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Scheduling a private consultation with Dr. Timothy Jones is the best way to find out if skin resurfacing is right for you. In St. Louis, simply call Genesis at (314) 432-1772 or contact us online.
Skin Resurfacing in St. Louis, Missouri
What is Skin Resurfacing and Rejuvenation?
Skin resurfacing techniques are designed to rejuvenate skin. Chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, microdermabrasion and dermabrasion are all skin resurfacing techniques that remove layers of skin. As the healing process proceeds, a rejuvenated, healthier-looking skin emerges. What differentiates these resurfacing techniques is the way in which the skin's layers are removed. Chemical peels involve the application of a caustic liquid. Microdermabrasion, the newest technique, use fine particles to lightly abrade the most superficial layers of skin. Dermabrasion utilizes a high-speed rotary wheel. Laser resurfacing uses a laser beam. Fine lines, coarse wrinkles or deep acne scars each may require a different approach.
What are some of the most common benefits of Skin Resurfacing?
Smoother, younger-looking skin with a healthier color is the most common benefit of skin resurfacing.
What will happen at the initial consultation?
The initial consultation will begin at our office in St. Louis, Missouri, with a complete medical history and exam. Your skin type, the extent of any sun damage, the magnitude of uneven pigmentation and the depth of skin blemishes will be evaluated. You should tell Dr. Jones what kind of skin care products you use (especially Accutane or Retin A). Tell him if you have had previous chemical peels, if you have a history of poor scarring, if you have a history of cold sores or herpes or if you have had previous facial surgery or radiation to your face. You will be asked to look into a mirror and point out those areas that bother you most. You should be very frank in discussing what you hope to achieve with surgery. This will help us understand your expectations and determine whether they can realistically be achieved. Other options available to you will be discussed along with risks and limitations. The costs of the treatment will be explained. Your photograph will be taken.
Alternative Treatments
Fine lines, coarse wrinkling or deep acne scarring may each require a different approach to treatment. Depending on your skin type, financial constraints and ability to recover, a number of options are available. Options include microdermabrasion, chemical peels, dermabrasion and laser resurfacing.
Risks and Limitations
Skin resurfacing procedures are generally safe when performed by an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon. Every year, thousands of patients undergo successful skin resurfacing procedures and are thrilled with the results. Anyone considering laser skin resurfacing, chemical resurfacing with peels or dermabrasion, however, should be aware of both the benefits and the risks. The various skin resurfacing techniques have similar types of risks, although there are some differences between the techniques. The subject of risks and potential complications of skin resurfacing is best discussed on a personal basis between you and Dr. Jones or with a staff member in the Genesis office. You can minimize certain risks and help to maintain the results of your skin resurfacing treatment by following the before and after care instructions.
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Skin Infections - Skin infections are infrequent, but may occur with any of the skin treatments. If you are prone to skin disorders, especially herpes, skin resurfacing can precipitate eruptions. To prevent this, patients are placed on anti-viral medications before and after the procedure. This does not fully protect from eruptions, but only serves to reduce the likelihood of them occurring.
Uneven Pigmentation/Skin Darkening - Increased pigmentation of the skin can occur from any skin treatment. Preconditioning the skin with prescribed skin products is very effective in controlling and minimizing this condition, called hyperpigmentation. People with color in their skin are at greater risk. This is usually a temporary condition, and it can be treated if it occurs. Sun exposure increases the chance of this happening, and therefore, it is very important that sunblock use be strictly adhered to. Following all resurfacing treatments, it is important that you avoid direct or indirect exposure to the sun until all the redness or pinkness of your skin has subsided. Even after that, it is advisable for you to protect your skin by regular use of a sunblock and, whenever possible, a wide-brimmed hat. This is particularly important if you have had a phenol peel, which eliminates your skin's ability to tan.
Skin Lightening - Excessive lightening of the skin is an infrequent, but unpredictable, possible side effect. This can be permanent or semi-permanent.
Bad Scarring - Some individuals have a tendency to form raised or thickened scars, and this may be unpredictable. Medications are available to treat such complications, but in rare cases some degree of scarring may be permanent.
Laser resurfacing produces heat. Heat from the laser can cause unwanted burns or injuries.
Prolonged Redness - Any freshly treated skin resurfacing treatment will make the skin red or pink initially. However, this generally resolves over the next few weeks, depending on the treatment. Occasional this redness persists for several months. Medications are available to help treat this. Temporary itching after the treatment is also quite common. However, if this persists for more than a week, you should let us know.
Milia - Tiny whiteheads, known as milia, may develop on the skin following some procedures. These usually disappear with use of a mildly abrasive cleanser, but, occasionally, may require removal by Dr. Jones or one of the staff.
Skin Resurfacing & Rejuvenation Methods
In preparation for your resurfacing procedure, Dr. Jones will often precondition your skin for a few weeks or longer with a medically based skin care program, which will maximize the resurfacing result, help minimize the risk of pigmentation changes and help maintain the health of your skin. Obagi, Niadyne and Cutanix are some of the medically based skin systems used at Genesis Cosmetic Surgery Center and Medical Spa.
Results of Skin Resurfacing
The persistence of skin pinkness following many types of resurfacing procedures may take months to completely resolve. Most patients feel that the results are definitely worth waiting for and, in the case of deeper treatments, the benefits are relatively long lasting. Superficial resurfacing procedures, such as light chemical peels, will need to be repeated periodically. Your skin will, of course, continue to age. Also the type of wrinkles caused by movement of your facial muscles will eventually reappear. These types of wrinkles can be treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic.
Some wrinkles may recur sooner than others, depending on their location as well as the type and extent of your resurfacing treatment. Despite this, you can expect that improvements in skin quality and texture achieved by resurfacing will make your complexion appear younger and fresher for many years to come.
Dr. Jones will want you to return for follow-up care at prescribed intervals, at which time your progress will be evaluated. In some cases, you may decide that you will continue treatments on a periodic basis, perhaps as often as once a month for procedures such as AHA or mild TCA peels.
Will my insurance help cover the cost of skin resurfacing?
Skin resurfacing procedures usually are not covered by insurance. Occasionally, however, if the resurfacing is being performed to treat precancerous skin conditions or improve certain types of scars, insurance coverage may be available. The Genesis staff will explain how you can find out from your insurance company if a particular procedure will be covered.
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