Skin Rejuvenation and Skin Care

Your skin is an organ made up of millions of living cells. Every day, thousands of these cells are replaced by new ones, formed below the surface. As we age, the process of cell replacement becomes slower. Some factors accelerate skin aging, like environmental conditions such as, sun exposure, unhealthy habits, like smoking, improper diet, and vitamin deficiencies; as well as stress; hormonal in-balance; pregnancy or menopause; and finally, your own genetic makeup.

Skin rejuvenation may combine several different approaches depending of the individual conditions that can help the skin shed layers of damaged cells and expose a new rejuvenated epidermis and a more supple dermis.  Procedures range from a light ex-foliating treatment such as microderm abrasion. light glycolic peel, and no or minimal downtime Photo facials and fractional resurfacing to more aggressive chemical peels and dermabrasion (co2 laser has been abandoned by most practitioners due to its de-pigmenting effects!)


The new skin layer that surfaces is more even in color and texture, suppler with fewer fine lines and wrinkles. Tightening the under surface of the skin until recently was only the domain of surgery but can now be helped by  non invasive treatments such as fractional resurfacing  sometimes known by its proprietary name Fraxel or our new ACCENT  radio frequency  F.D.A. approved cellulite treatment  which can produce substantial  tightening and fat trimming in  various parts of the body. Furthermore, recent studies as well as our own experiences in our practice indicate that cystic acne as well as more common acne vulgaris can be alleviated without medication. In effect, the radio frequency creates heat that is transmitted below the skin surface to the pilosebaceous units (skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland) where the infection is killed by raising the tissue temperature. This procedure does not do away with the underlying causes of acne but does away with the symptoms. In order to keep both types of acne in remission, it's necessary to repeat this procedure monthly. In effect, by using fractional resurfacing and ACCENT together we can remove acne scars and prevent reoccurances of breakouts without medication.

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Skin rejuvenation procedures are not limited to the face and neck area. Some of these treatments can also be used for the hands, arms, upper chest, abdomen, thighs, and back. The end result is a healthier, more youthful, firmer, smoother and refreshed appearance.
Depending on the type of procedure, time away from work can range from none to two weeks (deep peels). Outdoor activity may be limited for several weeks, depending on the depth of skin rejuvenating procedure performed. With any of these procedures, skin cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreens, proper diet and exercise are all important to keep your skin looking healthy and refreshed.

Chemical peels are used to improve superficial wrinkles, blotchy pigmentation, and other signs of sun damage. They are also helpful in treating superficial scars, and can improve some pigmentation problems. A chemical with varying degrees of concentration is applied to the skin, which removes the top layer of skin leaving the patient with a sunburned appearance. Ointments and lotions are used to keep the skin moist and no bandages are necessary. The skin will usually peel within 5-7 days, and make-up can then be subtly applied. The chemicals with the lightest strengths are Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA's) such as glycolic acids that produce a mild exfoliation and require  several applications. A thirty-five percent (35%) Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel is  frequently used in our Clinique  A single treatment may be all that is necessary to give your skin a fresher, healthier appearance, and glow. In some cases, the chemical can be applied to just the area needed (such as crow's feet). In most cases, no anesthesia is needed, and you will feel only a tingling or mild stinging sensation when the solution is applied. Recovery time will vary with the depth of the peel, and is typically two to four days.

Dermabrasion is performed utilizing a small high speed spinning wheel with a roughened surface to level the skin, removing the upper layers. Going deeper than a chemical peel, dermabrasion is often the best choice for treating acne facial scars and deeper wrinkles in localized area, especially on the upper lip or traumatic scars.

Laser Resurfacing

The effects of laser resurfacing are similar to chemical peels and dermabrasion, except that the laser removes layers of skin by vaporization instead of chemicals or a sanding device.  Healing usually takes anywhere from a day to a week depending upon the settings used. We do not use a  CO2 laser because of its tendency to depigment skin permanently in up to 40% of the cases.

Our I.P.L. (intense pulsed light),  photofacials, and  Fractional Resurfacing 1540 Laser can together remove fine wrinkles and blemishes and tighten slight skin looseness after several treatments. Our Intensive Skin Management Program (ISMP) will with virtually no downtime, combining topical cosmeceuticals, microdermabrasion, and Palomar Intense Pulse Light (IPL) and Palomar fractional resurfacing,  achieve remarkable improvement in skin texture, evenness, and freshness.
 

Before	After

For a personal and confidential consultation with one of our Board Certified Plastic Surgeons, call the Clinique of Plastic Surgery at 800-942-1606 to schedule your appointment today!

As with any medical procedure, there are certain inherent risks that should be discussed. Costs vary depending upon the extent of the surgery and areas treated.