Microdermabrasion

ernestoria asked:

I am new to London and I need to find an excellent surgeon or dermatologist but I have no idea how to start apart from looking up on the internet. I’d like people who has had Dermabrasion or Laser Resurfacing to direct me to the right surgeons/clinics.

I have lots of scars on my face as a result of a strong acne during my teens. I want a plastic surgery sort of treatment to get rid of the scars. I am male, 27. I know the best things is dermabrasion or laser resurfacing. Any ideas? any tips? Anyone know a good surgeon that preferebly give a initial consultation free?

Many thanks

DERMABRASION

In dermabrasion, a wire brush or diamond fraise is used to “abrade” the epidermis and papillary dermis.

Disadvantages of dermabrasion include hypopigmentation, bleeding, and, as compared with laser resurfacing, decreased precision. In addition, aerosolization of blood and of viral tissue particles occurs.

MICRODERMABRASION

This relatively new technique involves the use of aluminum, salt, or diamond microparticles to bombard the skin and a suction apparatus to vacuum away the most superficial layer(s) of the epidermis.

There is minimal to no recovery time, but the results are extremelyappropriate for treating atrophic scars that are relatively few. The technique requires minimal recovery time, but its results are temporary.

Risks include allergic dermatitis, lack of response, and, rarely, overcorrection.

One of the latest trends, hyaluronic acid injections, is perhaps more appropriate for the aging face than for acne scars. This technique is widely used in Europe and Canada, but it awaits approval by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States. Autologous fat transfer is another increasingly popular technique.

The first filling agent was free silicone, injected in microdroplets.

It was very effective, but the Food and Drug Administration banned it.

SUTURE-ASSISTED RESURFACING

A new, innovative technique, suture-assisted resurfacing combines two modalities in one treatment session. It is ideal for patients who had miliary acne, which leaves scarring that consists of numerous tiny pits less than 2 mm in depth. The CO2 laser is used to resurface the entire face or affected area with two passes. Afterward, each military scar is incised with a triple bevel 18-gauge needle. A single 7-0 nylon or polypropylene suture is then meticulously placed to oppose the wound edges. The sutures are removed in approximately six days. Risks of suture-assisted resurfacing are similar to those of laser resurfacing. In addition, sutured areas may dehisce, or the wound edges may not oppose perfectly.

ELEVATED OR HYPERTROPHIC

FORMS OF ACNE

The above techniques are most applicable for the correction of indented and/or atrophic acne scarring.

The elevated or hypertrophic forms of acne scarring that most commonly occur on the chest, shoulders, back, or mandible are best treated with topical corticosteroids, intralesional corticosteroids, silicone gels/sheets, the pulsed-dye laser, or other vascularspecific lasers.

TAILORING TREATMENT

As with most of today’s cosmetic procedures, clinicians and patients are discovering that the best results are often obtained by combining several modalities and tailoring the treatment to each individual patient.

Perhaps the best example of this approach is the suture-assisted resurfacing procedure, in which two separate strategies are employed on the same day. Other examples include subcision, fat transfer, or punch grafting months before laser resurfacing.

Microdermabrasion is a relatively new technique that involves the use of aluminum, salt, or diamond microparticles to bombard the skin and a suction apparatus to vacuum away the most superficial layer(s) of the epidermis. The results are extremely subtle and require many treatment sessions. Today, more acne scars are treated with laser resurfacing than with any other method. Laser resurfacing allows for more precise ablative control than do traditional techniques.

Read More: acne-stop.com

By: Jojo Michelle

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rcklssdrvng asked:

How to heal scars caused by acne, without the over pricing of microdermabrasion,dermabrasion, and laser resurfacing.

While most leave acne behind with their teenage years, some carry the scars of their acne through their adult life. Since these scars can have an affect on the bearer’s self confidence and self image, it is important to learn to deal with these scars.

Perhaps the first step in dealing with acne scars is avoiding them in the first place. Once acne scars exist, it is extremely hard to get rid of them. Here are some tips to help avoid the acne scar, information on different types of scars and removal methods for the acne scar.

The first line of defense against the acne scar is to properly treat breakouts of acne when they first appear. Without acne, it is impossible to have an acne scar. With the number of acne medications now available there is no reason for acne sufferers not to receive proper treatment.

Another note for acne sufferers who don’t wish to live with scars - resist the urge to pop your pimples. This action can cause more damage to the skin and can actually make scars worse.

When dealing with the acne scar, there are two main types of scars. These are the ice-pick type scar and the keloid scar. The ice-pick scar is a depressed area that looks like damage that may have been done by an ice-pick. Keloid scars are raised areas caused by the build up of collagen in the skin resulting in a raised mass. Staining of the skin by acne is often confused with acne scars. Unlike scars, however, staining fades over time and may even disappear completely.

Removal of an acne scar can be a complex and costly procedure. Some of the more well known methods include dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, punch techniques and augmentation.

Dermabrasion, which is a surgical scraping of the skin, works well on shallow acne scars. However, this procedure will set you back about $1,500 per treatment. In laser surgery, layers of damaged skin are removed using a laser. This procedure can cost $3,000 or more per treatment. Chemical peels are a less expensive option, coming in at $750 each treatment. These peels, however, are only effective on the most minor acne scar.

