Scar Treatment & Laser Tattoo Removal

Skin Resurfacing Overview

Sun, skin disorders, aging and even heredity can all contribute to skin irregularities on the face and elsewhere on the body. These include irregularities in the skin like wrinkles and acne scars, pigmentation changes like freckles, sunspots or visible blood vessels. In addition, skin may lose tone, feel less firm and lose the healthy glow that is evident in younger skin.

Different treatment modalities are available to treat the different aspects of skin damage.

Laser resurfacing, mechanical resurfacing, chemical peels and injectable products can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles of the entire face or those that develop in specific regions of the face, such as the upper lip and around the eyes. These treatments can also be used to address pigmentation disorders such as sun and age spots, and they can be used to improve the appearance of acne scars or other skin conditions.

The specific type of treatment that will best address your concerns is determined after a consultation with your board-certified plastic surgeon. Most importantly, the patient must be committed to protecting his or her skin going forward so that the results achieved will be longer lasting.

What are some types of skin rejuvenation and resurfacing treatments?
What does skin rejuvenation help treat?
Am I a good candidate for skin resurfacing?
What can I expect after skin resurfacing?
What is the typical result after skin resurfacing?

What are some types of skin rejuvenation and resurfacing treatments?

Laser and Intense Pulse Light (IPL) Treatments: Used to remove discoloration and/or tighten sagging skin

Chemical Peels: Various acid peels used in different combinations to remove damaged outer skin layers

Ablative Laser Treatments (Fractional, CO2 Lasers): Laser treatments remove outer layers of skin to smooth lines and wrinkles

Mechanical Ablation (Dermabrasion, Dermaplaning): Surgical scraping methods applied to soften skin surface irregularities

Non-Ablative Treatments (Microdermabrasion, Microneedling, Light Acid Peels): Minimally invasive sanding methods to treat light scarring and discolorations

Dermal Fillers: Injectable compounds to improve skin contouring

Botulinum Toxin Type A Treatments: Blocks nerve contraction to relax wrinkles and provide a smoother look to skin

Spider Vein Treatment (Sclerotherapy): Injections to collapse unsightly surface veins

Every patient is unique and will exhibit different combinations of genetic and environmental signs of aging that impact their skin. There are multiple ways to treat many of these issues, and those treatment methods should be planned and discussed with your board-certified plastic surgeon based on your specific situation and desires.

What does skin rejuvenation help treat?

The following are some of the conditions that different skin rejuvenation approaches can address:

Static wrinkles: These wrinkles are visible at all times and do not change in appearance with facial movements

Dynamic wrinkles: These are expression lines that may appear as folds when the skin is not moving and deepen with facial movements or expressions

Pigmentation: Freckles, sun spots or other darkened patches of skin result mainly from sun exposure

Scars: As the result of acne or injury to the skin, scars may be rolling (a wavy appearance to the skin), pitted, discolored or have raised borders

Vascular conditions: Blood vessels visible on the surface of the skin, vascular lesions that appear as tiny blood-filled blisters or even a constant flush of facial redness

Loss of skin tone: Weakening of the supportive skin structures (collagen and elastin fibers) that result in a loss of skin firmness or the development of cellulite

Dull skin: Skin that has lost the vibrant glow from a buildup of dead skin cells and clogged pores

What can I expect after skin resurfacing?

When your procedure is completed, you will be instructed on how to care for the treated skin. Depending on the treatment received, the appearance of your skin can range from normal, to red and flaky or to blisters and scabbing from one day to four weeks. It is important to discuss your specific treatment plan and anticipated recovery time before you proceed with the treatment.

You should also be reminded about:

The expected duration of your results

Specific concerns to look for in treated skin

When to follow up with your plastic surgeon

How to best protect and maintain your results

What is the typical result after skin resurfacing?

The results of skin resurfacing and rejuvenation are variable depending on the technology or treatment prescribed for you.

Following your treatment, whether skin resurfacing or rejuvenation, your skin will continue to age naturally and you may develop similar conditions to those that have been treated or other new skin conditions.

Skin resurfacing and rejuvenation procedures can produce a marked improvement in skin conditions. Multiple sessions may be required. Individual results may vary.

The technologies and treatments available are advancing rapidly and you may be surprised at the improvement that can be achieved by relatively simple procedures.