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Written By: Erin Storm, PA-C
Medshop
For everyday skincare essentials, pre- and post-treatment support, procedure enhancers, or even treatment alternatives, we've got you covered.
- Who is a candidate for skin resurfacing procedures?
- What can you expect from a procedure?
- When should you have a procedure?
- Why pursue a skin resurfacing procedure?
- Ablative Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedures
- Non-Ablative Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedures
- Chemical Peel for Skin Resurfacing
- Abrasion for Skin Resurfacing
- Dermaplaning for Skin Resurfacing
- Facials for Skin Resurfacing
- Microneedling for Skin Resurfacing
- Topical Treatment for Skin Resurfacing
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The Skinny
Skin cells are some of the fastest growing cells in the body. We shed hundreds of thousands of skin cells from the outer layer of skin a day regardless of skin type or skin tone. Sun damage and sun exposure, age spots, fine lines, acne scars, and damaged skin can produce abnormalities of skin texture, including rough and bumpy skin, large pores, and dull skin (learn more in our complete guide to Uneven Skin Texture Concerns). Cosmetic procedures like laser resurfacing, chemical peels, or exfoliating techniques can promote new collagen, activate the body’s healing process, and create a freshly rejuvenated new skin appearance.
The Specifics
Who may consider procedures to resurface and retexturize their skin?
Uneven skin surface and skin texture can be caused by genetics, age spots, sun damage, acne scars, aging, excessive oil production, and the list goes on. To get a better idea of your unique concern, a general overview of subcategories is below:- Rough & Bumpy Skin: The appearance of rough and bumpy skin can create a prematurely aged look. Aging, sun damage, and scarring are typically the main causes of rough/bumpy skin.
- Dull Skin: A bright, glowing complexion is a major component of a healthy and youthful appearance. Skin can become dull from temporary issues like stress, poor sleep, and dehydration. Accumulation of skin damage and aging can also create a dull complexion.
- Large Pores: Most commonly associated with oily skin types, large pores can also occur as we age secondary to collagen and elastin breakdown.
What can you expect from skin resurfacing and retexturizing procedures?
There is an extensive range of resurfacing and retexturizing procedures varying in scope and intensity. The brief outlines below can provide a better idea of which procedure may be best for you.- Chemical Peels: There are three different levels of chemical peels, superficial, medium, and deep. The intensity of the peel utilized by your provider will be dependent on your unique skin concern.
- Dermabrasion & Microdermabrasion: This precise and localized technique can address a specific area of concern or the entire face depending on need.
- Dermaplaning: This procedure provides a close shave of the top layers of skin to remove dead and damaged cells.
- Facials: A classic. Facials remove the bad and promote the good.
- Laser Skin Resurfacing: Heat and light therapy in laser treatments can be targeted or spread over the facial area to address dead and damaged skin.
- Microneedling: Tiny pinpricks to stimulate collagen and elastin production.
- Topical Medication: A dermatologist prescribed medication can help to encourage new cellular production.
More invasive procedures will typically produce more dramatic and lasting results with increased side effects. All of the above procedures usually require regular maintenance therapy for sustained results.
When should you consider skin resurfacing procedures?
In the case of skin resurfacing procedures, it can be beneficial to address concerns sooner rather than later. Many causes of uneven skin texture are cumulative meaning they worsen over time. Early interventions can produce better results faster.Why should you consider skin resurfacing procedures?
Makeup can only go so far, and trialing skincare products is expensive, exhausting, and time consuming. If you’re looking for a longer lasting and more significant solution, a professional skin resurfacing procedure with a plastic surgeon can create your ideal aesthetic.Ablative Laser Skin Resurfacing for Uneven Skin Texture
A heat and light show for dead and damaged skin cells.- Ablative Non-Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing
- Overview: The most intense laser therapy that is used over a wide area of skin. Microdamage stimulates the body’s healing processes.
- Cost: $2,000 - $2,500
- Recovery & Results: Redness, flaking, and irritation for a few days. The results are temporary.
- Ablative Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing
- Overview: The fractional aspect means the therapy is targeted to a specific area.
- Cost: $2,000 - $2,500
- Recovery & Results: Skin will be raw and flaky for a week or two. The results are temporary.
- Ablative CO2 Laser
- Overview: A type of ablative therapy utilizing a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser.
- Cost: $2,000 - $2,500
- Recovery & Results: Redness and irritation at the treated area will resolve in a few days. The results are temporary.
- Ablative Erbium Laser
- Overview: Erbium is a compound, like CO2, that is deposited in skin. Erbium causes less surrounding tissue damage than CO2.
- Cost: $2,000 - $2,500
- Recovery & Results: Less aggressive than CO2 so the side effects and results are not as significant.
- CO2RE
- Overview: A specific type of CO2 laser.
- Cost: $1,000 - $3,500
- Recovery & Results: Rawness and flaking for a week or so. Results are temporary.
- Deka Dot
- Overview: A customizable laser therapy treatment .
- Cost: $1,500 - $3,000
- Recovery & Results: Irritation, redness, and flaking for a week or so. The results are temporary.
- Fraxel Repair
- Overview: A specific brand name ablative laser therapy.
- Cost: $800 - $6,500
- Recovery & Results: Skin will be tender and irritated for about two weeks. The results are temporary.
- Icon 2940
- Overview: This technique specifically stimulates collagen production.
