Skin Resurfacing
Skin resurfacing is a treatment to rejuvenate the tone and appearance of the skin, accomplished through a variety of methods such as light or laser treatments, and chemical peels or similar approaches. The skin should appear clearer and smoother, with telltale marks of aging reduced.
What problems can the procedure treat?
Skin resurfacing can treat a diverse array of skin complaints and irregularities in order to give your skin better texture and imbue it with freshness. Common problems treated by resurfacing include:
- Permanent, immovable wrinkles,
- Expression lines or folds which appear deeper as the face moves,
- Scars resulting from skin injury or acne, which can present as pits or discolorations,
- Poor firmness or skin tone, sometimes causing cellulite,
- Sun exposure symptoms such as melasma, freckles or any dark spots,
- Redness in the face due to visible blood vessels, lesions, blood blisters and suchlike.
What does the treatment involve?
Following on from an in-depth consultation, your surgeon will make the relevant deductions to conclude which treatment options are suitable for your specific case. The procedures available for skin resurfacing are numerous, which means that a large range of people and skin types are catered for by the different methods.
The best procedure for you will depend on skin color, skin type, the amount of scarring or other problems, and the corrections to be made. Laser resurfacing is effective at treating wrinkles and lines throughout the face, improving their appearance with precision. For this reason it is often preferred for treating wrinkles near the eyes. Laser and light resurfacing, plus certain chemical peels, can combat pigmentation problems such as freckles and sun spots. Fractional and laser treatment are good ways to reduce acne scars.
Several treatments are often required to produce substantial results.
What are the risks?
All surgeries carry risks, but some specific to skin resurfacing include alterations in skin texture, pigmentation abnormalities, changes to the skin surface, and problems with scarring or burning. Skin whitening or new pigmentation are complications usually guarded against through careful choice of the procedure type. Your surgeon will discuss all of this with you before the surgery, at which time you should ask about any concerns or anxieties you have.
Recovery and results
The surgeon will inform you about any post-surgery requirements. The results largely depend on the form of treatment and the technology they utilize. Your face should appear markedly smoother and clearer. Multiple procedures can be necessary for upkeep and to ensure lasting results. Laser treatments have been known to produce results for years to come. However, the skin continues to age and may eventually develop problems similar to the ones corrected by the resurfacing. Keeping protected from the sun is vital for maintaining good results.
How much does skin resurfacing cost?
The cost of cosmetic procedures always varies depending on the facility, your location and the extent of treatment. Because there are multiple treatment methods for skin resurfacing, it is best to consult your chosen surgeon for specific prices. Cosmetic procedures are rarely covered by health insurance.