Understanding Skin Resurfacing

Skin resurfacing removes the outer layers of the skin on the face to reduce and/or eliminate lines, wrinkles and mild to moderate scars. These procedures stimulate new skin growth, resulting in a fresher, more youthful appearance. Skin resurfacing is a time consuming, frustrating and anxiety producing experience; however, it can often produce some of the best results accomplished by cosmetic procedures. Chemicals, special surgical equipment and lasers may be used for skin resurfacing.

CHEMICAL PEEL:A chemical peel involves the application of a chemical solution to the skin of the face. The solution causes the surface layers of skin to peel off, leaving a newly regenerated skin that is usually smoother and less wrinkled. A chemical peel reduces or eliminates superficial and some deeper lines in the facial skin. It is also helpful in reducing or removing freckles, age spots and splotching caused by birth control pills or pregnancy. The depth of a chemical peel is controlled through the amount and type of solution used by Dr. English as well as the application process.

DERMABRASION:When the skin has an uneven texture that results from acne or previous injuries, dermabrasion may provide improvement. The process of dermabrasion is similar to sanding an irregularity from a wooden surface. The more elevated areas of skin are smoothed down to diminish the high-low 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 super-pulsed carbon dioxide laser. Laser surgery involves a special beam of light energy that is absorbed by the skin and surrounding tissues. The laser pulse reduces or removes wrinkles and lines around the face, eyes, forehead and mouth.

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Understanding the procedure

At English Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Center Surgi-Spa, skin resurfacing is carried out under local anesthesia with I.V. sedation. If a full-face laser resurfacing is recommended, it is performed as an outpatient procedure at the Little Rock Surgery Center or Baptist Medical Center. A general anesthesia is used for this procedure. When the skin resurfacing is completed, the patient leaves the facility with no dressings on the skin. There is a fair amount of stinging in the peeled area for several hours afterward, but this is easily tolerated through the use of oral medication.

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Understanding the recovery

Some degree of swelling follows skin resurfacing. The swelling is due to the new tissue fluids brought into the area by the body to promote healing. When the fluids are no longer required, they are absorbed into the bloodstream. The patient can expect swelling to peak around 72 hours after the procedure. The majority of the swelling is gone in two to three weeks.

The skin will usually take 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 this healing period. With some skin resurfacing procedures, the resurfaced areas may be lightened by approximately 1/2 shade after six to nine months. While the skin is healing, it is thinner and more sensitive. The "new" skin must be kept moist and protected from the sun.

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