Do you hate what the sun has done to your skin over time? Do you want to fix acne scars and hide wrinkles? One option is undergoing a skin resurfacing treatment. Athré Facial Plastics offers skin resurfacing in the form of laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, and chemical peels. These procedures can help your skin achieve a healthy glow and stay free of fine lines, skin damage, and uneven tones.
Read on to find out more about what each skin resurfacing treatment entails, and feel free to contact us to help you find out which one is best for you.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
The laser skin resurfacing process uses a carbon dioxide laser to remove layers of damaged or wrinkled skin, as well as helping to treat the appearance of facial scars or uneven pigmentation.This technique directs short, pulsating beams of light directly at the targeted areas. The new skin that forms during the healing process gives your face a tighter, fresher appearance and feel. Laser skin resurfacing requires little to no downtime and any post-operative pain or discomfort is minimal.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are intended not only for cosmetic care, but for therapeutic purposes and to treat precancerous conditions such as keratosis. Dr. Athré cleanses the face and then applies a physician-grade chemical solution that removes the top layers of skin. Afterward, the new skin that forms is tighter, and younger-looking. Usually the patient will receive a peel at intervals of two to four weeks in order to see the best results.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is an exfoliating technique that uses an abrasive, moving instrument to remove the top layers of skin. Dermabrasion helps treat acne, age spots, wrinkles, and uneven spots by encouraging the growth of new skin. Dr. Athré will apply a topical anesthetic to the face before starting the procedure, and the procedure requires no recovery time. Following the treatment, you might notice that your skin is much more sensitive to sunlight, which means that besides normal daily moisturizer, you will also need to use sunscreen that has a minimum of SPF 15.
Preparing for Your Skin Resurfacing Treatment
Before you come in for a skin resurfacing procedure, you’ll want to meet with Dr. Athré for a preliminary consultation. He’ll determine whether you’re a good candidate for skin lasering, peels, or dermabrasion after discussing your medical history, current health, and desired results.
Once approved, avoid taking any medications that can affect blood clothing, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, up to ten days before the procedure. If you smoke, you should stop for two weeks before and after, as it can slow down the healing process.
Tell Dr. Athré if you’re prone to cold sores or fever blisters around your mouth, as laser skin resurfacing can trigger breakouts. He can prescribe you with an antiviral medication for cold sores, as well as an antibiotic to prevent bacterial infections during the healing phase.
What to Expect After Your Skin Resurfacing Treatment
Although all three of these procedures require little to no downtime, treating your skin carefully and following Dr. Athré’s instructions are important to the healing process. After 24 hours, you’ll need to clean your skin four to five times a day and then apply an ointment to prevent scabbing. Depending on what condition was treated, the area should heal in ten to twenty-one days. You may have swelling after the laser treatment, which is normal, so Dr. Athré may also prescribe steroids to manage the swelling. Icing your treated area will also help with swelling.
Athré Facial Plastics offers a wide range of facial plastic surgery as well as our Houston MedSpa options that will leave you feeling and looking refreshed.
To schedule a consultation, please call our offices at (281) 557-3223.
