Top Questions About Laser Skin Resurfacing
Are you frustrated with wrinkles, age spots, acne scars, or other blemishes? You don’t have to accept them as a fact of life.
Laser skin resurfacing is a non-surgical way to tighten skin and balance tone. Yet, simple as it sounds, there are many different options for this procedure, and that leaves patients with a lot of questions.
Speaking with a plastic surgeon or skin specialist will help clarify the exact procedure you’ll need. In the meantime, we’ll review some of the more commonly asked questions.
Do Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatments Hurt?
They may and they may not. It depends on the procedure, as well as your personal threshold for pain.
Some laser resurfacing treatments are more intense than others. Deeper ablative treatments where some outer layers of the skin are removed may require local anesthetic injections. But non-ablative treatments typically cause little to no pain. Topical numbing cream can help ward off any discomfort.
After the procedure, there may be some tenderness in the treatment area that can be treated.
Will It Work If I Have Darker Skin?
For a long time, laser resurfacing was only an effective treatment for patients with lighter skin. This is because lasers posed a high risk for cell damage in darker skin. New technology has greatly lowered this risk and certain laser treatments are more effective than others for lighter-toned African American, Asian, or Hispanic skin tones.
For patients with darker brown or black skin, however, other skin resurfacing options such as microneedling might be recommended. Your provider will advise you.
Is There a Better Time of Year to Have It?
Since laser-treated skin needs to be protected from the sun after the procedure, late autumn through winter is laser season. Unless you live in a tropical environment, the winter months are darker and colder and skin is covered. In addition, more time is spent indoors.
Even if you opt to get laser resurfacing in the fall or winter, you’ll still need to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher. Not only will you protect your skin against skin cancer, but it will protect the results of your procedure as well.
Can It Be Impacted by Certain Medications or Conditions?
The short answer is yes. Products like aspirin or chronic conditions like diabetes can increase the risk of bleeding after your procedure. And patients who smoke will likely experience slower healing.
In addition, laser treatment can induce acne breakouts, and people on certain acne medications may experience poor healing or scarring from a laser skin resurfacing treatment.
As such, it’s crucial that you’re absolutely honest with your provider about your medical history, as well as any medications you’re taking. This includes supplements.
How Much Downtime Is There?
Your needs may be met with a single laser treatment. In most cases though, you’ll need a series of treatments to garner the best results.
As mentioned above, non-ablative treatments are less invasive and may result in little to no downtime at all. Meanwhile, depending on the depth and the type of laser used, healing from ablative laser treatments can take two to three weeks before redness and/or scabbing clears.
You won’t be relegated to your house or anything. You may just feel uncomfortable exposing your skin in social situations during this time.
Reduce Wrinkles, Acne Scars, and Blemishes!
If your skin is looking tired and aged, it might be time to consult with a plastic surgeon or skin specialist about laser skin resurfacing.
Contact us today to find out about the many options available to you. During your free consultation, you’ll be educated about the different laser treatments so you can narrow it down to the one that will be right for you.
Then get ready for brighter and more youthful skin!
The Benefits of Laser Resurfacing in the Winter
The skin is your body’s largest organ. It’s also the most prominent. Given its exposure to the elements, it’s also prone to damage that leaves it roughened, discolored, and wrinkled.
While the skin is continuously replenishing itself by replacing old tissue with new, the process can be greatly expedited with laser resurfacing. It leaves the skin brighter, smoother, tighter, and more even.
And while you might think that summer would be the best time to have it done, laser resurfacing in the winter has many benefits.
What Is Laser Resurfacing?
Laser resurfacing is a non-surgical procedure that ablates the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis). Then the energy can enter into the deeper layer (the dermis). This results in an immediate contraction of the skin which promotes collagen production. Collagen locks moisture into the skin cells to lessen age-related loss of skin volume. The more collagen in the skin, the fewer lines and creases.
Furthermore, the lasers used in the procedure remove rough patches and smooth out areas where the skin has become crepey or leathery.
And the downtime is minimal.
Why Get Laser Resurfacing in the Winter
Laser resurfacing is most effective when the proper steps are taken during recovery. And these are much easier to do in the winter months when the weather is cold and the days are shorter.
Here’s why:
1. It’s Easier to Avoid the Sun
For optimal healing, avoiding direct sun exposure is highly recommended after laser resurfacing treatment. This can be difficult during the long days of summer when a sunny day lures you outdoors.
