Smooth, healthy, attractive skin.
However you say it, "good looking" skin is one of the
most desirable features in our society, and a foundation for the
rest of your appearance. The youthful unblemished skin you had as
a child is the ideal. But sun damage, aging, wrinkles, acne, or
scars detract from the natural beauty of your skin. Extensive sun
damage multiplies your risk for the possibility of skin cancer. Cosmetics
and medications simply don't do enough to reverse these problems.
Fortunately, today's cosmetic surgeon has the means to improve many
of these signs of aging and scars. Millions of people have benefited
from the latest techniques, such as laser resurfacing of the skin
and a sanding technique called dermabrasion.
Laser resurfacing or dermabrasion can enhance your appearance if
your complexion is affected by sun damage, aging, wrinkles, acne
scarring, or other types of scars. A yellowish or sallow gray color
of the skin caused by ultraviolet damage can be restored to a more
youthful-appearing fair complexion with a "rosy glow."
Wrinkles around the mouth, eyes and cheeks are often removed or
dramatically improved. Sun induced brown "liver spots,"
and discolorations caused by "picking" acne, can be virtually
cleared with this procedure. Scars causing elevations and depressions
("hills and valleys") in the skin (i.e., chicken pox scars)
can be improved with resurfacing.
Moderate and more severe scars benefit most from combining scar
revision techniques with resurfacing. Similarly, very lax skin -
even with the tightening achievable with resurfacing - may benefit
from combining a facelift with the procedure.
Dr. Vincent will discuss
this further if it applies to you.
Most importantly, do you have realistic expectations? By discussing
achievable goals with their cosmetic surgeon, most people develop
realistic expectations about their final result, when they can
return to work and social activities, etc.
During your consultation, you and
Dr. Vincent
will discuss your
desired areas of improvement. A thorough examination and a review
of your medical and health history may be conducted. Also possible
is a discussion of what other procedures may need to be performed
to achieve your desired result, such as a chemical peel or
facelift.
Your physician will discuss your commitment to skin care.
Dr. Vincent may pre-treat the skin or change your skin care regimen.
Dr. Vincent will discuss medications to avoid and may ask you to
stop smoking one to two weeks before and after surgery. Most procedures are performed in an out-patient setting, unless you're having other
procedures done at the same time.
Although you may go home after your laser resurfacing or dermabrasion,
have someone drive you home. It is wise to arrange for a friend,
family member, or nursing assistant to help out around the house
for a few days.
Both laser resurfacing and dermabrasion remove damaged upper layers
of the skin. Lower layers of the skin are stimulated to produce
new collagen and a fresh surface for your complexion. Wrinkles,
scars, blemishes, and pre-skin cancers, may be removed or greatly
reduced.
You and your cosmetic surgeon will decide whether local numbing
medicine, gentle sedation, or general anesthesia is the better choice
for your needs. Dermabrasion frequently uses a freezing spray in
addition to one of the above comfort methods.
After you and your skin are numb and comfortable, laser resurfacing
uses a precise beam of laser light, most frequently known as carbon
dioxide (CO2), to vaporize away the various layers of skin. New
types of lasers are constantly in development and will undoubtedly
be added to Dr. Vincent's repertoire. Your cosmetic surgeon's experience
and recommendation is a better guide than the latest stories in
the media.
Dermabrasion in experienced hands is likely to be equally effective
as laser techniques for most areas of the face. Dermabrasion uses
a high-speed rotating sanding wheel or brush to peel away the skin.
Both resurfacing instruments stimulate new, healthier-appearing
skin to replace and smooth sun damaged, wrinkled, discolored, or
scarred areas. A specialized skin care plan may be recommended to maximize improvement
and protect your resurfaced skin.
After your resurfacing, ointments
or bandage dressings will be applied to keep your skin moist, until
the new upper skin layer reforms in five to seven days. It is important to
keep the areas clean. Follow your post-op instructions carefully.
Initially, redness may be very pronounced (it may last several
weeks or months) but can be often camouflaged with post-operative
cosmetics. It is important to follow whatever instructions you've
been provided and call the office if you have any difficulties or
questions, especially unexpected pain. Tenderness or a mild sunburn
sensation is expected. You may be instructed to keep your head
elevated. Some patients are instructed to apply cooling packs to the
outside of dressings. Be sure to take any medications advised by
Dr. Vincent.
Remember, healing after a surgical procedure is a gradual process.
Very quickly you will notice a significant improvement in your skin
quality and appearance. Subtle signs of continuing improvement will
usually occur for 6 to 12 months. You will continue to enjoy your younger-looking, smoother, healthier skin for many years to come.
Resurfacing is a popular image and
skin health enhancing procedure. It provides the opportunity to
safely improve one's appearance and skin health in ways that are
simply not otherwise achievable.
As with any surgery, resurfacing
involves some level of risk. Although complications with this type
of surgery are rare, they can and do occur, including obvious
darkening or lightening of the skin, scarring, or an infection.
Communication and teamwork between
you and Dr. Vincent is the best way to prevent or manage risk
factors. Inform Dr. Vincent if you or anyone in your family are
prone to a medical or surgical problem.
In summary, to help ensure a
satisfactory outcome, you should be an appropriate candidate and
adhere to the surgeon's instructions and advice.
Click here for more information on Cosmetic Surgery
Dr. Vincent
specializes in plastic and cosmetic surgery and his practice is located in
Ogden, Utah. Patients from the following cities and areas of Salt Lake City, West
Valley City, Provo, Sandy, Park City, Orem, Layton, Taylorsville, St. George,
Utah (UT) and Twin Falls, Idaho (ID) can conveniently schedule an appointment
with our Ogden, Utah office.
