Skin Resurfacing

What is Skin Resurfacing?

All treatments that resurface the skin work in essentially the same way. The outer layers of damaged skin are removed so the new skin can heal in a smoother, more uniform way.  Different methods to resurface the skin include dermabrasion, lasers, or a chemical like phenol or TCA.  Each of these can be tailored from superficial to deep.  Deeper treatment generally leads to better results but are associated with longer recovery and higher risk.     A properly trained physician should have a firm understanding of all.

These methods can be applied to your entire face and neck or to an specific area such as the upper lip or lower eyelids, depending on your goals. Resurfacing can also be combined with other procedures, such as a facelift, to enhance the results. Since a facelift does not address fine wrinkles in the upper lip or lower eyelids, adding a resurfacing method will often provide a better overall result.

What is Microneedling?

An alternative to the deeper resurfacing methods is microneedling, which has the shortest recovery period. Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation procedure that helps minimize the signs of aging, improve the appearance of acne scars and rejuvenate aging skin. The microneedling device causes controlled micro-injuries that stimulate the body’s natural wound healing process. The micro-injuries trigger the release of cytokines and growth factors that lead to remodeling of collagen and elastin.

• Reduces the signs of aging; skin texture, fine lines and wrinkles
• Improves the appearance of acne scarring
• Minimally invasive procedure performed in-office manageable recovery time
• Safe for all skin types, light to dark
• Effective on all body parts, including face, neck and décolletage

What Can I Expect During Treatment?

A topical anesthetic is applied prior to treatment. Generally, patients report feeling just a slight vibration  during the treatment.

How Many Treatments Are Recommended?

The number of procedures required will be based upon your individual procedure goals and the overall health of your skin. Most patients receive a series of three procedures spaced about four weeks apart.

How Microneedling Works

It creates thousands of microchannels that stimulate your body’s natural wound healing process, while minimizing cellular damage. This rejuvenates your skin from the inside out. The result is effective remodeling of scar tissue, while keeping the overall structure of the skin intact.

There are three phases to the wound-repair process:

• Phase I: Inflammation. Piercing the skin triggers your immune system to cleanse the wound, remove debris, increase blood flow and begin to create new tissue.
• Phase II: Proliferation. The wound is rebuilt with new granulation cells, which are part of the extracellular matrix. Additionally, a new network of blood vessels develops.
• Phase III: Remodeling. The wound is replaced with new dermal tissues and blood vessels.

Benefits of Microneedling

Little Downtime: It is a perfect treatment for patients with a busy schedule.

Natural Recovery: SkinPen’s mechanical process is versatile and usable year-round.

Safe for all Skin Types: Clinically proven effective on all skin types, Fitzpatrick 1 – 6.