Skin resurfacing procedures are designed to improve the quality of the skin’s surface by minimizing fine lines and dynamic wrinkles, sun damage, pigmentation issues and skin laxity. Treatment options include laser surgery, chemical peels and dermabrasion. Good candidates for skin resurfacing include men and women who are looking to improve their skin quality. Patients with darker skin types may not be candidates for aggressive skin resurfacing.
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Dr. Moynihan performs the skin resurfacing procedure in his office-based facility or in an outpatient surgical center. The procedure can take anywhere from fifteen minutes to an hour to complete and may be performed with local anesthesia or sedation.
Peels come in three different strengths and include, from the mildest to the deepest, glycolic acid peels, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels, and phenol peels. The chemical solution peels away the top layers of the skin, producing a smoother and more youthful appearance. Dermabrasion is a surgical technique which uses a high speed rotating brush to remove the top layer of skin. The procedure can smooth and improve the appearance of scars and wrinkles. Laser surgery uses a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser device to vaporize the top layer of skin, improving the appearance of wrinkles, acne scarring and sun damage.
After a skin resurfacing procedure, it will take seven to ten days for the superficial layers of skin to repair themselves. The skin may appear pink for up to four more weeks. Patients can return to work in about seven to ten days, and makeup can be used to help conceal any redness. Light exercise may be resumed after one week, though more strenuous activities will need to be postponed for at least two weeks.
What is skin resurfacing?
Skin resurfacing refers to a number of different procedures which can improve the quality of the skin’s surface by diminishing sun damage, fine lines and dynamic wrinkles, pigmentation problems, and skin laxity. Skin resurfacing procedures include chemical peels, dermabrasion, and laser surgery.
What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel is a procedure which uses a chemical solution to peel away the top layers of the skin. Chemical come in three different strengths including glycolic acid peels (the mildest), trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels (a medium-depth peel), and phenol peels (the strongest). Chemical peels can smooth the skin and provide a more youthful appearance.
What is dermabrasion?
Dermabrasion is a procedure which removes the top layer of skin through a method of controlled surgical scraping using a high speed rotating brush. Dermabrasion can smooth the skin and improve the appearance of wrinkles and scars.
What is laser surgery?
Laser surgery is a procedure which removes the top layer of skin with a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser device. Laser surgery can improve the appearance of wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars.
Who is a good candidate for skin resurfacing?
Men and women who are seeking an improvement in skin quality may be good candidates for skin resurfacing. Aggressive skin resurfacing is not advised for patients with darker skin types.
What happens during the skin resurfacing consultation?
During the consultation, your skin will be examined, your medical history taken, and your goals discussed. A treatment plan will be recommended and all aspects of the procedure will be explained including the anesthesia, the recovery, the risks, the costs and so on.
Where is skin resurfacing performed?
Dr. Moynihan may perform skin resurfacing in his office or at an outpatient surgical center.
What is the anesthesia used for skin resurfacing?
Local anesthesia or sedation may be used for skin resurfacing.
How long is the surgical time for skin resurfacing?
Skin resurfacing may take anywhere from fifteen minutes to an hour to perform.
What is the recovery like after skin resurfacing?
It takes seven to ten days after skin resurfacing for the superficial layers of skin to repair themselves. However, the skin may still appear pink for up to four more weeks, and makeup may be worn to help conceal this.
How much time should I take off from work after my skin resurfacing?
You should plan on being out of work for about seven to ten days. Any lingering redness can be concealed with makeup.
Will I be able to exercise after my skin resurfacing procedure?
Light exercise may be resumed one week after the procedure, though more strenuous activities will need to be postponed for at least two weeks.
Are there any risks associated with undergoing skin resurfacing?
All surgery carries some risk. For skin resurfacing, this may include the risk of hyper or hypo pigmentation, prolonged redness, and scarring.
Will my insurance company cover the cost of skin resurfacing?
Patients will need to check with their own insurer. In general, skin resurfacing procedures which are performed for cosmetic reasons alone are usually not covered. When treating a deformity or skin injury, some degree of coverage may be available.
