MARCH NEWSLETTER

What... Injure my skin to make me look better? Part II

This newsletter is a continuation of our three part series discussing the various resurfacing techniques available to repair damaged skin.  Our discussion today will cover mechanical abrasion of the skin and includes microdermabrasion and dermabrasion.

Review from last month

A skin care program requires effort and dedication.  Basic skin care includes using sunscreen daily or sun avoidance, not smoking and staying hydrated.  Topical medications can help improve your skin with consistent use.  These include a topical tretinoin (Retin-A or one of its various forms), an exfoliating agent, and/or a lightening agent like hydroquinone.

Skin has two major layers, the epidermis and dermis.  The most superficial level of the epidermis is the stratum corneum, which is composed of a compact layer of dead skin cells.  The bottom of the epidermis contains pigment cells.  The dermis contains blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, sweat glands and sebaceous glands. 

Basic principles common to all resurfacing techniques include the following:

·    Facial skin is best suited for resurfacing techniques. Caution must be used with resurfacing other areas of the body.

·    Deeper levels of resurfacing increase the risk for complications.

·    Repeated superficial resurfacing procedures may give acceptable results with less risk for complications than a single deep resurfacing procedure.

·    Resurfacing below the hair follicles most likely will cause scarring, so deep scars are best treated by excision.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are techniques to resurface the skin by any method that produces mechanical abrasion.

Microdermabrasion is one of the most commonly performed procedures at Integrated Skin Solutions.  Microdermabrasion involves removing the most superficial layers of the skin and primarily affects the stratum corneum.  Microdermabrasion is usually accomplished by abrading the skin surface with crystals under pressure and vacuuming up the crystals or by using a diamond impregnated wand with suction in the center.  We prefer the latter method as it avoids exposure to dust. Microdermabrasion improves the texture and appearance of skin.  It also helps to unclog pores.  The results are temporary and last less than a month.  The face may be red after the procedure but the redness should resolve within 24 hours.  Occasionally microdermabrasion may cause a mild bruise on someone with thin skin.  Microdermabrasion makes the skin glow and is a great procedure to have a few days before a big event like a wedding, party or an important social event.

Microdermabrasion will not affect brown pigment changes in the skin and will have very little effect on scarring.  There are essentially no risks to microdermabrasion but we do recommend medication to prevent an outbreak of cold sores (Herpes simplex virus) when necessary.  The procedure causes minimal to no discomfort and takes approximately 30 minutes to perform.  It is a great procedure to combine with a facial.  In fact, many or our clients request a microdermabrasion with their facial appointment.

Dermabrasion treats deeper levels of the skin.  To affect pigment changes with dermabrasion, the epidermal-dermal junction must be reached, which can result in bleeding.  Therefore, dermabrasion is best used on small areas needing focal improvement.  Although dermabrasion is a useful resurfacing technique in experienced hands, the method has fallen out of favor because of the risk for bleeding and technical difficulty with precision resulting in variable results.  Due to these concerns, dermabrasion is our last choice for resurfacing.  

Our preferred method for deep resurfacing utilizes lasers, which we will discuss next month.

Fat Tuesday is over and so is our monthly newsletter. We hope you enjoyed the information.

Sincerely,

John Carter, MD, Julianne Mazurek, MD, and Donetta Taylor

Integrated Skin Solutions- “Where looking good is understood!”

 

7424 NW River Park Drive (Hwy 9)

Parkville, MO 64152-5028

816.505.5550 Fax 816.505.4550

www.integratedskin.com

Questions or comments- info@integratedskin.com