Even if there is a cold sunny day in the winter that’s calling you out to play, you’ll be mostly covered in your warm winter clothes and won’t need to use as much sunscreen.
2. You May Already Have Time Off for the Holiday Break
You may want to plan to take a few days off to allow your skin to heal after laser resurfacing. For many of us, time off is built in around the holidays. So if you’re able to schedule your procedure in that timeframe, you won’t even need to take additional time off.
3. Easier Recovery
Some laser resurfacing treatments are gentler than others. But fractional CO2 laser resurfacing goes deeper to provide outstanding results that last longer. Plus, it doesn’t require multiple treatments. It’s one and done.
For this reason, it’s the most popular option and often chosen by board-certified plastic surgeons.
The recovery can last 3-7 days and involves a certain degree of peeling as the skin exfoliates. This is easier to deal with in the cold winter months when you’re relaxing by a fire and allowing the skin to heal under a warm sweater. And if you need to make a quick errand, your skin will be protected from the elements.
Dive In This Winter
If you’re starting to despair that the cold and dry air is damaging your skin, now is the time to enjoy all of the benefits of laser resurfacing in the winter. Contact us today to start your free consultation.
Not only will your healing be optimal, but getting the treatment now will help your skin to look its best when spring and summer return.
The Huge Benefits of Halo Laser Treatment
Are you an avowed sun-worshipper?
The sun is great. It provides Vitamin D, increases the production of serotonin, and is vital for all life on the planet.
It’s not so great for the skin though.
In fact, life in general can be rough on the skin. Right along with the sun, environmental factors, acne, and aging can take their toll on your skin.
Fortunately, laser resurfacing can bring new fullness and glow to your skin. And the latest technology – Halo Laser Treatment – is second-to-none.
There are so many benefits of Halo Laser Treatment, you’ll want to make it a regular part of your skincare regimen.
What Makes HALO So Special?
Well, it’s a pretty big deal because it’s the first fractionated laser that uses ablative and non-ablative technology simultaneously.
Sounds impressive, but you’re probably wondering what all that means.
Without getting too technical, an ablative laser targets very small pathways in the skin while leaving the area around it untouched. It’s similar to when your aerate your lawn.
While all of that is happening, the non-ablative laser drills little thermal holes into the skin. The skin recognizes these as injuries, which in turn triggers collagen and elastin production.
Collagen and elastin are key in minimizing the formation of wrinkles.
So Halo not only smooths out wrinkles, but it’s key in the prevention of future wrinkles.
The Benefits of Halo Laser Treatment
Patients treated with Halo can expect remarkable results in just 1-2 treatments, versus the 5-6 treatments that were often required by older non-hybrid technology.
Plus, the shorter recovery time with Halo is not punctuated by the severely swollen and sometimes scary “raw-meat” face that often resulted with the older technology. (The lengths we once had to go to for beauty!)
By targeting both the epidermis and dermis, the hybrid laser is capable of the following:
- minimizing the appearance of pore size
- helping correct sun damage/dyschromia
- lessening presence of pigmented lesions
- treating scars (including those from acne and actinic keratosis)
- cutting down on brown spots
- smoothing wrinkles and fine lines
- evening out skin texture and tone
Halo can be performed on most skin tones and can resurface about 25 – 30% of the skin. And the treatment itself is pretty comfortable.
What Goes into a Halo Treatment
Receiving a Halo treatment is rather like getting a very controlled sunburn. As such, it should be noted that you cannot go suntanning for 4-6 weeks before this treatment.
Your board-certified plastic surgeon will consult with you before the procedure to determine the problems you want to address and what areas you’d like to target.
Although Halo is most commonly used on the face, other areas of treatment include the neck, chest, arms, legs, and hands.
Before the actual treatment is performed, a topical anesthetic will be applied to the area to be worked. This must sit on your skin for 45 minutes to an hour to ensure that it is completely numbed.
Some patients choose to add an oral anti-inflammatory as well such as Motrin, Advil or Tylenol.
Once the skin is numbed, the board-certified plastic surgeon uses the halo to first measure surface area of the skin to be treated so the amount of energy needed for delivering the treatment can be calibrated.
This is done to ensure that he or she knows exactly how far down to go to address your issues.
Then the procedure itself is fairly simple.
You’ll just lay back and close your eyes while the surgeon performs the laser resurfacing. Once it’s over, you’re free to go home.
