Skin Resurfacing - Chemical Peels

Premature wrinkling is more common now than ever before because of increased sun exposure. 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.
Skin resurfacing with chemical peeling or dermabrasion can improve the look of your skin and you need to know how chemical peeling and dermabrasion are performed and what you can expect from these procedures.

Successful facial plastic surgery is based on realistic expectations and exacting medical expertise. Your surgeon can answer specific questions about your specific skin problems and make realistic recommendations.

Is a Chemical Peel/Skin Resurfacing right for you?

The most basic requirement for any surgery is good health. Expectations of surgery 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. Before deciding on a skin resurfacing procedure, your facial plastic surgeon 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 a decision on surgery

The surgeon 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 discuss realistic expectations and risks. After you and your surgeon decide to proceed with a chemical peel or dermabrasion, all options for the procedure will be discussed along with the risks. Neither chemical peel nor dermabrasion can correct sagging skin or halt the aging process. Some chemical peels lighten skin color, therefore you must make a commitment to use sunblock. Following a thorough medical history, your surgeon will advise you as to anesthesia options, the surgical facility being used, any additional surgery options, and the costs for the procedure. Your surgeon may also suggest other surgery, either before or after your resurfacing procedure in order to enhance your overall appearance.

Understanding surgery

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, it 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 then using a high speed rotating brush, the surgeon removes the top layer of skin to the appropriate level for the best results. 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.

Post-operative expectations

Immediately following a chemical peel or dermabrasion, the surgeon may apply a dressing to your skin. Swelling and “crusting” of the skin are normal, and ointments to keep the skin supple will be applied for seven to 10 days following surgery. The redness of skin that persists after the initial healing phase will usually fade in about 4 weeks, but it can take up to four months for the redness to go away and repigmentation to occur.

In one to two weeks after surgery, new skin will emerge that is pinkish, finer, and free of many wrinkles. Follow-up care involves using sunblock in order to protect the skin while new pigment is created. Patients will notice that the skin remains lighter for a long time after surgery, but that condition will usually subside when the skin's pigment level has been restored. Facial plastic surgery makes it possible to correct many facial flaws and signs of premature aging that can undermine self-confidence. By changing how you look, cosmetic surgery can help change how you feel about yourself.

Insurance does not generally cover surgery that is done purely for cosmetic reasons. Surgery to correct or improve major deformities or accidental skin injuries may be reimbursable in whole or in part. It is the patient's responsibility to check with the insurance carrier for information on the degree of coverage.