As skin ages it loses it elasticity. This can lead to wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, and loss of skin tone. Skin rejuvenation or resurfacing treatments generally fall into two categories: laser treatments or chemical peels. While neither of these are involved a plastic surgery they do come with inherent risks. It is up to the individual to determine if the relatively low risk is worth the reward.
Whether using CO2 lasers or a chemical agent the purpose of a skin rejuvenation treatment is to remove the top layer of skin. By removing this layer the lower youthful layers of skin are brought to the surface. This forces and encourages the production of new collagen and elastic tissue which tightens the skin and removes wrinkles.
Those who choose to undergo a skin rejuvenation treatment often seek to eliminate or remove the appearance of:
• Static Wrinkles: Those always visible wrinkles that are there regardless of expression.
• Dynamic Wrinkles: Also known as laugh lines or expression lines. These wrinkles become apparent or deepen depending on expression.
• Pigmentation Issues: This category includes sun spots, freckles, etc.
• Scarring: Skin treatments can all but eliminate unsightly scarring.
• Visible Veins: Those unsightly veins or blood vessels that are visible just under the surface of the skin.
• Cellulite: Cellulite occurs due to a loss of skin tone. Skin rejuvenation treatments restore skin tone and will help to reduce or remove cellulite.
While laser treatments and chemical peels are not surgical procedures they are not without risk. The risks are not great, but they are there. Some risks include: infection, pigmentation irregularities, texture changes, skin surface irregularities, and scarring. Once again, these negative effects are unlikely to occur.
After skin rejuvenation treatments have been performed it is important for the patient to take care of their recently exposed skin. Complete protection from the sun is absolutely vital for the first year after treatment. This will curb the potential for the development of uneven pigmentation. The skin is likely to be quite pink after a treatment. This will fade in a few weeks. Make up should not be worn at all for the first two to three weeks after a treatment.
