Skin – What are Cosmetic Skin Procedures?
Cosmetic skin procedures are gaining in popularity as more and more people focus attention on looking their best. At some of the plastic cosmetic surgery centers, skin care is the primary area of attention. Other services available at cosmetic surgery centers include breast enhancement, liposuction and laser hair removal.
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Dermabrasion
Similar to a chemical peel, dermabrasion is a cosmetic surgery technique the resurfaces the top layers of the skin, revealing new fresh facial skin. Using surgical sanding instruments, the plastic surgeon removes dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin. Dermabrasion is a cosmetic surgery technique that is used to treat acne scars, scarring from chicken pox or other incidents that have left scarring or pitting on facial skin. Dermabrasion is a procedure that can be done in a doctor’s office or in a cosmetic surgery center.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing is one of the newest techniques available for cosmetic surgical attention to the face. By using a carbon dioxide laser, the cosmetic surgeon removes the top layers of the skin by vaporizing them away to reveal the new fresh skin. Laser skin resurfacing is another technique that can be used to remove acne scars, small fine wrinkles or uneven skin pigmentation such as brown spots, from the face.
Chemical Peel
A chemical peel is one other cosmetic surgery technique that can be done in a cosmetic surgeon’s office or at a plastic cosmetic surgery center. The cosmetic surgeon applies a chemical solution to the areas to be treated, which causes the skin to feel warm and tingle. After observing the changes to the skin, the doctor then applies a neutralizer to stop the chemical process. After the treatment, patients may notice that the skin is smoother and tighter. Chemical peels often use alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that vary in intensity. After treatment, the cosmetic surgeon may recommend using an AHA solution at home for maintenance.
Who is a Candidate for Cosmetic Skin Treatments?
Generally, people with lighter skin are the best candidates for cosmetic surgical skin treatments. People with darker skin or who have deep tans may find that their skin is more prone to scarring and their cosmetic surgeon may advise them against seeking cosmetic skin treatments such as chemical peels, dermabrasion or laser skin resurfacing.
Cosmetic skin treatments are used to treat facial skin and skin around the neck that has been exposed to the sun, acne scarring, scarring from chicken pox or other conditions that have left pitting or rough patches on the skin. Cosmetic skin treatments are also used to address concerns about fine wrinkles, crow’s feet or blotchy pigmentation.