Recovering from Halo
Generally speaking, the side effects from Halo are minimal. There may be some redness, swelling, and/or tenderness that can relieved with a cold compress post-treatment. It usually takes 1-3 days for these to subside, and 3-5 days for full recovery.
The majority of patients are able to return to work or other everyday activities the next day after a mild treatment. And makeup can be applied after just 24 hours.
Most patients notice a smoother and more youthful-looking complexion in 2-5 days. And these improvements will gradually continue as collagen and elastin production are boosted.
Is Halo Laser Treatment Right for You?
While having two milder Halo treatments in the first year is more than enough to brighten skin and maximize preventative aging, you may prefer to opt for one deeper rejuvenation as well.
One of our award-winning surgeons can perform a full facial analysis to give you an in-depth consultation about your options, then create a customized plan to meet your goals. So contact us today!
And then get ready to experience the many benefits of Halo laser treatment for yourself.
Is Broadband Light Therapy for Acne Effective?
If you’re embarrassed by the appearance of zits and pimples anywhere on your body, then you know all too well that the struggle with acne is real.
Plus, it’s not just a problem for teenagers. Contrary to popular belief, a growing number of adults continue to struggle with acne. And if not treated, it can leave unsightly scars and pockmarks in its wake.
Fortunately, there’s Broadband Light Therapy for acne.
What is Broadband Light Therapy for Acne?
Trying to figure out what to do with problematic acne can be overwhelming. There is a wealth of different treatments – some of which can cause prolonged side effects. What’s more, what works for one person may not work for you. Some so-called treatments could even worsen your acne.
This is what makes Broadband Light Therapy so appealing. Also referred to as BBL (which shouldn’t be confused with the other BBL in plastic surgery – the Brazilian Butt Lift) filtered light similar to a laser is used to stimulate the regeneration of your skin cells. The result is improved clarity and luminosity of your skin.
In addition, the energy from the light stimulates collagen and elastin production to help even out your skin’s texture and complexion. It also destroys the bacteria that causes the acne.
So How Does BBL Work?
BBL is a fairly simple and minimal pain procedure done in the office. It does not require numbing cream and takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to perform.
During the 3-step procedure, your skincare specialist uses a handheld FDA-approved device to apply light in three different wavelengths to the targeted areas of acne.
In the first step, blue light moves deep within your epidermis and sebaceous gland to kill the bacteria that causes acne. The reduction of active acne also prevents new breakouts. Yellow light is then utilized in the second step to reduce deeper acne lesions. This will further diffuse any inflammation or redness you’re experiencing. Finally, the third step utilizes a filter to complement the results from the first two steps.
When all is said and done, you may experience slight redness and a light sunburn sensation immediately following BBL. This typically lasts less than a couple of hours and you may return to normal activities within 24 hours of treatment.
Sound too good to be true?
Just a Few Caveats
It should be noted that BBL for acne is not a “one-and-done” affair. For best results, you’ll need a minimum of 6 consistent treatments done at 2- to 4-week intervals. Results will typically become noticeable after the first 2-3 treatments though and you’ll likely experience fewer breakouts.
In addition, BBL for acne should be performed in the fall or winter when there is little to no risk of sun exposure. (So if you go to Florida for Thanksgiving, you’ll want to wait until after you return home.) This is because sunlight exposure, or even any products that increase your sensitivity to the sun, put your skin at risk when exposed to BBL.
So to avoid the possibility of burning, striping, hyperpigmentation, white spots, or other skin damage, you’ll need to be extremely cautious about sun exposure or certain lotions for at least 4-6 weeks both before and after your treatment.
Schedule Your Fall/Winter BBL Treatments Now!
If the appearance of chronic pimples and zits is taking an emotional toll on you, now is the time to consider trying broadband light therapy for acne.
Contact us today to set up a free consultation with one of our skincare specialists. They will discuss the best options and treatment plans for you.
But don’t wait too long. Autumn is just around the corner and winter will be here before you know it!
Could You Be a Candidate for a Neck Lift?
It’s not surprising that the neck scarf is popular among older people for hiding crepey, drooping, or wrinkled skin. They’ll sport a scarf even in the middle of the summer.
Unlike other areas of the body, the neck doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. And there are almost no over-the-counter treatments that make any kind of difference.
Fortunately, a plastic surgeon can perform a neck lift to restore a more youthful contour and sharper jawline.
