William H. Lindsey, MD Resurfacing of the skin involves the application of either chemical agents, laser light, or a dermabraider to exfoliate the outer layers of the skin, and cause irritation to the underlying skin. The healing from that irritation causes collagen and elastin, both substances found in the skin to be deposited. As we age, the natural collagen and elastin becomes damaged from sun and smoking, resulting in the appearance of wrinkles and skin laxity. By encouraging the deposition of new collagen and elastin, wrinkles can be softened and age spots can be lightened.
Now the amount of improvement can generally be gauged by the level of resurfacing done. For example, superficial resurfacing using microdermabrasion or glycolic peels can freshen the skin, but generally won't get rid of significant wrinkling. On the other hand, deep resurfacing with aggressive lasering or phenol peels can remove extreme wrinkles, but at the cost of significant downtime, and later bleaching of the skin pigmentation.
A reasonable compromise of improvement and side effects is found with medium depth resurfacing. I feel that it provides reasonable aesthetic improvement with limited downtime and risks. The technique that I prefer is TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid). This peel can be done in the office in about 20 minutes with minimal discomfort during the peel and no pain afterwards. Patients clean their skin with a dilute vinegar solution and apply Vaseline until crusts fall off, usually at about day 6. At that point, the skin is still pink, but makeup can be used. Redness diminishes over the next week or so, and the skin actually improves for several months, as new collagen and elastin are laid down.
Studies suggest, and my personal experience agrees, that most patients can expect about a 25-30% improvement in moderate wrinkling with these peels. The procedure can be repeated as needed, and occasionally we have a patient have one per year in order to keep refreshening their skin.
Complications are infrequent, and antibiotics are used to prevent infection. I've peeled a few hundred patients using this technique, including several relatives. If facial skin refreshening is of interest, please call for a consultation to see if this would be an appropriate option.
Dr. William H. Lindsey is board-certified and specializes in facial plastic surgery. Dr. Lindsey has been in private-practice in the Northern Virginia area for over a decade. His office is conveniently located in Reston as part of the Reston Hospital campus (near the Reston Town Center) and is just minutes away from Vienna, McLean, Great Falls and Fairfax. Dr. Lindsey is currently accepting new patients and would love the opportunity to show you how facial plastic surgery can greatly improve your appearance and outlook. Schedule your appointment for our Reston location today - 1860 Town Center Drive, Suite 250, Reston, VA 20190 - (571) 203-1300.
