Skin Resurfacing
How Skin Resurfacing Reduces Wrinkles, Scars, and Pigmentation
Skin Resurfacing
Skin resurfacing is a procedure to reduce facial wrinkles and blemishes while correcting uneven pigmentation. It removes skin layer by layer, leaving you with a tighter, younger-looking face that is smoother and firmer.
Wrinkles are an inevitable part of aging and are often exacerbated by factors such as sun exposure, heredity and lifestyle. Acne scars and changes in skin pigmentation can cause irregularities such as brown spots and blotchiness.
Skin resurfacing works by stripping away old layers of skin, which promotes new growth. It can reduce or eliminate facial wrinkles caused by sun damage or aging, wrinkles around the mouth and eyelids, “crow’s feet” around the eyes, acne and chicken pox scars, liver spots, warts, birthmarks, superficial scars and precancerous skin growths.
You may be a candidate for skin resurfacing if you are in good physical health and have realistic expectations for surgery. Candidates should also be nonsmokers. Often, skin resurfacing is performed in conjunction with a facelift or eyelid surgery.
Types of Skin Resurfacing
There are several different techniques used for skin resurfacing. One of the most popular involves the use of lasers. This procedure, also known as laser peel, laser vaporization or lasabrasion, utilizes short, concentrated, pulsing beams of light targeted at areas of irregular skin. It removes the epidermis, or outer layer, while heating up the underlying skin to stimulate collagen growth.
A chemical peel involves the application of a chemical solution to specific areas of the skin. Some formulas are mild, while others are more caustic and deeper penetrating. Hydroxyl acid, trichloroacetic acid, or phenol are most typically used.
Dermabrasion uses a small, spinning wheel with a sandpaper-like surface to remove the outer layers of skin.