Are You a Good Candidate for a Neck Lift?
If you have a double chin, excess fat or drooping skin on the lower face, wrinkly or crepey neck skin, or loose sagging skin that gives the appearance of a ‘turkey neck,’ you may have resigned yourself to a less-than-attractive neckline. You don’t have to though.
If you’re a nonsmoker (or willing to quit), are in generally good health, and have no medical conditions that will slow healing, a neck lift can alter your profile and jawline in such a way that you’ll look years younger.
Another key component is the ability to be realistic about the outcome. When you have a full understanding that a neck lift is not going to drastically change your appearance or stop the aging process, you will be more satisfied with the results.
What To Expect From a Neck Lift Procedure
A neck lift, or in doctorly terms a platysmaplasty, is surgery. That means you’ll be under anesthesia.
The surgeon makes an incision that typically follows the contour from the top of your ear to your lower hairline on each side. Then depending on your specific needs, the surgeon may sculpt, remove, or redistribute excess fat. Tissues may need to be repositioned and tightened and skin will be redraped and positioned over the new contours. Excess skin is trimmed away.
In the case of a double chin, there will also be liposuction to tighten the area.
Neck Lift Recovery
You will need to keep your head elevated and limit the movement of your neck to keep the stitches intact. There may or may not be a drain near the incision site to avoid fluid build-up and lessen swelling.
Any residual bruising or swelling you experience could last for several weeks. As that goes down, you’ll begin to see your new and improved contours.
Follow the specific instructions your doctor will give you to ensure you get the best possible results and quickest recovery.
Are There Non-Surgical Options?
A neck lift is surgery. There’s no way around that. And while there are non-surgical options, they will not achieve the same results.
Even so, if you’re just starting to notice changes in your neck, nonsurgical rejuvenation treatments can delay your need for surgery. Or if you’ve had a neck lift, these non-surgical treatments can complement the results.
If your issues are not advanced, nonsurgical options offer a quicker recovery time and fewer risks. Botox, for example, can reduce banding. Dermal fillers can bring more volume. Microneedling rejuvenates the skin by stimulating collagen production. And laser treatments can provide textural improvements.
You can always discuss these with your plastic surgeon.
Is a Neck Lift Right for You?
If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your neck because of aging, you could be the perfect candidate for a neck lift.
You may also find that a non-surgical technique delivers what you need. Whatever the case, you don’t need to be unhappy with your neck any longer.
Contact us today to set up a free consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon. You’ll be pointed in the direction that will garner the best results for you.
Can You Reduce the Appearance of Large Pores?
Many people fear the close-up. And while makeup can go the distance in covering up blemishes and other imperfections, it can accentuate large pores.
Large pores are the result of oil and sweat not being properly released through the pores by the sebaceous glands that sit beneath the skin. Eventually the pores get clogged with oil, dirt, and dead skin cells leading to the appearance of large pores. And it doesn’t just happen to those with oily skin.
So is there any way to reduce the appearance of large pores?
You CAN Reduce the Appearance of Large Pores
Some degree of pore visibility is normal. And you can change your skincare routine and try gentle cleansers and/or a clay mask. Getting rid of oil-based products and using mineral sunscreen can also help.
But for those who struggle with large pores because of genetic factors, or for those for whom the change in skincare doesn’t work, there are also non-invasive procedures that can help:
Chemical Peels
If you’ve tried various exfoliants and haven’t had any luck, you may have more success with chemical peels. Peels are effective in removing the dirt, dead skin, and blackheads that contribute to the appearance of large pores.
While it might sound a bit scary, chemical peels remove layer(s) of skin. To do this, skincare specialists use an exfoliant consisting of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and trichloroacetic acid. The process is very similar to getting a sunburn that causes the skin to peel.
Depending on the level of exfoliation needed, there are three different types of peels. With a light peel, the exfoliant doesn’t penetrate any deeper than the top layer of skin and takes around 30 minutes. A medium peel gets down to the middle layer of skin to remove damaged skin cells. Finally, a deep peel gets down a little further to remove the most damaged cells.
Microneedling
In a nutshell, microneedling uses radiofrequency to stimulate collagen and elastin production. The main concept behind the process is to create micro-injuries to the skin to stimulate the body’s response.
With microneedling, the skin is pierced to create inflammation. The immune system is then triggered to increase blood flow to the area to disinfect the pores and remove debris. This, in essence, creates new tissue and a fresh network of blood cells is built. Finally, newly created blood vessels and dermal tissues repair the area.
