Skin Resurfacing

Skin resurfacing does just that; resurfaces. It helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by resurfacing the patient’s skin. There are two types of skin resurfacing treatments: ablative (requires downtime) or non-ablative (requires no downtime), these procedures are effective to treat skin issues like sun damage, acne scarring and more.

Skin resurfacing does just that; resurfaces. It helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by resurfacing the patient’s skin. There are two types of skin resurfacing treatments: ablative (requires downtime) or non-ablative (requires no downtime), these procedures are effective to treat skin issues like sun damage, acne scarring and more.

Chemical Peels – Chemical peels are a great skin resurfacing option for many patients and are typically broken up into three categories: Superficial peels, Medium peels, and Deep peels.

Microdermabrasion – Microdermabrasion is a skin resurfacing or exfoliating procedure that improves the appearance of sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, melasma, dull skin, large pores, hyperpigmentation, acne, and scarring.

How Does Skin Resurfacing Work?

Preparing for Skin Resurfacing

3-5 days before your VI peel is advised to stop using exfoliating products, tretinoin (Retin-A), acids and bleaching creams/products. Do not wax or have a skin treatment like a chemical peel or IPL 2 weeks prior to your treatment. Please discontinue Accutane 6 months prior to having any skin treatment or procedure due to skin sensitivity.

VI Peel – Patients’ skin will be cleansed and prepped for the peel. The selected peel will be applied over the face and neck until all of the liquid has been used and absorbed by the skin. This peel is self-neutralizing, it will not be cleansed from the skin while they are in our office. Patients may feel mild tingling and warmth during the peel application.

SkinCeuticals Peels – The patient’s skin will be cleansed and prepped for the peel. Each of our SkinCeuticals peels is done as part of a facial, so it will include multiple steps: deep cleanse, peel application, soothing mask, and customized products to nourish and protect the skin.

What to Expect During Skin Resurfacing Treatment

Skin Resurfacing Recovery Time

VI Peel – When a patient leaves our office, their skin may look a little yellow. This is the peel. The peel self neutralizes over several hours. 4-6 hours after the peel, patients will cleanse the peel from their skin.

SkinCeuticals Peels – There is no downtime with any of these peels. Patients are able to apply make-up immediately following treatment.

It is always recommended to keep the skin well hydrated and nourished following all skin treatments and if patients will be out in the sun, we advise them to wear sunscreen.

We believe consultations are very important when considering any skin treatment. Our consultations give us the opportunity to get to know our patients and understand exactly what they are looking to achieve with their skin. At the consultation patients will meet with one of our medical aestheticians who will put together a treatment plan along with product recommendations for them to consider.

Skin Resurfacing Consultations

Skin Resurfacing Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between Ablative and Non-Ablative Skin Resurfacing?

Ablative resurfacing procedures cut the skin, non-ablative procedures do not.

Are Skin Resurfacing Treatments Painful?

Resurfacing procedures will use a topical anesthetic to numb the skin, so the patient is comfortable during treatment. Non-ablative skin resurfacing typically does not require any numbing as they are well tolerated without.

Does Skin Resurfacing Treat Acne?

It can help keep acne at bay By resurfacing the skin, it exfoliates the dead skin allowing the pores to breath. This will prevent them from getting clogged and a break-out erupting.

Are Skin Resurfacing Treatments Safe?

Yes. It is important that patients see an experienced professional for any skin resurfacing procedure.

Does Skin Resurfacing Remove Freckles?

Skin resurfacing procedures will improve pigmentation. The amount of improvement will depend on the treatment being performed. If freckles and pigment are a main concern, patients should speak with their skin care professional for recommendation on what procedure would be best to address this concern.

What Are the Risks/Side Effects of Skin Resurfacing?

Chemical Peels – Superficial peels are peels that do not result in the sloughing of skin. Medium depth peels offer moderate peeling, and deep peels offer extensive skin peeling and are performed under sedation by a doctor.

Microdermabrasion – At WIFH, we use the latest technology, DermaSweep MD, to ensure patients get the best results. This is a great way to improve the health of a patient’s skin or as a part of a skin maintenance regimen.

Skin Resurfacing Videos

Drmaplaning Skin Resurfacing
Watch a full Dermaplaning skin resurfacing treatment at WIFH
Get Rid of Acne Scare
Sarah Richardson, LME, discusses the need to treat any active acne prior to treating acne acne scars with skin resurfacing.
Obagi Blue Peel for Skin Resurfacing
Watch this demonstration of the Obagi Blue Peel Radiance chemical peel for skin resurfacing.