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In the last half of this century, men and women have
had more leisure time to spend outdoors than in previous generations.
Many hours spent on outside recreations and the prevalence of both
summer and winter vacations, have all taken their toll on people's skin.
Premature wrinkling is more common now than ever before. Both men and
women seek facial cosmetic surgery to reverse the effects of sun damaged
skin.
Surgery may also improve the pitted look of acne
scars and remove pre-cancerous skin growths called keratoses.
If you've wondered how skin resurfacing with chemical
peeling or dermabrasion could improve the look of your skin, your
self-confidence, or your health, you need to know how chemical peeling
and dermabrasion are performed and what you can expect from these
procedures. |
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facial cosmetic surgery is a result of good rapport between patient
and surgeon. Trust, based on realistic expectations and exacting
medical expertise, develops in the consulting stages before surgery.
Your surgeon can answer specific questions about your specific skin
problems.
The most basic requirement for any surgery is good health. Other
requirements are more subtle and should be carefully considered in
discussions with your surgeon. Expectations of surgery and of the
surgeon must be realistic. Skin resurfacing procedures cannot
produce perfect skin; rather the goal is to improve the appearance
of the skin as much as possible.
Skin type and colour, ethnic background, and age
are important factors that should be discussed prior to surgery. If
you have dark skin or problems such as allergies, previous burns, a
history of poor scars, or radiation exposure, you may need special
evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for these procedures.
If you have had episodes of cold sores and blisters around the
mouth, inform your surgeon of this condition.
Before deciding on a skin resurfacing procedure,
your cosmetic surgeon may recommend a skin care regimen prior to the
procedure. If you have extensive damage from ageing or injury, more
than one procedure may be necessary.
Whether you seek a chemical peel or dermabrasion
for functional or cosmetic reasons, your choice of a qualified
facial plastic/cosmetic surgeon is of paramount importance. The
surgeon will examine your skin to assess factors that could affect
the outcome of the surgery and to determine the proper procedure for
your condition. You and your surgeon will explore your attitudes
toward surgery, and discuss realistic expectations and risks. Trust
is built through these discussions, and the agreement between
surgeon and patient is a prerequisite for a successful outcome to
the surgery.
After you and your surgeon decide to proceed with
a chemical peel or dermabrasion, all options for the procedure will
be discussed along with the risks. You will also receive information
relating to each procedure. Bear in mind that neither chemical peel
nor dermabrasion can correct sagging skin or halt the ageing
process. Furthermore, as some chemical peels lighten skin colour,
you must make a commitment to use sunblock.
Following a thorough medical history, your
surgeon will advise you as to anaesthesia options, the surgical
facility being used, any additional surgery options, and the costs
for the procedure. Your surgeon may also suggest other surgery,
either before or after your resurfacing procedure in order to
enhance your overall appearance.
The skin is composed of the epidermis and the
dermis. Within the dermis are two layers, both of which are
constructed of collagen, long fibres that loosen and stretch with
age and sun damage. If the deepest layer, the reticular layer, is
damaged, scars result, while the upper layer of the dermis, the
papillary layer, heals from injuries without scarring.
In a chemical peel, the surgeon applies one of
several chemicals to the skin. Glycolic acid is the mildest. TCA,
trichloroacetic acid, can be used in varying strengths for
longer-lasting smoothness. The deepest peel is done with phenol.
Before any peel, the face is first thoroughly
cleansed with a solution to remove oil and to prepare the skin for
deepest penetration. As the chemical is applied, the epidermis is
removed, and the chemical penetrates into the first layer of the
dermis.
Dermabrasion is a surgical technique where by
some deeper scars and wrinkles can be smoothed. The surgeon uses a
local anaesthetic and/or a freezing agent to render the skin numb.
Then, using a high speed rotating brush, the surgeon removes the top
layer of skin to the appropriate level for the best results. The
size and depth of scars and the degree of wrinkling determine the
length of the surgery.
Laser surgery is used to resurface facial skin
with wrinkles caused by excess sun exposure, "crow's feet," and acne
scarring. The high energy, amplified light waves of carbon dioxide
(CO2) laser vaporise the top layer of skin instantly, with no
beeding and minimal trauma to the surrounding skin.
Immediately following a chemical peel or
dermabrasion, the surgeon may apply a dressing to your skin.
Swelling and "crusting" of the skin are normal, and ointments to
keep the skin supple will be applied for seven to 10 days following
surgery. The redness of skin that persists after the initial healing
phase will usually fade in about 4 weeks.
The surgeon often recommends a soft diet,
avoidance of extremes in temperature and any activity that would
cause stress to healing skin.
It is imperative that you follow the
post-operative instructions of your surgeon to the letter. Should
you experience any increase in redness or itching in the days after
surgery, notify your surgeon immediately.
In one to two weeks after surgery, new skin will
emerge that is pinkish, finer, and free of many wrinkles. But it
will take several weeks for all the redness to vanish. Follow-up
care involves using sunblock in order to protect the skin while new
pigment is created.
Patients will notice that the skin remains
lighter for a long time after surgery, but that condition will
usually subside when the skin's pigment level has been restored.
Facial plastic/cosmetic surgery makes it possible
to correct many facial flaws and signs of premature ageing that can
undermine self-confidence. By changing how you look, cosmetic
surgery can help change how you feel about yourself.
Article courtesy of American Academy of Facial
and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery |
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