CELLULAR RENOVATION: THE SECRET FOR A BEAUTIFUL SKIN

Controlled elimination of the most superficial layer of the skin has become one of the most popular systems to eliminate thin wrinkles, spots and other imperfections. It also helps improving skin quality. Exfoliating dead cells from the epidermis renews skin and gives it a better texture and a better looks. The exfoliation process is done by peel techniques. Laser resurfacing also stimulates collagen production. This way the patient obtains spectacular results.

The word “peel” describes a mechanical or chemical procedure that can be completed with a laser treatment later on. “Its objective –According to Doctor José Manuel Arévalo, from the Centro de Cirugía Estética Serrano 76, Madrid- is to eliminate dead cells from the epidermis to give skin a younger looks” It is done without the need of anaesthesia, applying pencil-like equipment that deposits aluminium crystals on the skin’s surface these crystals will remove the cells. Normally this procedure is combined with a chemical peel that uses chemical substances –glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, depending on the problem that has been treated- to cause controlled abrasions. The procedure induces skin renovation.

RESURFACING: NEW SKIN

We talked to doctor Mónica Morís, laser specialist from the Centro Médico Menorca (Madrid) about the Resurfacing laser technique. “Resurfacing is done with laser –CO2 and Erbio YAG- and it is very useful to treat post-acne scars, obtaining almost a 40% of improvement. It is also used to treat wrinkled skins” the reason with resurfacing is such a successful technique is because it obtains two results in one. First it exfoliates the epidermis and then it stimulates dermis collagen production.

Before a laser treatment it is convenient to avoid solar exposure and to apply a pigmentation removing ream. This cream will keep hiper-pigmentations from appearing after the treatment.

This procedure is done using local anaesthesia and sedation. Laser is applied once or several times on the treated areas. The patient will have a new epidermis and collagen production giving skin a smoother texture.

Even though research has improved laser technology, Doctors Arevalo and Moris, advice special caution when treating dark skin patients or patients whose  cicatrization process is affected.

They also think that even though Resurfacing is not a complex procedure, recovery can be uncomfortable. Inflammation may appear in the treated area. Your doctors will advice you to rest for the first few days.

After the first ten days you will be able to go back to your normal life using sun screen. Depending on the type of skin, 3 months after the surgery, the pinkish tone of the area will disappear. Results could be fully appreciated after 6 months. Patients need to remember that results will look better with time, since the laser stimulates the cells to produce collagen.

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE:

The type of treatment performed will be chosen by your personal doctor. Keep in mind that a peel treatment, to obtain the best results, may be applied in periodical sessions.

You must remember that Resurfacing is performed using local anesthesia and sedation. In this case because of the treatment’s depth, full recovery will take several weeks –sometimes months- and sun light exposure needs to be avoided.

Only an expert will be able to inform us about our skin characteristics and the presence of different factor that will affect results. But if he advices you to do it, after a small inflammation, you will easily appreciate your new softer skin. You will have a fresh look and some of your wrinkles will have softened or even disappeared.