Understanding Skin Resurfacing
Facial Peels and Laser Surgery
In the last half of this century, men and women have had more leisure time to spend outdoors than in previous generations. Many hours spent on outside recreations and the prevalence of both summer and winter vacations, have all taken their toll on people’s skin. Premature wrinkling is more common now than ever before. Both men and women seek facial plastic surgery to reverse the effects of sun damaged skin. Surgery may also improve the pitted look of acne scars and remove pre-cancerous skin growths called keratoses.
If you’ve wondered how skin resurfacing with chemical peeling or dermabrasion could improve the look of your skin, your self-confidence, or your health, you need to know how chemical peeling and dermabrasion are performed and what you can expect from these procedures. No pamphlet can answer all of your concerns, but this site can provide answers to many common questions about chemical peeling and dermabrasion.
Successful facial plastic surgery is a result of good rapport between patient and surgeon. Trust, based on realistic expectations and exacting medical expertise, develops in the consulting stages before surgery. Dr. Swenson can answer specific questions about your specific skin problems.
Is Skin Resurfacing For You?
The most basic requirement for any surgery is good health. Other requirements are more subtle and should be carefully considered in discussions with your surgeon. Expectations of surgery and of the surgeon must be realistic. Skin resurfacing procedures cannot produce perfect skin; rather the goal is to improve the appearance of the skin as much as possible.
Skin type and color, ethnic background, and age are important factors that should be discussed prior to surgery. If you have dark skin or problems such as allergies, previous burns, a history of poor scars, or radiation exposure, you may need special evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for these procedures. If you have had episodes of cold sores and blisters around the mouth, inform Dr. Swenson of this condition.
Before deciding on a skin resurfacing procedure, Dr. Swenson may recommend a skin care regimen prior to the procedure. If you have extensive damage from aging or injury, more than one procedure may be necessary.
Making the Decision for Skin Resurfacing
Whether you seek a chemical peel or dermabrasion for functional or cosmetic reasons, your choice of a qualified facial plastic surgeon is of paramount importance. Dr. Swenson will examine your skin to assess factors that could affect the outcome of the surgery and to determine the proper procedure for your condition. You and your surgeon will explore your attitudes toward surgery, and discuss realistic expectations and risks. Trust is built through these discussions, and the agreement between surgeon and patient is a prerequisite for a successful outcome to the surgery.
After you and Dr. Swenson decide to proceed with a chemical peel or dermabrasion, all options for the procedure will be discussed along with the risks. You will also receive information relating to each procedure. Bear in mind that neither chemical peel nor dermabrasion can correct sagging skin or halt the aging process. Furthermore, as some chemical peels lighten skin color, you must make a commitment to use sunblock. Following a thorough medical history, Dr. Swenson will advise you as to anesthesia options, the surgical facility being used, any additional surgery options, and the costs for the procedure. He may also suggest other surgery, either before or after your resurfacing procedure in order to enhance your overall appearance.
Understanding the Surgery
The skin is composed of the epidermis and the dermis. Within the dermis are two layers, both of which are constructed of collagen, long fibers that loosen and stretch with age and sun damage. If the deepest layer, the reticular layer, is damaged, scars result, while the upper layer of the dermis, the papillary layer, heals from injuries without scarring. In a chemical peel, the surgeon applies one of several chemicals to the skin. Glycolic acid is the mildest. TCA, trichloroacetic acid, can be used in varying strengths for longer-lasting smoothness. The deepest peel is done with phenol.
Before any peel, the face is first thoroughly cleansed with a solution to remove oil and to prepare the skin for deepest penetration. As the chemical is applied, the epidermis is removed, and the chemical penetrates into the first layer of the dermis.
Dermabrasion is a surgical technique where by some deeper scars and wrinkles can be smoothed. The surgeon uses a local anesthetic and/or a freezing agent to render the skin numb. Then, using a high speed rotating brush, the surgeon removes the top layer of skin to the appropriate level for the best results. The size and depth of scars and the degree of wrinkling determine the length of the surgery.
What to Expect After Skin Resurfacing Surgery
The skin is composed of the epidermis and the dermis. Within the dermis are two layers, both of which are constructed of collagen, long fibers that loosen and stretch with age and sun damage. If the deepest layer, the reticular layer, is damaged, scars result, while the upper layer of the dermis, the papillary layer, heals from injuries without scarring. In a chemical peel, the surgeon applies one of several chemicals to the skin. Glycolic acid is the mildest. TCA, trichloroacetic acid, can be used in varying strengths for longer-lasting smoothness. The deepest peel is done with phenol.
Before any peel, the face is first thoroughly cleansed with a solution to remove oil and to prepare the skin for deepest penetration. As the chemical is applied, the epidermis is removed, and the chemical penetrates into the first layer of the dermis.
Dermabrasion is a surgical technique where by some deeper scars and wrinkles can be smoothed. The surgeon uses a local anesthetic and/or a freezing agent to render the skin numb. Then, using a high speed rotating brush, the surgeon removes the top layer of skin to the appropriate level for the best results. The size and depth of scars and the degree of wrinkling determine the length of the surgery.
Laser surgery is used to resurface facial skin with wrinkles caused by excess sun exposure, “crow’s feet,” and acne scarring. The high energy, amplified light waves of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser vaporize the top layer of skin instantly, with no bleeding and minimal trauma to the surrounding skin.
