SKIN REJUVENATION
WHAT IS SKIN REJUVENATION AND RESURFACING?
Skin rejuvenation and resurfacing treatments are designed to improve the texture, clarity and overall appearance of your skin. These procedures can improve the effects of skin damage, such as wrinkles, blotches or scarring. Skin rejuvenation can be achieved in a number of ways, ranging from laser, light and other energy-based treatments to chemical peels and other non-ablative methods. The result is a smoother, clearer and more youthful appearance to your skin.
WHAT WILL IT DO?
Skin rejuvenation may be able to treat:
Static wrinkles, which are wrinkles that are visible at all times and do not change in appearance with facial movements
Dynamic wrinkles, which are expression lines that may appear as folds when the skin is not moving, and deepen with facial movements or expressions
Pigmentation of the skin, including freckles, sun spots, melasma, or other darkened patches of skin resulting mainly from sun exposure
Scars that may appear as the result of acne or injury to the skin. Scars may be rolling (a wavy appearance to the skin), pitted, discoloured, or have raised borders
Vascular conditions, such as having blood vessels that are visible on the surface of the skin, vascular lesions that appear as tiny blood filled blisters or even a constant flush offacial redness
Loss of skin tone caused by weakening of the supportive skin structure (collagen and elastin fibres) that results in a loss of skin firmness, or the development of cellulit?
IS IT RIGHT FOR ME?
Skin rejuvenation is a highly individualised procedure and may not be suitable for everyone. Always talk to your Specialist Plastic Surgeon before making a decision. Your surgeon will assess your condition and general health, and plan the treatment that is best suited to you.
Before you decide on undergoing skin rejuvenation, there are some important issues to keep in mind:
It is not always possible to predict the outcome of skin rejuvenation. Responses can vary
Skin rejuvenation cannot halt the ageing process or the effects of ageing
Skin rejuvenation cannot result in “perfect skin”
Deep wrinkles may appear less obvious after skin rejuvenation, but they may not disappear. Sometimes, improvements are minimal or unnoticeable
Acne scars can be difficult to treat and may require several treatments
Skin rejuvenation may not be a good option for patients with:
Certain skin types
Certain skin colours
Skin that scar easily, such as the tendency to form thick, hypertrophic or keloid scars
An active infection
Skin rejuvenation may be a good option for you if:
You are physically healthy
You have realistic expectations of what skin rejuvenation can accomplish
You are a non-smoker or have stopped smoking
WILL I NEED ANAESTHESIA?
Skin rejuvenation can be performed with the use of topical anaesthetic cream, a local anaesthetic, a local anaesthetic with conscious sedation or a general anaesthetic. The choice of anaesthetic will depend on the size of the area to be treated.
Modern anaesthesia is safe and effective, but does have some risks. Ask your Specialist Plastic Surgeon and anaesthetist for more information. Your surgeon and/or anaesthetist will ask you about all the medications you are taking or have taken, and any allergies you may have. Make sure you have an up to date list before the procedure takes place.
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS?
Skin rejuvenation is generally safe but does have the potential for risks and complications to occur.
Some risks and complications associated with skin rejuvenation may include but are not limited to:
Infection resulting in scarring
Patients with a history of herpes (cold sores), acne, allergies or infections in the treatment area may experience an out-break of their condition on the resurfaced area
Treatment around the eyes may inflame the membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and cause conjunctivitis
The formation of keloid and hypertrophic scars which are raised, red and thickened scars
Changes to skin pigmentation
Redness
Dark pigmentation may occur when the newly treated skin is exposed to the sun
Pain or itchiness
Pimples and whiteheads
Skin sensitivity to allergens
Worsening acne
Depression and trouble sleeping in the first week
Further treatment may be necessary to correct complications
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE THE PROCEDURE?
Before undergoing the procedure, it is important that you:
Be as fit as possible to help the recovery process
Stop smoking
Do not wear makeup, mascara, contact lenses or hairspray on the day of treatment
Your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will recommend a skin care program to condition your skin a few weeks prior to undergoing treatment. Follow these instructions carefully.
If you are suffering from cold sores, you may be required to take anti-viral medicines prior to treatment. You may also be advised to stop taking certain medicines.
Prepare a “recovery area” in your home. This may include pillows, ice packs, a thermometer and a telephone within easy reach. Make sure you arrange for a relative or friend to drive you to and from the hospital or clinic. Someone should also stay with you for at least 24 hours after you return home.
Your surgeon should give detailed instructions to prepare for the procedure. Follow them carefully.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
Arrange for a relative or friend to drive you home after the procedure. Someone should also stay with you for at least the first day after the operation and preferably for a few days.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, notify your Specialist Plastic Surgeon immediately:
Temperature higher than 38°C or chills
Persistent bleeding around the treated area
Increasing pain or redness in the treated area
After undergoing skin rejuvenation, you may experience some pain and discomfort. This is normal. Usually paracetamol or aspirin is effective in treating the pain. Your surgeon will prescribe pain killers if required.
Dressings may be applied to the treatment area to reduce swelling, pain and redness. Your surgeon may also give you an ointment or Vaseline to apply to the skin to help it heal. Use only the creams recommended by your surgeon.
Depending on the extent of your procedure, you may need to take a few weeks off work to rest. Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, swimming and strenuous sports until advised by your surgeon.
Make sure you protect your skin from the sun, including the regular use of sunscreen when outdoors.
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on post-procedural care. Be sure to follow them carefully.
WILL I NEED FURTHER TREATMENT?
Depending on the extent of your procedure, further treatment may be necessary to achieve the optimal result or to correct minor irregularities.
