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Surgical Skin Rejuvenation
Dr. G.D. Castillo at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Clinic personally performs several skin rejuvenation procedures that give his patients more lasting enhancement and revitalization of the skin.
To learn more about your options, request a consultation with Champaign area skin rejuvenation specialist Dr. Castillo or call our office nearest you. We look forward to helping you enhance your look through skilled cosmetic procedures.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is primarily used for the smoothing of surface irregularities produced by acne scars. It can also be used in the treatment of the aging face to smooth wrinkled skin for women and men from Champaign, Bloomington, Decatur and Peoria. Dermabrasion is most often combined with full facial laser resurfacing for the treatment of acne scars. It is a technique in which the skin is mechanically abraded with a special surgical instrument. The procedure is done in our operating suite on an outpatient basis.
Once dermabrasion is completed, the areas are cleansed and a dressing is applied. The dressing will be removed 24 hours later at our facility. For approximately 48 hours, the dermabraded area must be continuously covered with a special cream provided by our office, which prevents dryness and promotes healing. Following surgery, the face and eyelids are generally swollen for 48 hours. It is helpful to sleep with the head elevated. Facial swelling diminishes rapidly after the third day and the skin can generally be covered with cosmetics in 7 days.
It is important that the patient avoid sun exposure completely for the first 6 weeks following the procedure, and continues to be careful about sun exposure for the first 6 months. A sunscreen of at least 45 SPF is used for the first 6 months, and occasionally a bleaching agent is also used.
The skin will appear pink for anywhere from three to four weeks; however, it can easily be camouflaged. Most patients experience only a mild amount of discomfort and burning following the dermabrasion. This is easily controlled with medications. Most patients reassume work within 10 days of a full-face dermabrasion.
Patients who have had repeated cold sores (herpes I infection) of the lips and face could develop cold sores after surgical dermabrasion. Please be sure to let this office know if you have a history of this condition. All of our patients are placed on prophylactic antibiotic and anti-viral medications. This is particularly true in patients who have had cold sores in the past.
Traditional CO2 Laser Resurfacing
This laser procedure is carried out on an outpatient basis under anesthesia. Following traditional CO2 laser resurfacing, the skin appears pink, moist and usually quite smooth. The outer layers have been removed during the surgical procedure and after the anesthetic wears off, the skin will be somewhat tender and some swelling is expected for the first 2 to 3 days. A burning sensation will be present but will be helped by the medication provided. It is important to keep the head elevated as much as possible for 2 days following the surgical procedure. A recliner is most helpful since it allows one to be able to sleep on his/her back.
While the ability to work is not impaired, most patients may return to work and social activities within 7 to 10 days, depending on the extent of treatment. The skin at that point will look red and sunburned in appearance; however, makeup is used after the seventh day. Our Skincare Department can teach you how to camouflage the pink or red skin appearance quite well. Exercises may be resumed within a week. Extremes of heat, cold and wind should be avoided for several months.
Once the skin has healed, it is imperative to avoid sun exposure for at least 6 weeks; otherwise, sunburn, hyperpigmentation and other complications may occur. Lasered areas should be protected by using wide-brimmed hats and potent, broad-spectrum sunscreen products (that protect against both UVA and UVB exposure) for at least 6 months.
Following the surgery, special products that enhance the growth of new skin will be applied to the face for the first week, which will facilitate and speed up the re-growth of new skin and the formation of new collagen. After the skin has healed, a bleaching cream and sunscreen will be prescribed.
