Skin Irregularities
Q: When I have a skin treatment, how long will it take to recover? Will I need to take off work? Will people notice?
A: The recovery time after any skin treatment is directly related to the depth of skin affected. The deeper into the skin the treatment goes, the longer is the downtime, the greater the risk but also the greater the correction. For example, microdermabrasion or glycolic acid peels exfoliate only the top most layers of the skin so there is virtually no down time, hence the name 'lunchtime peel'. On the other hand, a complete Blue Peel of 3 to 4 coats will require about 5 to 7 days of downtime, however the correction achieved will also be much more dramatic and longer lasting.
Now available is a new option: Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing. This is accomplished using an Erbium laser to create tiny ablative zones wherein the epidermis and upper dermis are destroyed (ablated). The surrounding area of intact skin acts as a reservoir and in this way, healing is rapid with zero downtime. Immediately following treatment, the patient can return to their normal activities and may even apply cosmetics. Since this procedure allows a reservoir of intact skin for healing, delicate skin areas such as the neck, chest, hands and arms can be resurfaced.
Deep dermal heating (skin tightening) with a laser treats the skin at a deeper level while leaving the top layer (epidermis) intact. Because the top layer is left undisturbed, this process is nonablative, and there is no downtime.
Q: I’m starting to feel that I look older then I really am, but think I’m too young to start treatments. When is a good age to begin taking care of my skin?
A: Good skin care should be started early with emphasis on sun protection since 95% of skin aging is secondary to photodamage. Skin function begins to naturally decline at age 30. Prior to this age, a medical-grade skin program utilizing alpha hydroxy acids and antioxidants is sufficient. After this age, the Obagi NuDerm System is the logical choice. This is the only system currently available that can stimulate the skin at the cellular level and, in this way, help prevent this natural decline as well as reverse the aging and damage already present in older skin.
Q: My skin is Dull. How do I recapture the “glow”?
A: Dull skin results when the skin circulation and natural exfoliation decrease. This problem can be corrected with the Obagi NuDerm system, Blue Peel or laser resurfacing (fractional). Microdermabrasion can (temporarily) improve this condition as well.
Q: As I get older, my skin seems dry, and moisturizers aren’t correcting this. What should I do?
A: With age, the skin loses its ability to retain moisture. The cells responsible for the moisture holding properties need to be stimulated. The Obagi NuDerm system, employing retinoic acid, is the skin program that can do this most effectively.
Q: How can skin wrinkles be treated?
A: Fine wrinkles can be reduced with use of the Obagi NuDerm skin program, a chemical peel, laser resurfacing (fractional), or laser skin stimulation. Deeper expression lines are treated with BOTOX®Cosmetic, or a filler such as Restylane, JUVEDERM™Injectable Gel or Radiesse.
Q: Is there anything new for acne treatment?
A: Photodynamic treatment which pairs Levulan with laser can provide dramatic improvement for acne. Three to five treatments spaced two to three weeks apart will decrease acne-causing bacteria and oil production. In most cases, this eliminates the need for topical creams and antibiotics.