Laser Treatments
Many patients seek laser treatments to address wrinkles and scars. But this outpatient procedure is effective in reducing the appearance of large pores too.
Similar to chemical peels, these treatments use ablative or non-ablative lasers to remove the top layer of damaged skin to stimulate the growth of new skin cells. Also like chemical peels, there are three different types of laser treatments – CO2, erbium, and fractionated CO2.
Which one is right for you will depend on how deep the damage is.
Are You Embarrassed by Large Pores?
You don’t need to be.
Contact us today to find out how we can help you change your skincare routine or utilize one of the above procedures to reduce the appearance of large pores.
And get ready for your close-up.
Technological Advances in Plastic Surgery
Although there is some question about whether technology benefits every industry, technological advances in plastic surgery continue to take procedures to new heights.
While tech has gone the distance in advancing every aspect of plastic surgery, it’s been especially beneficial for patients seeking to enhance their appearance in new and exciting ways.
Plus, with these advancements, plastic surgery is safer and more effective now than ever before.
Latest Technological Advances in Plastic Surgery
If you’re frustrated with some aspect of your appearance or part of your body, now is a great time to take advantage of these advancements. The following five advancements are contributing to the field taking big strides.
- Laser Treatments
Laser treatments are straightforward procedures that can be performed in a clinic or office setting. They don’t require general anesthesia and there is little to no downtime.
While laser treatments are nothing new, they do continue to evolve. And for those seeking to reduce the appearance of scars or remove unwanted hair, they’ve been a game changer.
- MRIs and CT Scans
Plastic surgeons use MRIs, CT scans, and other advanced imaging techniques to get a clearer view of a patient’s anatomy. This helps them find potential pre-surgical issues, as well as enabling them to monitor patients post-op to ensure they’re healing.
- Virtual Reality
Wouldn’t it be great if you could “try on” different plastic surgery procedures? With virtual reality technology (VR), you can do just that – without ever going under the knife.
VR technology enables patients to get a glimpse of how they’ll look after a particular procedure. It also assists in educating patients about the process of the procedure as well as its potential outcomes.
- 3D Imaging and Printing
For procedures where precise measurements are particularly crucial, 3D imaging and printing have been revolutionary. For example, a surgeon counseling a patient seeking facial reconstruction can show the patient a digital model of their face so they can visualize the outcome of the surgery.
Meanwhile, 3D printing enables surgeons to create highly customized prosthetics and implants. For patients who require breast reconstruction, these personalized versions look and feel more natural than traditional implants.
- Stem Cell Therapy and Platelet-Rich Plasma
Technological advances in regenerative medicine have also had a positive impact on plastic surgery. Through stem cell therapy, tissues can be regenerated to create more natural-looking results.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is also utilized in combination with other procedures to not only enhance results but to boost recovery times. It’s an amazing outcome from such a simple therapy.
Take Advantage of the New Technology!
The above technological advances in plastic surgery have rendered procedures the safest and most precise they’ve ever been. And with the most natural-looking results.
So if you’re considering plastic surgery for any reason, there’s no time like the present!
Contact us today to set up your free consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeons. You can be assured that you’ll get the best results in the field today.
Do Teens Get Plastic Surgery?
The quick answer is yes. But the number of teens who opt for plastic surgery is not huge.
This leads to the bigger question – should teens get plastic surgery? Many surgeons won’t perform procedures on patients under the age of 21. And there are many reasons for this.
Then there are procedures that some surgeons will perform but only if they’re absolutely certain that it’s the best option for the teen.
Why Do Teens Get Plastic Surgery?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), most teenagers seek out plastic surgery because they are desperate to fit in but feel their appearance is not acceptable to their friends and peers.
For example, young men who have embarrassing excess breast tissue (gynecomastia) that won’t resolve with proper diet and exercise may seek out a breast reduction. Or teenagers who are ashamed of birthmarks in obvious places may inquire about laser treatments to lessen their appearance.
Some teens struggle with severe acne that results in pocks and scars that leave them self-conscious and prone to isolation. A cosmetic procedure known as dermabrasion can help to smooth out or camouflage those scars. And for teenagers with birth anomalies such as ears that stick out, some surgeons will perform surgery to pin back ears known as otoplasty.
