Sunshine and fresh air are some of life’s greatest gifts. Unfortunately, these environmental factors, along with the inevitable aging process, can cause unsightly lines and wrinkles on your face and neck. When the youthful skin of your past starts to give way to imperfections, it can cause some serious self-confidence issues.
In the past, the only option to really address these concerns was with moisturizers, serums and creams that all promised to provide you with results—yet didn’t. At Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery, we recognize that each person is unique, as are their skin needs and goals, so we offer several options to help restore your skin to a state you’re proud to wear.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
If you already practice a daily skin care regimen, but aren’t seeing the results you’d hoped for, laser skin resurfacing can be the ideal solution for you. While there are numerous skin resurfacing techniques, such as dermabrasion and chemical peels, laser therapy offers a unique safety and efficacy profile that works by using light to target your specific problem areas.
By using a laser to send pulsating light beams to your skin’s irregularities, Dr. Andrews can remove your unwanted, damaged skin one layer at a time. Ablative laser resurfacing removes the outer layers of your and also uses its heat to stimulate collagen production, addressing skin laxity and superficial concerns. As the treated skin begins to heal, smoother, firmer and younger-looking skin will form in its place. Another option is non-ablative laser resurfacing or BBL intense pulsed light therapy, which uses laser energy to penetrate the deeper layers without removing any skin. This offers a shorter recovery time, but may not be as effective for deep scars and wrinkles.
Benefits of Laser Treatments
This procedure is non-invasive and really quite gentle on the skin. Many of our patients turn to laser skin resurfacing for its ability to improve a variety of conditions, including:
- Wrinkles
- Sun-damaged skin
- Brown spots
- Uneven complexion
- Irregular pigmentation
- Acne scars or surgical scars
- Mild to moderate sagging skin
Patients who undergo this laser resurfacing may experience what feels like a mild sunburn following the treatment. Redness and swelling are likely, but will usually subside within the first few days to a week following the resurfacing. So long as you keep a healthy lifestyle and minimize your sun exposure, you can expect to enjoy the results for many years to come.
Injectables and Dermal Fillers
More and more people are turning to injectable treatments for their skin rejuvenation needs. There are a wide variety of injectables on the market, but Botox® and Dysport® are two of the more popular ones. Although you won’t get the same dramatic results as a facelift, injectables are a great non-invasive alternative to surgical procedures. In fact, many of our patients appreciate the subtlety of injectables, since friends and family generally can’t tell that your more youthful look is due to a cosmetic treatment. While Botox and Dysport can address dynamic wrinkles and fine lines, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers restore volume and fill in deeper wrinkles to contour the face.
Benefits of Injectables and Dermal Fillers
Different injectables are used in different treatment areas, and offer unique benefits. Common concerns addressed with cosmetic injectables include:
- Frown lines
- Crow’s feet
- Forehead lines
- Vertical lip lines
- Nasolabial folds
- Mid-face volume loss
Unlike with laser skin resurfacing, injectable treatments are generally performed in only about 10 minutes and allow you to immediately return to your daily routine. Results, however, won’t last as long as a resurfacing treatment. Each injectable has its own timeline, but Botox® and Dysport® only last about three to four months before needing another session.
Choosing What’s Right For You
The truth of the matter is, your specific skin conditions could likely benefit from a variety of skin rejuvenation treatments. Your wrinkles could be smoothed away with injectables or skin resurfacing, and your acne scars could benefit from dermal fillers or a laser therapy.
The best way to find out which method will offer the most dramatic results is by seeing Dr. Andrews and his staff. At an initial consultation, he will take the time to examine your skin type, tone and texture, evaluate your medical history, and discuss your desired results. We want to help you make the most informed decision possible, so we encourage you to ask as many questions as possible during your visit.
Schedule a Consultation
When you’re ready to improve your confidence with smoother skin and a more youthful appearance, give Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery a call at 319-318-6625. We can help you determine which treatment, or combination of treatments, you are a good candidate for and help you get started on a personalized treatment plan.
