Question:
I have always had horrible acne and now have horrible acne scars. I’m very pale with sensitive skin and I’d like to know if a chemical peel would be safe for me and if it would help with the acne and scars.

Answer:
If you have not yet seen a Dermatologist; that would be my first recommendation. You may need an oral antibiotic to help clear the acne from the inside. A chemical peel containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid could help clear acne by working from the outside. I would suggest Microdermabrasion for smoothing your scarring or Co2 Laser Skin Resurfacing could also be an option once the breakouts are under control.

Posted by Mark M. Hamilton M.D. FACS

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Question:
I am interested in laser resurfacing…

Answer:
In the last twenty years, the growth in options for laser resurfacing has exploded. It can often be confusing for the consumer patient to know where to start. Asking which one is the best is understandable, but the real question is which one is right for you?

CO2 laser ablative resurfacing was the first laser system used for the improvement in facial skin. I believe today it still offers the ability to provide the most dramatic results possible. Even very deep wrinkles can be eliminated; complete rejuvenation of a patient’s skin with one session is possible.

That said, CO laser is not without its downsides. It typically is performed under anesthesia, can only be used for certain skin types, has a prolonged recovery and is not without risks. Because of this, researchers have produced a whole batch of new systems that limit theses downsides. They include non-Ablative lasers, Erbium and other wavelength systems, fractional non-Ablative lasers and now fractional CO2 laser systems. Each of these has different advantages including little to no downtime, ability to treat all skin types, minimal pain, and less risks. None, however, have demonstrated efficacy comparable to traditional CO2 laser.

Deciding which laser is right for you depends on your skin type, amount of sun damage, your lifestyle and your allowable downtime and expectations. Spending time in consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon can help you to select the right laser resurfacing procedure for you.

Posted by Mark M. Hamilton M.D. FACS

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Question:
I am a 52 year old woman who is interested in getting a facelift.  I’m wondering if a facelift will get rid of the smoker’s lines I have around my mouth? 

Answer:
A facelift is a procedure to lift and tighten the skin and deep facial tissues- improving jowling, facial laxity and redundant skin in the neck. Unfortunately, a facelift is not effective at treating those all too common lines around the mouth (smoker’s lines). Even patients who do not smoke can develop these lines, sometimes fairly deep. To correct those, a resurfacing procedure needs to be performed. This can be either a chemical peel, dermabrasion or CO2 laser.

My favorite choice for these difficult lines is CO2 laser. It can provide the aggressive resurfacing that is needed as do the other techniques. CO2 laser has the added advantage of heating the skin to provide tightening as well. This added benefit can be the extra difference in improving the end result. The downsides to laser resurfacing are prolonged healing and possible discoloration of the skin.

Improvement of wrinkles around the mouth can be challenging. Correction starts with a consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon to see which technique is right for you.

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Question:
I’ve heard that laser resurfacing is the best way to treat rhinophyma. Is this true? How does it work?

Answer:
Rhinophyma is often seen with the skin condition Acne Rosacea. Medical therapy and lifestyle changes can sometimes prevent progression. When rhinophyma becomes disfiguring, several techniques can be used to re-contour the nose. These include dermabrasion, direct incision, laser resurfacing or a combination of all three. Laser resurfacing offers the advantage of a cleaner, less bloody surgical wound. In addition, the heat from the laser provides added tightening which can enhance the result. With today’s techniques, precise contouring of disfiguring rhinophyma is possible. The first step to determining if rhinophyma correction is right for you is consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon.

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Question:
Will I be able to see the results of Microdermabrasion immediately after the procedure is finished?

Answer:
Yes. Your skin will be smoother, brighter and more even-toned. Microdermabrasion gives your skin an instant glow!

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