Important Considerations
As with any surgery, the option to perform plastic surgery on teens should be heavily weighed. In many cases, it’s simply not appropriate. There are many things to consider:
- Teenagers Are Still Growing
It’s normal for teenagers to criticize their appearance. But it’s important to remember that they are still changing and growing. So even if a teenager feels his nose is too big or her breasts are too small, there’s a good chance that they will become more proportionate as they grow into their adult bodies.
- Changes in Exercise and Diet Could Help
It’s often not easy to get teenagers on board with regular exercise and dietary restrictions. We get it. For teenagers struggling with weight issues, they may think that liposuction or even a gastric bypass is a better option and a nice, quick fix. They’re sure much easier than sticking with a diet and exercise regimen.
Any parent considering this needs to understand though that ethical doctors know the risks involved with these procedures and reserve them for extreme cases when other options have failed.
- Self-Consciousness Is Part of Teenage Years
Feeling dissatisfied with one’s appearance while having it feel like a monumentally big deal is part and parcel of the teenage years. And teens don’t realize that a lot of this will go away with time. Of course, even as adults most of us have some part that we’d like to change. But by the time we’re adults, we’re doing it for ourselves and not for someone else. This is an important distinction.
- There Could Be Mental Issues
This is a big one.
Teenagers see a distorted version of themselves. If this already inaccurate view is further exacerbated by depression or other emotional issues, teenagers are quick to believe that ‘looking better’ will solve their problems.
There is no plastic surgery procedure that can fix underlying mental issues. Plastic surgeons are well aware of this and many won’t perform plastic surgery on any patient – teenage or otherwise – until such mental issues are addressed first with a therapist or other mental health expert.
It’s Up to the Surgeon
Ultimately, once a parent has conceded, the choice as to whether teens get plastic surgery comes down to the surgeon. Many feel that it’s best to wait until the body is fully formed.
But again, it depends on the person and the procedure.
So if you’re considering plastic surgery – whether for you or someone else – contact us today to speak with our ethical surgeons who will lead you in the right direction.
The Lowdown on Scar Revision
If you’re an adult and you’ve lived life at all, chances are you have a scar. It’s the body’s way of healing after an injury, infection, inflammation, or surgery.
A scar consists of fibrous tissue that can be anywhere on the body. It might be flat, sunken, colored, or lumpy.
Someone with a flat and colorless scar in an obscure place may not think much about it. But for others with more obvious scars that cause them embarrassment, there is scar revision.
What Is Scar Revision?
Just as the name implies, scar revision is a procedure performed to alter the appearance of an unsightly scar, return function to a restrictive scar, or improve an itch or painful scar.
Depending on the type of scar, there are numerous approaches to scar revision:
Topical
Topical treatments are the least invasive approach. They’re usually the first go-to because of their simplicity.
Physicians may recommend OTC topical anesthetic ointments, antihistamine creams, or corticosteroids to encourage healing reduce any itchiness and discomfort. Sometimes the doctor may prescribe a stronger corticosteroid cream for newer scars that are still pink and in the process of healing. This can combat excessive scar formation.
Another option that’s been used for decades is silicone. Used in sheet form, silicone is effective for treating scars from burns, surgery, or other more severe injuries that require hospital treatment. There are now silicone gels that can be applied to create a thin sheet within 4-5 minutes.
Injections
When a scar is raised, thick, and red, stronger interventions are usually required. Multiple small corticosteroid injections are made into the scar to reduce pain, itching, and redness from inflammation. Injections are typically given over several months at 4-6 week intervals.
Meanwhile, depressed scars are usually treated with filler injections. These may contain collagen and synthetic agents that are injected into or under the scar tissue. Filler injections are not permanent, however, So they need to be repeated every few years.
Surface Treatments
There are a wide variety of skin resurfacing treatments. They involve removing the top layer of damaged skin so new skin layers can form.
With dermabrasion, the skin layer is manually removed using a rapidly rotating device. This technique is ideal for minimizing skin lines, age spots, acne scars, and sun damage.
Acne scars and sun damage can also be treated with chemical peels. They’re also effective in treating wrinkles and melasma.
To flatten and soften scars, laser therapy involves pulsating concentrated beams of light at irregular skin in a targeted area. It also helps improve discoloration and tightens the skin to give it a younger-looking appearance.
Other surface treatments include skin bleaching (topical creams that lighten skin) and vascular laser treatment reduces the redness of scars with blood vessels.
