Posted January 16, 2019 in Non-Surgical Facial Treatments
Many people dedicate time and energy to keeping their complexion fresh and even. Strict skin care regimens, as well as the use of creams and serums, can go a long way towards achieving healthy-looking skin, but sometimes they are not quite enough. Luckily, there are several non-surgical skin rejuvenation options available for patients who desire brighter, softer skin but do not wish or need to undergo surgery.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion involves the use of tiny abrasive crystals that are passed over the skin to exfoliate and polish the surface. It can be used to treat issues such as acne scars, sun damage, and fine lines. While microdermabrasion cannot address more severe imperfections, like deep lines or rosacea, it is the perfect solution for those patients who do not need more extensive correction. There is no downtime associated with this type of treatment, so you will be able to resume your regular activities as soon as your session is complete.
Chemical Peels
A chemical peel can be performed using acidic solutions of different strengths depending on the needs of the patient.
- Light Chemical Peels: These solutions are made up of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as lactic acid, fruit acids, or glycolic acid. Depending on the acid being used, the solution is applied once a week or at longer intervals. Light chemical peels are very mild and are great for patients who do not have time to deal with the recovery period associated with deeper chemical peels.
- Medium Chemical Peels: This type of peel treats skin concerns such as fine wrinkles and pigmentation problems using trichloroacetic acid. This penetrative peel reaches deeper layers of skin than a light peel, although not as deep as stronger treatments (such as a phenol peel).
There is no downtime associated with light chemical peels, though you will need to protect your skin from the sun for at least a few weeks. The recovery period following a medium peel will take a little longer than that of a milder peel. Your doctor will advise you about how to care for your skin following your procedure, including any ointments that may need to be applied.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing is an excellent treatment for skin issues such as facial scars, sun damage, irregularities in pigmentation, spider veins, and wrinkles. Lasers can be ablative, which means that a thin layer of skin is removed with each pass of the laser, or non-ablative, meaning that the deeper layers of skin are heated to promote the body’s natural healing response and stimulate collagen production. Laser treatment is also effective for tattoo and hair removal. The length of the recovery period will depend on the type of laser used and the depth to which it penetrates, but you can generally expect some redness and peeling after your procedure. Your doctor will give you detailed aftercare instructions that are specific to the treatment you receive.
To learn more about the non-surgical facial treatments or to schedule a consultation contact us at 954.659.7760 or 877.250.8117 or fill out our online contact form.
Can I Combine My Treatments for More Dramatic Results?
While treatments such as laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels are great non-surgical options for facial rejuvenation, some patients may wish to refine their results further. Luckily, injectable treatments are perfect for combining with these procedures.
Injectable fillers like JUVÉDERM® and Restylane® are made up of hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a substance naturally produced by the body and helps retain moisture in the skin. RADIESSE® contains calcium hydroxylapatite and provides immediate results while also stimulating future collagen production.
While injectable fillers, such as JUVÉDERM®, Restylane®, and RADIESSE®, are great for smoothing wrinkles and adding volume back to the face, they are not suitable for correcting uneven coloration issues. Combining treatments combats multiple issues in a short period of time; although, there may be a waiting period between treatments, depending on the order in which you have them done.
Combining Injectables With Laser Treatments
Generally, it is recommended that patients receive their injectable treatment before their laser procedure, especially if an ablative laser is being used. This is because the fillers smooth the skin first, making it easier for the laser to pass over all parts of the skin. It is also recommended that patients wait two weeks between their injectable and laser treatments, to allow any residual swelling to dissipate.
Combining With Microdermabrasion
When combining injectable fillers with microdermabrasion, it is best to have the microdermabrasion performed first, and then the fillers injected. If treatments are done in this order, then there is no reason to wait, and they can usually be done on the same day. If fillers are done first, then most doctors recommend that patients wait two weeks, for the same reason they recommend a waiting period before laser treatments.
Combining With Chemical Peels
When it comes to chemical peels, it really depends on how deep the peel is and which fillers are being used. While generally there may be no need to wait in between these treatments, your doctor will have their own recommendations based on your specific treatment plan.
Ultimately, your doctor will be able to help you decide on the best treatments for you, and what the best combination will be as well. These procedures can be tailored to your needs, so every treatment will be different. Combining non-surgical treatments with injectable fillers is a great way to get the exact results you desire.
To find out what combination may be best for you, call our office at 954.659.7760 or 877.250.8117 to schedule a consultation.