Skin Resurfacing– the many techniques of “saving face”
Kyle S. Choe, MD Facial Plastic Surgeon, Virginia Beach, VA

Since we’ve become a more anti-aging, health conscious society – both men and women alike come to us looking for ways to recapture a bit of their more youthful appearance – or to correct problems resulting from birth, trauma or lifestyle. Skin resurfacing has become popular for two reasons: cosmetic in order to diminish the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth, eyes, and neck - and medical to perhaps remove pre-cancerous lesions – or for other reasons. Whatever your concerns may be, Dr. Choe and his skilled staff are prepared to educate you and assist you in choosing the right technique(s) to change the texture and appearance of your skin.

Benefits of skin resurfacing:

• Skin resurfacing techniques used today are safe and effective
• Skin resurfacing can rejuvenate sun damaged skin
• Skin resurfacing can minimize premature wrinkling
• Skin resurfacing can reverse the effects of sun damaged skin
• Skin resurfacing can minimize acne scarring & surgical scarring
• Skin resurfacing can lighten age spots and reduce large pores
• Skin resurfacing can help with Rosacea & other red “skin” conditions
• Skin resurfacing can promote healthy new cell growth
• Skin resurfacing can be for the face and other areas of the body
• Skin resurfacing is chosen by both age-conscious men & women today!

The most commonly asked question – Is skin resurfacing right for me? If you are unhappy with the condition and appearance of your skin for any of the reasons already mentioned, and if you are in good general health, have realistic expectations and goals and do not have any conditions that would prohibit Dr. Choe from recommending one of our procedures – then yes – skin resurfacing can safely and effectively address the concerns you have. Some of the things we take into consideration are your skin type and color, ethnic background, age, history of cold sores and blisters around the mouth, exposure to radiation or history of poor scars. Most likely these issues will not concern you – and we will be able to customize the treatment plan that will help you achieve your goals.

Skin Resurfacing Options

DERMABRASION – removes layers of skin selectively. Using an abrasive, hand held tool (motorized) – acne scars, surgical scars, tattoos and wrinkles can be safely whisked away. The depth and intensity of dermis removal is determined by the size, depth and degree of the problem area. This is an office procedure, performed under local anesthesia that can usually be done during your lunch hour. There will be some redness, swelling and “crusting” of the skin after your procedure. You will apply an ointment daily for about 10 days to keep your skin supple. The redness usually fades totally over 3-4 weeks time. New “pinkish” skin will emerge – free of many wrinkles.

CHEMICAL PEELS – To correct sun damaged skin, acne & Rosacea, fine to severe wrinkling and hyper-pigmentation. Using TCA ( trichloroacetic acid) the uppermost layer of dead skin is removed. With these cells gone – new, radiant skin can emerge without the old wrinkles and discoloration problems that existed before you had your peel. The chemical solution is painted on small areas – one at a time to ensure whole face treatment (other commonly treated areas include the neck and upper chest). Chemical peels can be done on 3 levels: superficial which deals effectively with fine wrinkles, sun damage, acne and Rosacea; medium depth to correct those “more obvious” wrinkles and sun damage and deep peels to correct the most severe wrinkling and sun damage. When healing is complete – skin discoloration, wrinkles and other surface damage is eliminated. This is an office procedure that usually takes from 1-2 hours. You will see new skin within 5-10 days. You will be presentable to return to work within 2- 4 weeks and also to resume normal activities.

Since age-defying procedures have become more popular – more and more people are performing skin-rejuvenating procedures. Not all of these people are skilled much less qualified to work on your most valuable asset– your face.

When considering any facial plastic surgical procedure – remember that Board Certified surgeons are the most skilled and qualified. Dr. Choe is a board certified facial plastic surgeon, certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.