Surgery
When it comes to changing the position and shape of scars, surgery can do the trick. It can also release a tight scar to improve movement. In the cases of scar excision and revision, scar tissue is removed, and a flap of adjacent skin reforms the area.
If there is no flap available, or if the scar being removed is very large, a skin graft is taken from a cosmetically less important area of the body to reform the area.
The Z-plasty method moves a scar into a natural crease or fold to minimize its visibility. In addition, tissue expanders can create healthy stretched skin by placing expandable silicone implants under the skin. The skin is then used to replace the excised scar tissue.
You Don’t Have to Live With Scars
There is a wealth of scar revision options.
So if you’re interested in lessening the appearance of (or getting rid of altogether) your scar, contact us today to set up a free consultation.
You’ll have the chance to talk with a board-certified plastic surgeon who will guide you through the best treatment options for your situation.
What Is Scar Revision?
Having a scar is seen by some as a ‘battle wound’ of which to be proud. For others though, a scar can be an embarrassing aberration or even something which compromises their ability to function.
Fortunately for the latter group, there are multiple scar revision procedures available to improve cosmetic appearance and/or restore function.
And while no scar can be completely removed, many of these procedures truly go the distance.
Different Types of Scars
The type of treatment for your scar revision will be based on the severity, location, size, and even type of scar. Yep. That’s right. Not all scars are created equal.
We’ll take a look at three of the most common types of scars addressed in scar revision:
- Keloid
A keloid scar is a rounded, thick, and irregular cluster of tissue that occurs when the skin is wounded. In the case of keloid scars, they extend beyond the border of the wound and are often red or darker than the regular skin surrounding it.
- Hypertrophic
Like keloid scars, a hypertrophic scar is often red in color and is thick and elevated. (Atrophic scars, by contrast, are below the surface of the skin.)
Unlike keloid scars, a hypertrophic scar does not extend beyond the borders of the skin injury.
- Contractures
Contractures depart from keloid and hypertrophic scars in that they occur when an area of skin is damaged or even lost. Rather than a raised appearance, a contracture scar pulls the edges of skin together resulting in tightness of the area. This pulling can also affect the ability of tendons, muscles and joints in the area to move effectively.
Treatment Options for Scar Revision
In cases where scarring is not severe, there are multiple options for surface treatments to soften irregularities and reduce uneven pigmentation. These are typically done by changing the surface of the skin.
For example, hydrafacial and/or chemical peel solutions soften irregularities in texture and color by penetrating the skin’s surface. Laser or light therapy procedures alter the surface of the skin to enable healthy new skin to form at the scar site. And dermabrasion mechanically polishes the skin.
In some cases, steroid injections may be utilized to decrease itching and redness as well as shrink the size of the scar. Pressure therapy – where an appliance is worn over the scar for a prescribed amount of time – may also be recommended.
It’s important to understand that in many cases, the patient will have a combination of these procedures to achieve the desired result.
Surgical Procedures
When the scar is more severe and/or is affecting the patient’s ability to function, then surgery is the usual recommendation.
In the most basic procedure, a board-certified plastic surgeon removes the scar formation with an incision. He or she then places stitches to help close the wound.
More complicated scarring may call for the following:
- Skin Graft or Flap
In situations where skin is damaged or lost, skin grafts may be chosen. With this procedure, the surgeon removes the scar tissue, takes a piece of healthy skin from another area of the body, and attaches it to the wounded area.
Skin flaps are the next level and address situations where there is damage to the blood vessels as well as the skin. Similar to skin grafts, with a skin flap, the section of skin that’s harvested includes its underlying blood vessels, fat, and muscles.
- Tissue expansion
Some patients who wish to avoid a skin graft may opt for tissue expansion instead. In this procedure, an inflatable balloon is placed under the skin near the wound site.
Slowly and over time, the balloon is filled with a sterile solution so as to stretch the area of healthy skin around the wound. Once the skin is sufficiently expanded, the scar is removed and the newly stretched skin replaces the tissue.
Obviously, this procedure involves multiple visits and procedures which can take some time.
Are You In Need of Scar Revision?
Even though a scar cannot be completely eliminated, scar revision procedures can greatly reduce its appearance or address your inability to function normally because of it.
So if you have a troublesome scar, then contact us today to discuss the options available to you.
The long-lasting results will leave you feeling more confident in your appearance and comfortable in your body.
