What is it? Skin rejuvenation treatments include Er/YAG laser, chemical peeling by TCA or Croton oil and dermabrasion. Conditions that can be treated with skin resurfacing include static wrinkles, pigmentation, scars, vascular conditions, and loss of skin tone.

Who can have it? Skin resurfacing is an option for you if you are physically healthy, don’t smoke, and have a positive outlook, as well as specific, but realistic, goals in mind for the improvement of your appearance.

Are there any contraindications? If the skin resurfacing candidate has the following contraindications, he/she should not receive the procedure:

• Active acne;
• Deep acne pits or picks;
• Accutane use in the past 6 months;
• Reduced adnexal structures due to scleroderma, irradiation or burns; and/or,
• A history of herpetic infection is a relative contraindication only because most patients do not know their true status.

How long does the treatment take? Depending on which procedure you are getting, treatments range between 15 minutes to 2 hours.

How long do the results last? The resurfacing treatments will likely generate permanent improvement in your skin. Following your treatment, your skin will continue to age naturally, and you may develop similar conditions to those that have been treated or other skin conditions.

What should I be concerned about? Skin rejuvenation risks include:

• Burns and scarring;
• Infection;
• Pigmentation irregularities;
• Skin surface irregularities; and/or,
• Textural changes.

What else do I need to know? The results of skin resurfacing are variable depending on the treatment prescribed for you. Absolute sun protection is essential for the first year after any of these resurfacing treatments to prevent irregular pigmentation. Diligent sun protection for life will help to maintain your new, younger, smoother skin.