Skin resurfacing describes a group of cosmetic procedures done to remove or reduce wrinkles, discolored spots and other signs of aging or sun damage. The techniques all involve removing the top layer or layers of the skin to reveal healthy, new skin.
Laser Resurfacing
There are two types of laser resurfacing: ablative and non-ablative or fractional. In ablative laser resurfacing, a laser beam is aimed at the treatment area, and it affects the epidermis. At the same time, the laser heats the dermis and causes the collagen fibers within to shrink. New skin that’s smoother and tighter eventually grows as the area heals.
In fractional resurfacing, the laser is not used to remove any skin. Instead, it heats the dermis and affects the existing collagen fibers. At the same time, it stimulates the growth of healthy, new collagen.
Although Dr. Funcik has extensive experience with laser resurfacing, this type of treatment option is not usually recommended or required at our office, as other forms of skin resurfacing have surpassed the results of laser treatments.
Dermabrasion
In dermabrasion, the specialist uses a wire brush or rough-edged diamond wheel to remove the top layers of the skin. New, healthy skin eventually grows to replace the skin that was removed. Dermabrasion is an outpatient procedure and the patient will always need some kind of anesthetic: local for a small treatment site and general for a large area.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are procedures in which special solutions are used to remove the topmost layers of the skin. They can be applied to the whole face or just certain parts. Generally speaking, there are three types of chemical peels: light or superficial peels, medium peels and deep peels. They are divided according to the chemicals used and how potent the effects are.
Light peels are used to treat mild problems, like fine lines or dry skin. There is little discomfort and the patient generally does not need an anesthetic. There is also little recovery time.
In a medium peel, the patient may need a local anesthetic. The new skin will start to appear within three to seven days, and the skin will be fully healed within two weeks.
A deep peel will remove several layers of skin. Deep peels can be used for relatively severe problems, like pre-cancerous growths or large age spots. These peels can be extremely effective.
Contact Our Office Today
Located in Mount Pleasant, the office of Dr. Thomas Funcik, MD offers a variety of skin resurfacing treatments, and we will be happy to work with you to determine which treatment option is perfect for you. Contact us today to schedule your consultation to learn more.