Skin Resurfacing

What is Skin Resurfacing?

During a Skin Resurfacing procedure at Coley Cosmetic & Hand Surgery Center in Greensboro, NC, the outer layers of facial skin are exfoliated to reduce or eliminate lines, wrinkles and mild to moderate scars. Skin resurfacing procedures stimulate new skin growth, resulting in a fresher, more youthful appearance. These procedures can cause some downtime, depending on the method chosen and the area being treated. However, they can produce some of the best results accomplished by cosmetic procedures.

Who Is A Candidate for Skin Resurfacing?

• Is your facial skin damaged or wrinkled?
• Do you have vertical lines around your mouth or Scrow"s feet? around your eyes?
• Do you have facial scars caused by injury, acne, or chicken pox?
• Do you have predaceous skin growths?
• Do you have brown spots or blotchy skin on your face?

If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, you may be a good candidate for a skin resurfacing procedure at Dr. Coley's practice in Greensboro.

What is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel involves the application of a chemical solution to facial skin. The solution causes the surface layers of skin to peel, leaving a newly regenerated skin that is usually smoother and less wrinkled. A chemical peel may reduce or remove freckles, age spots and uneven pigmentation caused by birth control pills or pregnancy. Our experts at Coley Cosmetic and Hand Surgery Center in Greensboro can also treat certain types of acne with chemical peels.

What is Dermabrasion?

When the skin has an uneven texture that results from acne or injury, dermabrasion may provide improvement. The process of dermabrasion is similar to sanding a mark from a surface. The more elevated areas of skin are smoothed down to diminish the variations that cast shadows when light strikes the face. Because the skin of the face is fairly thick, professionals at Dr. Coley's office can perform dermabrasion in all facial areas except the eyelids.

What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

State of the art skin resurfacing is performed with a carbon dioxide laser that vaporizes the upper layers of the skin. The laser is effective in treating wrinkles, age spots, skin discolorations, and scars from acne or injury. In addition, laser treatment results in a mild tightening effect of the skin, especially in the lower eyelid area. The experienced staff at Dr. Coley's practice treats patients with a variety of complexions with the laser procedure.

What to Expect Before and After Skin Resurfacing

As a part of the consultation visit, Dr. Coley discusses medical history and expectations. He examines the skin to determine skin type, severity of sun damage, pigmentation and the depth of skin imperfections. These factors are carefully evaluated to determine the resurfacing technique that will produce the best results. Dr. Coley will also show you before and after skin resurfacing pictures of patients who have undergone a skin resurfacing procedure. After diagnosis, Dr. Coley will also discuss cost for the procedure he prescribed and answer any questions you may have.

Depending on the type and extent of the resurfacing, local anesthesia with sedation may be required. Skin resurfacing procedures are performed at Dr. Coley's Greensboro office in an outpatient basis. The procedure varies in length, but usually takes approximately one hour.

Understanding the Recovery of Skin Resurfacing

When the skin resurfacing is completed, the patient leaves the treatment facility in Greensboro with no dressings on the skin. There is a fair amount of stinging in the resurfaced area for several hours afterward, but this is easily tolerated through the use of oral medication. Some swelling occurs which peaks about 72 hours after the procedure. Some activities that interfere with healing must be avoided during the early recovery period. Most patients return to work within two weeks.

The skin takes a minimum of six weeks and a maximum of three to nine months to heal. The red coloration of the skin becomes pink and then regains a more normal skin color during the healing process. While the skin is healing, it is more sensitive and must be kept moist a protected from the sun. The staff of Coley Cosmetic & Hand Surgery Center in Greensboro will give you instructions on how to treat your skin after the procedure.

Understanding the Results of Skin Resurfacing

The final result of skin resurfacing may not be apparent for at least three to nine months. The patient must be willing to accept the temporary swelling and discoloration that occurs following the procedure. Most patients from the Greensboro, Winston Salem and Burlington area feel the inconvenience is a small price to pay for the cosmetic improvements.