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Chemical Peels And Laser Skin Resurfacing

For many patients, facial chemical peels and laser skin resurfacing are effective treatment options for addressing signs of aging and other common skin concerns. The use of chemical peels has been a long-standing therapy to help reduce fine lines and brown spots, as well as to improve the texture of the skin. Chemical peels can often be very effective on their own, or they can serve as complements to surgical procedures such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) and rhytidectomy (facelift) for more comprehensive rejuvenation. Additionally, laser skin resurfacing is another treatment option that can be used to rejuvenate aging skin and battle cumulative photodamage or sun exposure that results in wrinkles and uneven pigmentation.

Our facial plastic surgeon, Scott Shadfar, MD, evaluates each patient based on their unique needs and goals, skin type, and the concerns they wish to address. He tailors treatment for each individual patient to maximize the potential for beautiful results that meet – or even exceed – expectations.

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What Is The Technique For Chemical Peels?

Chemical peels can be performed using topical anesthetic, sedation, or a general anesthetic on an outpatient basis. The skin is prepared by removing all oils from the surface, and a combination of chemicals are then applied to the skin. There are several variations in the composition of chemical peels and Dr. Shadfar will tailor each peel to the appropriate depth needed to obtain a natural and effective result.

What Does The Recovery Process For Chemical Peels Entail?

The amount of downtime associated with chemical peels will depend on the depth of treatment. More superficial peels have minimal downtime of about 24 hours. Medium depth chemical peel patients can expect 5-7 days of recovery, while deep chemical peel patients will have 8-12 days of downtime, followed by several weeks of pink-red skin coloration as the skin heals. For medium and deep chemical peel patients, Dr. Shadfar will see the patient in the clinic the morning after the surgery, and check all treated areas. Depending on the depth of treatment, the patient may experience tightness to the face, skin discomfort similar to a sunburn, and facial swelling. The patient can use cool compresses, keep the head elevated, and continue with meticulous local wound care measures until the skin has completely healed. We ask those patients traveling from out of town to stay for routine checks during this 1-2 week time period.

“Dr. Shadfar and his team are absolutely amazing! They are very kind, caring and professional.”
- Sonata B.

What Is The Technique For Laser Skin Resurfacing?

There are various laser technologies available. Depending on the area treated and depth of resurfacing, most procedures can be performed in the office with the aid of topical anesthetic creams. For patients with more pronounced skin damage and wrinkling, a deeper sedation or general anesthetic will be required. Laser skin resurfacing is an outpatient procedure.

Dr. Shadfar and his team use Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), which is a state-of-the-art technique developed by Lumenis® – a leading manufacturer of minimally invasive aesthetic technologies. The Stellar M22 IPL treatment can be customized to improve the appearance of over 30 skin issues and concerns, including vascular lesions, unwanted hair, hyperpigmentation, and active acne.

Depending on the specific condition being addressed, the team can seamlessly adjust the settings of the IPL device to deliver precise treatment and optimal results.

Fotona Erbium and Nd-YAG laser treatments are a unique form of non-ablative thermal stimulation with a gentle dual-tissue regeneration process to achieve highly controlled and safe collagen tightening and new collagen formation within the tissue. This addresses fine lines and pigmentary challenges for patients. Additionally, patients can observe an immediate tightness and freshness, as well as a prolonged rejuvenation effect, making it ideal for maintenance treatments as well.

What Does The Recovery For Laser Skin Resurfacing Entail?

The amount of downtime associated with laser skin resurfacing will depend on the depth of treatment. More superficial or mild laser resurfacing patients typically have minimal downtime. Medium depth laser resurfacing patients can expect 5-7 days of recovery, while deep laser treatment patients will have 8-12 days of downtime. Dr. Shadfar will see the patient in the clinic and check all treated areas the morning after treatment. Patients may experience tightness to the face, skin discomfort similar to a sunburn, and possible facial swelling, depending on their specific treatment plan. To optimize the results, Dr. Shadfar recommends individuals use cool compresses, keep the head elevated, and continue with local wound care measures until the skin has completely healed. We ask patients traveling from out of town to stay for routine checks during this time period.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chemical Peels And Laser Skin Resurfacing

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