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Facial RejuvenationLaser ResurfacingLaser Resurfacing Surgery is performed with a "super-pulsed" carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to minimize wrinkles and lines on the face. Laser surgery involves a specialized beam of light energy, which is absorbed by the skin and surrounding tissues and minimizes lines or makes precise surgical incisions. In laser resurfacing, lines on the face can be significantly improved. This procedure is performed under sedation with local anesthesia. Redness may persist for several weeks and make-up can usually be applied in seven to ten days.ThermageThe ThermaLift Procedure is a revolutionary non-surgical technique for tightening aging skin with no incisions, no scars, and no downtime in the vast majority of cases. It has also been used to produce clearing of acne without oral medications. A new device, the ThermaCool(tm) by Thermage, can tighten loose skin and wrinkles by generating a special form of radio frequency, which produces heating of the deep dermis. This may also shrink oil glands in the skin, which may account for improvement in complexion and acne. The simultaneous application of an internal cooling spray chills the surface thus preventing burns.Because heating the tissue can be uncomfortable, patients are treated with nerve blocks similar to those administered for dental improvement. In addition, many patients request oral and intramuscular sedatives and pain relievers to produce a comfortable and pleasant experience. All patients should arrange for a ride home so they can receive relaxing medications. Complications are uncommon. There has been redness, localized swelling, and transient depressions and nodules. Superficial blisters and scars have been reported. Chemical PeelsA chemical peel is a treatment that chemically exfoliates the skin's top layers to reveal the softer and healthier skin below. Chemical peels are used to treat a variety of skin conditions. This can include environmentally damaged/hyperpigmented, acne prone, and even sensitive skin types. In many cases, wrinkles caused by sun damage, aging, and heredity can be reduced and even eliminated through the use of a series of chemical peels. Irregular skin pigmentation, sun-damaged skin, and even precancerous keratoses may improve as a result of chemical peels. Chemical peels can increase the skin's tolerance to external factors and control acne. The strength of the chemical peel is determined by the patient's individual skin type and the degree of damage to the skin.This procedure is not effective in the treatment of more severe wrinkles, sagging, and budging which often require a surgical procedure such as a facelift or liposculpture. DermabrasionDermabrasion is a surgical procedure whereby the skin's surface irregularities are diminished by abrading or "sanding" the skin with special diamond rotary instruments. Your surgeon carefully reduces the skin surface to a specific depth and after a period of healing the skin is smoother with fewer irregularities.Often, more than one technique is used to give the best improvement in the appearance of facial scars and wrinkles. For example, frequently a dermabrasion will be performed several weeks after scar revision. Sometimes, dermabrasion and chemical peel are performed together or in sequence to treat deeper wrinkles, such as those occurring around the lips. Most of these procedures are performed using a light intravenous sedative and local anesthesia. Sometimes a surgeon will apply cold packs to the ace before dermabrasion. Depending on the amount of area to be treated, surgery usually lasts between 30 to 90 minutes. You should experience little, if any, discomfort. In general, during the first several days after surgery the skin is somewhat tender and swelling can be expected, most prominently around the eyes. Usually after several days the treated areas appear as if you have had a bad sunburn. In most cases you are able to camouflage the areas adequately with makeup after about one week. It is not at all unusual to have some persistent redness, sometimes lasting several months. Sometimes, several weeks after surgery small white dots, resembling acne, may appear. These disappear in a short period of time. Occasional areas of darkened skin color may appear. This is usually temporary and may be treated with prescription facial creams. Sometimes the treated areas will appear lighter than untreated areas. While this is sometimes permanent, it is usually quite subtle.
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