Skin Resurfacing

Skin rejuvenation treatments offer effective solutions for addressing wrinkles, scars, age spots, a lackluster complexion, and enlarged pores.

Types of Skin Resurfacing Treatments

Skin resurfacing encompasses a variety of procedures aimed at enhancing skin condition and appearance.

1. Laser Skin Resurfacing: Utilizing targeted laser energy, this versatile treatment rejuvenates the skin by reducing wrinkles, addressing discoloration, tightening skin, improving scars, and even removing unwanted hair. Various types of lasers are available, such as fractional CO2 lasers, which are effective for fine lines, wrinkles, and scarring with minimal downtime. Results are gradual, requiring multiple sessions over months for optimal outcomes. It's crucial to protect skin from sun damage post-treatment.

2. IPL Photofacial: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photofacial employs a broad spectrum of light to enhance skin tone, texture, and appearance. Effective for brown spots, redness, discoloration, blood vessels, enlarged pores, fine lines, wrinkles, and hair removal, IPL typically involves 3 to 6 sessions spaced over months. Minimal downtime is expected, though temporary redness may occur. Sun protection post-treatment is essential.

3. Chemical Peels: These treatments resurface skin by inducing peeling of outer layers, revealing smoother skin and reducing age spots, discoloration, fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and tightening/tone. Options include superficial peels with milder acids like glycolic acid or deeper peels like phenol peels for more significant results. Superficial peels are low-risk with little downtime, while deeper peels require anesthesia and longer recovery.

4. Microdermabrasion: This gentle procedure exfoliates skin on the face, neck, hands, or body using fine-tipped instruments or abrasive particles, enhancing skin texture and appearance without downtime. It's suitable for all skin types, improving fine lines and aiding skincare product absorption.

5. Dermabrasion: A potent technique involving layer-by-layer skin removal with a rotating instrument, dermabrasion is effective for wrinkles, acne scars, and skin smoothing. Healing time is required post-procedure due to skin sensitivity.

6. Microneedling: This mechanical treatment creates tiny skin punctures to stimulate collagen and elastin production, gradually improving texture, firmness, scars, pore size, and stretch marks. It's safe for all skin types with minimal risk and no downtime.

Each treatment option offers distinct benefits, tailored to various skin types and concerns. During your consultation, Dr. Gilbert will discuss these options with you to determine the most suitable treatment.

Am I a candidate for skin resurfacing?

If you're dealing with fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, redness, scars, a lackluster complexion, loose skin, benign growths, or unwanted hair, skin resurfacing may offer a viable solution. It's essential to maintain good overall health and have realistic expectations regarding the procedure's outcomes. Individuals with specific skin tones—such as yellow, olive, brown, or black—should receive specialized consideration during treatment to ensure optimal results.

Recovery

Recovery following skin resurfacing varies depending on the treatment type, depth, skin characteristics, and individual response. Mild treatments like microdermabrasion and superficial chemical peels typically entail minimal side effects and no downtime, allowing you to resume daily activities immediately. Stronger treatments, such as laser skin resurfacing and microneedling, may result in temporary side effects such as swelling, redness, crusting, and skin shedding. These effects generally diminish within 10 to 14 days, with downtime ranging from 0 to 3 days. Deeper treatments may involve more extended recovery periods, requiring up to two weeks for full healing. It's vital to shield your skin from sun exposure during the healing phase by using adequate sun protection measures.