facial structures. This is a procedure that requires time. It is a good six months before the full result will be noticed. Most patients will notice an initial change after 2 months. Usually only one treatment is all that is needed.
With all of these procedures it is extremely important that you follow all directions provided by your plastic surgeon and nursing staff. Extreme sun precautions need to be used after any of the procedures. This means no direct sunlight. It would be important to wear hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen whenever outdoors. If you live in the sun you should plan on doing the procedure in the winter months.
