Aging, sun damage, and acne keep the skin from looking youthful, smooth, and healthy. Skin resurfacing removes the top layer of the skin. New, healthier and smoother looking skin replaces the skin that was removed. There are several ways in which the skin's layers are removed. These include dermabrasion, microbrasion, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing.
Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure that affects deep layers of the skin. Dermabrasion uses a rotating brush to remove the top layers of the skin. It may be used to remove acne scars, sun spots, wrinkles, liver spots, freckles, tattoos, pigmentation, and some scars and skin lesions. After the procedure, the treated skin forms a crust. Although unsightly and uncomfortable, this is only temporary.
Microbrasion uses very tiny crystals to polish the skin and a vacuum technique to remove them. No anesthetic is required and there are virtually no side effects. Microbrasion gives the skin an overall fresh, healthy looking glow. Mild and temporary redness occurs after treatment. Five or 6 treatments every 1 or 2 weeks yield the best results.
Chemical peels are used to treat fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth. This procedure can reduce or eliminate wrinkles caused by aging, hereditary factors, and sun damage. Severe wrinkles, sags, and bulges do not respond well to chemical peeling. Chemical peels use a special kind of acid to strip off the top layer of skin.
The reaction following a chemical peel is similar to a sunburn. The type of chemical peel determines the type of skin reaction. Superficial peels cause redness that is followed by scaling for 3 to 7 days. Medium-depth and deep peeling usually produce swelling and water blisters that may break, crust, turn brown, and peel off in 7 to 14 days. You may need pain medicine before or after a deep peel procedure.
Laser resurfacing uses a precise beam of laser light to remove layers of the skin. It can be combined with other cosmetic procedures. It is also effective on sun related skin changes, facial scars, and blemishes. Laser resurfacing is performed under local anesthesia. This procedure allows more control for the physician on how deep to go into the skin. The first few days after surgery, the face may be pink or red and thinly crusted. The skin takes 5 to 7 days to heal. Make-up can be worn after 7 to 14 days. It may take up to 6 months for all the pink or redness to go away.
It is important that you have realistic expectations and clearly understand what the procedure can do for you. There are risks and complications that can occur with any of these procedures. Most procedures are performed in an outpatient setting. Before agreeing to a procedure, find out as much as possible about the best procedure for you, the risks involved, and the healthcare provider you may be considering. Always select a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with training and experience in the procedure you want done. Many dermatologists and plastic surgeons perform all three procedures -- dermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing. Which of these procedures is best for you depends on several factors. Your provider can discuss them with you.
Health insurance does not usually cover cosmetic surgery such as skin resurfacing. Call your health plan to find out about your benefits.
Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
HIA File SRG5010F.HTM Release 9.0/2006
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