Two options for ice-pick scars include punch techniques and augmentation. In the punch techniques, the acne scar is surgically “punched” out using an appropriately sized biopsy tool. The remaining skin is stitched together resulting in a smaller scar that is more receptive to dermabrasion or other resurfacing techniques.

In augmentation, a substance, either collagen or the person’s own fat, is injected under the scar to bring it to level with the rest of the skin. Again, this procedure is costly and the results are only temporary, repeated procedures are required.

Although acne scars can be removed, the procedures are costly and the results may not be the same as undamaged skin. The best way to avoid the acne scar is to get proper treatment for your acne as soon as possible. Also don’t pick at, squeeze or attempt to pop your acne as this can make scarring worse.

By: Riley Hendersen

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As we get older our skin changes. Wrinkles, sun damage, age spots, and acne scars make your skin look much different later in life than in your youth. As you age, your skin stops shedding and replacing old cells with new cells, which makes aging visible. However, these natural processes can be reversed and alleviated with chemical peels.

How Does A Chemical Peel Work?

A chemical peel uses a chemical solution to remove the upper layers of skin cells. This tightens the skin, smoothing wrinkles and making your skin produce new skin cells so you look younger and more vibrant.

Chemical Peels Vs. Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing and chemical peels have similar results. Both procedures remove the upper layers of skin to promote the production of new skin cells. Laser resurfacing, however, can leave undesirable redness.

Light Peels

Chemical peels are available in a range of strengths. A light peel, such as an alpha hydroxy acid peel (AHA), is used to treat:

· Uneven skin tone

· Acne

· Fine wrinkles

· Rough skin texture

“An alpha hydroxy acid peel is a good choice for those who need a less intensive treatment,” says Dr. Jerrold C. Gendler, who administers chemical peels in his New York office. “There are some that are sold over the counter in a low concentration, but longer-lasting effects can be achieved if a patient allows a doctor to apply a higher concentrated alpha hydroxy acid peel.”

Medium Peels

A trichloroacetic acid peel (TCA) goes deeper than AHA to produce more dramatic results. This is usually a better option for darker-skinned patients than a deep peel, which may lighten the skin.

TCA is a good choice for those who wish to treat:

· Wrinkles

· Pigment issues

· Skin blemishes

Deep Peels

Deep peels last longest and offer the most dramatic results. The deepest and strongest peel is a phenol peel. This type of chemical peel treats deep skin wrinkles and sun damage. There is a possibility of skin lightening when undergoing a phenol chemical peel, so you and your doctor will need to discuss whether this would be a good choice for you.

The Effects Of A Chemical Peel

After a chemical peel your skin will look smoother, more even, and younger. The easiest way to understand the effects a chemical peel can have is to examine before-and-after photos online. Dr. Gendler’s website offers several good examples on the impressive results of this procedure.

By: Patricia Woloch

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When it comes to beauty, a general rule of thumb is “the less the pain, the less dramatic the gain.” Keep this in mind if you’re looking for big results. For instance, if you’d like to create a satiny-smooth finish on pockmarked skin, eradicate moderate lines, or restore firmness to a slack area of the face, the quick “lunchtime” procedures we have just described probably won’t give you what you want. However, there are more intensive procedures available.

Not all big-deal treatments are performed in hospital. In fact, many are done in a dermatologist’s in-office surgery suite.

TCA peels

With the advent of laser resurfacing, PhotoFacials, and microbrasion treatments, the TCA peel has waned in popularity. Named after its active ingredient, trichloroacetic acid, the TCA peel is a medium-deep treatment that “freshens” the skin, removes some sun damage and rough scaly patches, reduces freckles and irregular pigmentation, and softens fine wrinkles. There is some evidence that it may also reduce the risk of skin cancer by destroying precancerous cells. The treatment involves painting trichloroacetic acid onto clean skin until the skin whitens.

During the 24 hours following the procedure, your skin will be slightly swollen and red. Over the next few days, the treated skin dries to a crispy brown; to keep things moist, your doctor may suggest coating your face with a thick layer of Vaseline. Things get uglier: between days 5 and 7, the leathery skin begins peeling in large sheets.

As irresistible as picking at skin is after a skin treatment, let it peel at its own pace: pulling it can cause deep scars and infections. As soon as “lour face is done shedding, you can return to your regular skin-care routine.

Jessner’s peel

The Jessner’s peel resembles the TCA peel: a medium­deep treatment that is designed to remove the top layers of skin, thus evening pigmentation, improving the skin’s texture, and minimizing fine lines. Instead of containing trichloroacetic acid, however, the Jessner’s peel consists of a mixture of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol.

The Jessner’s peel solution is applied to clean skin. Immediately afterward, your skin will be red and slightly swollen, and after 3 or 4 days, it will become dry and tight. At this point it should begin to crack and peel; to keep things moist, your doctor may suggest coating your face with a thick layer of petroleum jelly. After 5 to 7 days, skin should be healed enough for you to return to your regular skin-care routine.

On dark skin, olive-toned skin, or skin that scars easily, chemical peels, laser treatments, and dermabrasion can cause scarring, light­ colored patches, or dark patches. Do not consider any of these resurfacing treatments before getting a dermatologist’s evaluation.

By: Alien

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Tiffany asked:

fractional laser therapy, chemical peel or microdermabrasion, what are some rules that you must adhere to during the healing period? Like, can you still use daily skin products i.e Proactiv during that time, go outside, wear sunscreen, advoid any food products, etc.