Over the course of time we tend to accumulate textural irregularities like fine lines, dilated pores, wrinkles; pigmentary changes like sunspots uneven or dull skin tone; visible blood vessels; scars from acne, chickenpox or injury; skin sags and healthy glow is progressively lost as time passes.
Skin rejuvenation includes methods of revitalizing the skin to help it look fresher, firmer, smoother and more youthful- Dr. Hinah Altaf, Dermatology Specialist
A number of rejuvenation treatments are available, which are individualized depending on what the patient needs/wants and how much down-time each procedure requires.
How do Skin rejuvenation procedures work?
Rejuvenation procedures essentially lead to resurfacing of the skin which disrupts the top layer of dead or tired skin cells, encouraging the skin to revitalize and/or remodel the collagen.
Is it a onetime procedure?
Most skin treatments require sessions and more than one modality can be combined to achieve superior results. Facial rejuvenation can be achieved through both surgical and nonsurgical methods.
What are the commonly done procedures?
Chemical peels:
Peels are used to treat wrinkles, age spots, discoloration and superficial scarring. A solution is applied to the skin with the aim of exfoliating skin cells which removes the dead skin and debris. The effects vary based on how deeply the peel penetrates, which is determined by the type/strength of the solution used. Often very superficial peels, with no down time, are used for instant glow.
Microneedling:
This technique involves using an electric or battery-operated instrument containing multiple small, thin, sharp needles. The needles cause tiny injuries that stimulate the production of collagen. Substances such as hyaluronic acid or ascorbic acid, can be applied before or after needling to enhance penetration. Microneedling can be combined with radiofrequency for superior results. The down time is 1-2 days.
Platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP):
Our blood is rich in growth and healing factors, these can be used to treat fine lines and wrinkles on our face. The procedure includes drawing blood from your arm, separating the platelet rich plasma, and then injecting that into the skin. This procedure can be combined with fractional laser or micro-needling radiofrequency. Asa result collagen gets remodeled and new collagen is formed, thereby giving a firmer and tighter feel to the skin. PRP is very popular for hair rejuvenation as well. The down time is 1-2 days usually.
Fractional Laser/cool laser:
Lasers penetrate deep into the skin, they are more effective in resurfacing and result in a rejuvenated, smooth, fuller looking skin. Lasers can reduce moderate to deep lines and wrinkles and significantly improve skin tone, texture, and tightness. The down time is 3-7 days.
Carbon peeling:
This procedure involves application of a thin layer of carbon paste on the face which is subsequently heated up and removed by the q-switched action of a laser device. It leads to exfoliating epidermal layers, improving skin tone, shrinking large pores and reducing wrinkles. No down time.
Botox:
Injections of botulinum toxin are very effective, considerably safe and require no down time. It works by relaxing the muscles so that dynamic wrinkles are not apparent. It does not add volume and is done on the forehead and around the eyes usually. Many people are apprehensive that botox leads to a frozen mask face, which can happen if its overdone. The trend is more towards softer botox wherein patient retains expression but looks fresher and relaxed.
Fillers:
Injections of soft-tissue fillers can be used to add volume and contour the cheeks, improve the jaw line, diminish acne or surgical scars, restore fullness to area around the eyes, fill fine vertical lines, sculpt and plump lips and fill in nasolabial folds (the deep lines that run from the outside of the nostrils to the corners of the mouth). Bruising can happen sometimes, generally there is no down time. Fillers are used for facial optimization and balancing of facial features as well.
It is very important to remember that all procedures cannot be done on every patient. Patient selection is very important for desired results. A question that is most frequently asked is what is the right age to start? There is no hard and fast rule. People show different patterns of ageing and timelines. It all depends on what you desire for yourself.
