Skin Resurfacing & Skin Peel Treatments in Houston
After analyzing your skin, Dr. Siegel will tailor a custom skin resurfacing or skin peel solution that suits your skin type and expectations for a rejuvenated, refreshed appearance. Years of sun damage, skin wrinkles, acne and age spots can be reversed in a matter of days. Dermabrasion (scraping layers away), chemical peels, and laser peels (laser resurfacing) are some of the methods used in skin resurfacing.
Resurfacing or skin peels by any of the methods mentioned here involves destroying old skin to stimulate the body to make new skin. All these procedures are designed to remove the superficial layer of skin known as the epidermis, and penetrate to the deep skin layer, the dermis. The dermis is constructed of collagen, long fibers that loosen and stretch with age and sun damage. By penetrating the dermis, new collagen is formed, giving skin a more elastic and younger appearance. As healing progresses, a new epidermis, or top layer, is formed resulting in fewer wrinkles and improved skin texture.
Regardless of the method chosen, your skin may need to be prepared with topical medications several months prior to the procedure to achieve the best results. Also, you may be required to take antibiotics to prevent infection before and after the procedure
Recovery from these methods depends on the depth of penetration. Superficial chemical peels, for example, remove only the top layers of skin, and will heal in about a week.
On the other hand, deeper peeling agents such as laser resurfacing provide more dramatic and longer lasting results. But, because of their deeper skin penetration, they take several weeks to heal. The right peel can only be determined by an individual consultation with Dr. Siegel who will ensure that you receive the best match for your particular skin type and condition.
Laser skin resurfacing is performed with a super-pulsed carbon dioxide (CO2) laser and local anesthesia while the patient is under sedation.
During laser resurfacing a specialized beam of light energy is produced which is absorbed by the skin and surrounding tissues. This beam vaporizes the top layer of skin instantly, with minimal bleeding. The laser beam is used to resurface facial skin from wrinkles caused by excess sun exposure, the aging process, crow's feet, and acne scarring. After the procedure, redness persists for several weeks to months and make-up can usually be applied in seven to ten days.
With a chemical peel, Dr. Siegle applies one of several chemicals to the skin. There are many types of chemical peels, based on how deep they penetrate the skin.
Superficial chemical peels, like Glycolic acid, will achieve mild results as it partially removes the most superficial skin layer. As deeper skin layers are removed, by increasing the strength of the agent, results will be more dramatic and longer lasting.
Trichloroacetic Acid or TCA, comes in concentrations ranging from 20-50% depending on the depth of the peel required. The higher the percentage used, the deeper the peel.
Phenol comes in various formulations. As a general rule, this peel produces the most remarkable results. However, it also has the longest recovery time involved from all peels.
Not be confused with microdermabrasion, demabrasion is a surgical technique that achieves its results by sanding down the epidermis, or top skin layer. After the area to be treated is locally frozen and anesthetized, a high speed rotating brush is used for polishing the skin. Recovery is usually comparable to a deep chemical peel.
Immediately following a laser resurfacing, deep chemical peel or dermabrasion, an occlusive dressing is placed on the area treated to protect it from the elements. Swelling and crusting of the skin are normal in the days following the procedure. Vinegar soaks to keep the skin’s pH balanced and ointments to keep the skin supple will be applied for seven to 10 days following surgery. In the first few days after the peel, new skin will appear as your body heals. Recovery, however will take several weeks. This will be self evident as the new skin transforms itself from red to pink to normal skin color. It is imperative to protect your skin from the sun to avoid complications.
After the procedure, your skin must be checked periodically to ensure that healing is progressing as planned. Dr. Siegel will take every precaution to ensure that no infection or pigmentation problems are developing. Hyperpigmentation (excess pigment formation) is sometimes seen weeks after a procedure. This condition is usually temporary and is treated with creams. Hypopigmentation , or loss of pigment, is a more severe complication seen after deep peels. Darker skinned individuals are more prone to this condition causing the skin to appear whiter than normal.
Expectations with any procedure must be realistic and you must understand what the procedure will and will not accomplish. Skin resurfacing procedures cannot produce perfect skin or completely eliminate scars. Rather, the goal is to improve the appearance of the skin as much as possible. Skin resurfacing may improve on sagging or loose skin by tightening collagen, but if sagging is your main concern, a facelift may be a better option.
When considering skin resurfacing procedures Dr. Siegel takes into account skin color, skin type, ethnic background, age of the patient and overall health. Patients with dark skin, a history of poor scaring, previous burns, or radiation exposure may not be ideal candidates for these procedures.
To consult with Dr. Siegel about which skin resurfacing or skin peel procedure is best for you, call 1-866-920-3223 or complete our Contact Form.
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