Skin Resurfacing Surgery Sydney

Smooth fresh unblemished skin is what everyone wants. Women have always prized a clear complexion and skin that is unwrinkled, even toned and free from bumps and spots. Men are a little more tolerant with what has been termed the “rugged look” but can still want healthy, youthful looking skin. Unfortunately, the Australian way of life and the great outdoors means skin which is exposed to the elements, particularly the harsh, Australian sun which causes a prematurely weathered appearance. The sun is not the only culprit; of course, time inevitably brings lines and wrinkles to the faces of most dedicated sun block users. For others, skin quality is marred by hereditary and mild environmental factors that cause unsightly blotches, acne scars, freckles, pre-cancerous lesions and other blemishes.

Fortunately, a number of techniques are available today that enable facial cosmetic surgeons to treat a wide array of skin problems than ever before. The technique that is right for you will depend on many factors including what type of problem you have, its severity, your skin type and your state of health. In some cases a combination of techniques and multiple treatments may be recommended.

What Is Skin Resurfacing and How Does It Work?

Skin resurfacing follows the same principles as an old table covered with multiple coats of paint, the surface of which is bumpy and wrinkled from years of hard use. Figuratively, skin resurfacing gives that old table a good sanding to remove the damaged surface and smooth out dents and imperfections and reveals the beautiful wood grain underneath. The skin is made of two layers, an outer layer called the “epidermis” and a deeper layer called the “dermis.” The dermis is mainly long fibers of collagen, the normal protein of the skin. Superficial wrinkles, freckles and minor pigmentation occur generally in the lower level of the epidermis and extend into the upper layer of the dermis. Skin resurfacing removes the epidermis and penetrates into the capillary dermis which responds by producing new collagen and the new skin is going to have a more youthful, smooth appearance. The procedure can be done in a number of ways including chemical peeling, dermabrasion or laser skin resurfacing.

Chemical Peeling

Dr. Shahidi uses a specially formulated solution that peels the top layer of the skin and allows smoother regenerated skin to emerge. Chemical peeling is an effective treatment for wrinkles caused by sun damage, mild scarring and certain types of acne. Age spots, blotches and dull skin tone also may be improved through chemical peeling. Different types of solutions are used depending on the severity of the problem to provide a peel that is superficial, medial or deep. In general, deeper peels give better and more long lasting results while milder peels may not provide a dramatic improvement but require less recovery time. Chemical peeling can be done in conjunction with other facial cosmetic procedures to rejuvenate the skin.

Before the procedure your skin is thoroughly cleansed with an antiseptic solution that removes facial oils and prepares the skin. Dr. Shahidi then applies a chemical solution with an applicator which will penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin. Most people compare the pain to a mild to moderate sunburn and mild pain relievers are given to control discomfort. After the chemical peel, a cream or antibiotic ointment may be applied to the face to protect the surface and must be kept moist for at least ten days. A delicate pink skin appears which is smoother and tighter than before. The face will continue to be red for several weeks afterwards but this can be camouflaged with makeup. Usually normal skin tone is regained within six to eight weeks. For most people, a chemical peel is the first step to maintaining a youthful appearance.

Dermabrasion

To treat deeper scars and wrinkles, raised scar tissue and other skin conditions, dermabrasion is recommended. It is a facial sanding technique that is used to treat severe cases of cystic acne. In this procedure, the top layers of the skin are sanded off with a high speed brush or a diamond-coated wheel. Immediately after dermabrasion the treated area is raw and may ooze yellowish-blood stained fluid. Swelling peeks on the second to third day and then starts to subside. Some patients experience throbbing and stinging within the first 24 hours. This discomfort can be controlled with a mild pain reliever and ice compresses. It is important to keep the treated area moist until the new skin appears, usually within 10 days. The new skin is pink at first and gradually resumes a normal appearance within 8-12 weeks. Makeup may be applied as soon as the skin is sealed and most people can return to work after one to two weeks.

Caring For the Skin After Resurfacing

After resurfacing the outer layer of the skin is removed and it is essential to protect the new skin and keep it moist while the area is healing. It is imperative to use sun block. Skin resurfacing can affect the skin color in some people and it may cause it to become somewhat lighter. The decision to have a skin resurfacing procedure should be made with this in mind as the change is generally permanent. For this reason, skin resurfacing may not be advisable for people with dark complexions.