Skin Resurfacing
(Peeling)

Chicago, Illinois

Post-traumatic, infectious, surgical, or acne scarring can be damaging to a person's self-image. In many cases, an individual's appearance, self-confidence, and life can be enhanced through dermabrasion to remove or improve skin imperfections.

These facial imperfections can be treated with the dermabrasion which mechanically removes the top layers of skin to soften the sharp visible edges of depressed scars or to lower the height of raised scars. The technique produces a more smoothly contoured skin surface.

Patients having recently undergone Accutane therapy and dark skinned individuals, are not recommended for surgery. Smokers are highly encouraged to stop at least two weeks prior to surgery.

Depending on the extent of scarring, pain medication may be needed after surgery. Small areas are easily treated in the office whereas larger areas may require the use of a surgical center. Patients having limited dermabrasion receive a local anesthetic to ensure comfort during the procedure. General anesthesia is recommended for treatment of the entire face.

Discomfort is managed with medications. The healing process requires a skin care regimen and takes 10 to 14 days. Redness will last longer and varies between individuals.

Every surgical procedure involves some risk. When dermabrasion is performed, the goal of the plastic surgeon is to enhance the overall facial appearance. Expectations must be reasonable as results should be viewed as improvements in facial appearances -- not total corrections. Results and the success of the surgery depend on many factors -- including the size, shape, and location of the facial imperfection, and the patient's age, heredity and general skin condition.