Skin Resurfacing

Skin resurfacing improves facial wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and certain scars caused by acne. Chemical peels, dermabrasion and laser skin resurfacing are popular methods of skin resurfacing. Aging, sun exposure, genetic predispositions and lifestyle factors including alcohol consumption and smoking, all may contribute to facial wrinkling. Prior acne on the face may make the surface of the skin uneven. Changes of the skin, such as blotchiness or brown spots, may also occur with age or because of birth control pills, pregnancy or genetic factors. Patients may have their skin resurfaced at almost any age.

Chemical peels, dermabrasion and laser skin resurfacing remove layers of skin. As the skin heals, new, healthier-looking skin emerges. Chemical peels involve the application of a caustic solution; dermabrasion utilizes a high-speed rotary wheel; laser resurfacing utilizes a laser beam. Chemical peels vary according to their specific ingredients and their strength. Generally, the most superficial peels are those that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) such as glycolic acid. AHA peels can reduce the effects of aging and sun damage, including fine wrinkling and brown spots. Patients do not require anesthesia or sedation and will feel only a tingling or mild stinging sensation when the doctor applies the solution. A trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel treats wrinkles, pigment changes and skin blemishes. TCA provides a medium or deep peel, depending on the acid concentration and manner of application. A phenol peel treats particularly rough and sun-damaged facial skin. It can correct problems including blotchiness or age-related brown spots and addresses precancerous skin conditions. Dermabrasion uses a small, rapidly spinning wheel with a roughened surface similar to fine-grade sandpaper to abrade the skin, removing its upper layers. This procedure is for the treatment of facial scars such as acne. Skin resurfacing using a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser removes skin layers by vaporization.