Skin Peeling
While fine skin wrinkles cannot be corrected by a facelift or by blepharoplasty, there is a procedure called skin peeling that can improve, or in some cases, eliminate these wrinkles. Skin peeling does not correct the excess skin or fat accumulation which can be treated by a facelift or blepharoplasty. Sun damage and the loss of skin elasticity due to aging cause most wrinkles. As we age, the elastic fibers in the deeper layers of the dermis (the second layer of the skin) lose their strength, allowing the skin to sag and wrinkle. Frequent or excessive sun exposure greatly accelerates the problem.
Chemical skin peeling frequently can restore some of the elasticity by penetrating to the dermis and microscopically tightening the elastic fibers to give the skin a smoother, more youthful appearance. Skin peeling can eliminate many wrinkles caused by aging and sun damage.
There is a wide range of peels available. Micropeels are very light and are repeated several times to obtain the final result. These light peels allow you to wear makeup immediately and to maintain your normal routine. The deep peels do not require repeated applications and more deeply penetrate the skin. This will cause crusting and peeling, which will take three to fourteen days to heal, depending on the type of peel solution used. Some patients find their skin will he slightly lighter or darker after a deep peel. Makeup covers this easily.
Fine lines and other skin defects can also be improved with a procedure called laser skin resurfacing. For further information on this procedure, please see Fraxel and Ultra Pulse Laser Skin Resurfacing.