- Cost: $2,000 - $3,800
- Recovery & Results: Redness, irritation, and flaking for a few weeks. The results are temporary.
- Pearl Laser
- Overview: A laser technique specifically designed to create a “pearl like” skin appearance.
- Cost: $1,200 - $3,000
- Recovery & Results: Flaking, irritation, and redness for a few weeks. The results are temporary.
- Pixel CO2
- Overview: A CO2 laser therapy stated to have less recovery time.
- Cost: $250 - $2,500
- Recovery & Results: Redness and irritation for about one week. The results are temporary.
- Profractional Laser Therapy
- Overview: A specific ablative fractional laser therapy .
- Cost: $200 - $2,500
- Recovery & Results: Skin will be irritated, red, and raw for about one week. The results are temporary.
- SmartSkin
- Overview: A highly customizable ablative fractional laser.
- Cost: $2,000 - $5,000
- Recovery & Results: Skin heals within one week. The results are temporary.
- Fraxis Duo
- Overview: A combination of laser energy, radiofrequency, and microneedling.
- Cost: $750
- Recovery & Results: Mild discomfort and irritation will resolve within a few days. The results are temporary.
- excel® V
- Overview: Green laser technology can be used to treat vascular skin lesions and abnormal skin conditions.
- Cost: $250 - $1,000
- Recovery & Results: Minimal downtime with permanent results.
- Halo™
- Overview: A Hybrid Fractional Laser combining ablative and non-ablative wavelengths.
- Cost: $1,000 - $2,000
- Recovery & Results: Less than one week of downtime with results in as little as two to three treatments.
Non-Ablative Laser Skin Resurfacing for Uneven Skin Texture
A less aggressive heat and light spectacular for dead and damaged skin cells.- Non-Ablative Non-Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing
- Overview: Similar process to ablative, but less aggressive.
- Cost: $1,000 - $1,150
- Recovery & Results: Less side effects and recovery time than an ablative procedure. Multiple sessions will be needed and the results are temporary.
- Non-Ablative Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing
- Overview: Same as non fractional, however, fractional means therapy is targeted to specific areas.
- Cost: $1,000 - $1,150
- Recovery & Results: Skin will feel raw, red, and irritated for about two weeks. The results are temporary and require multiple treatments.
- Clear + Brilliant
- Overview: A specific type of non-ablative fractional laser.
- Cost: $400 - $1,800
- Recovery & Results: Minimal irritation and redness. The results are temporary.
- IPL
- Overview: Intense pulse light therapy to damaged skin.
- Cost: $500 - $2,100
- Recovery & Results: Mild stinging and irritation for a few days. Multiple treatments for the best results.
- Pulsed Dye Laser
- Overview: Targeted light therapy usually used to dissolve blood vessels.
- Cost: $400 - $800
- Recovery & Results: Irritation and bruising will resolve within a week or so. Maintenance required every six months.
Chemical Peels for Uneven Skin Texture
Professional chemical peels come in various concentrations and acid combinations to improve skin texture.- Superficial Chemical Peels
- Overview: This peel stays at the top most skin layers.
- Cost: $3,000 - $6,000
- Recovery & Results: Slight redness and irritation for a day. The results are temporary.
- Glycolic Peel
- Overview: A peel utilizing tha alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), glycolic acid, as its base.
- Cost: $200 - $600
- Recovery & Results: Some mild irritation. The results are temporary.
- Salicylic Acid Peel
- Overview: A common peel that can vary in intensity depending on the concentrations of the beta hydroxy acid (BHA), salicylic acid.
- Cost: $100 - $300
- Recovery & Results: Minor irritation for about two days. Multiple treatments and maintenance are required.
- Jessner’s Peel
- Overview: A combination treatment of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol.
- Cost: $25 - $675
- Recovery & Results: Skin flaking may last up to one week. The results are temporary.
- Medium Depth Chemical Peel
- Overview: Peels of this intensity go through the superficial epidermis to the upper layers of the dermis.
- Cost: $200 - $2,000
- Recovery & Results: Redness, flaking, and irritation for up to two weeks. The results are temporary.
- TCA Peel
- Overview: The intensity of this peel can be medium or deep. The base is trichloroacetic acid.
- Cost: $300 - $1,000
- Recovery & Results: Irritation, flaking, and redness for up to two weeks. The results are temporary.
- ViPeel
- Overview: A solution composed of TCA, phenol, retinoic acid, salicylic acid, and vitamin C.
- Cost: $300 - $600
- Recovery & Results: Irritation, redness, and mild swelling for one week. Multiple treatments and maintenance are required.
- Deep Chemical Peel
- Overview: This intensity will get into the deeper layers of the dermis.
- Cost: $3,000 - $6,000
- Recovery & Results: Tenderness, irritation, and redness will last for a few weeks. Full healing may take several months, and skin may not tan the same in the future.
- Croton Oil Peel
- Overview: A deep peel with a Croton oil base.
- Cost: $250 - $5,500
- Recovery & Results: Full resolution of symptoms may take several months. Results can last for years.
- Phenol Peel
- Overview: Aka the Baker-Gordon Peel. A deep peel with a phenol base.
- Cost: $700 - $6,000
- Recovery & Results: Tenderness, redness, and mild swelling for a few weeks. The results can last for years.
Dermabrasion & Microdermabrasion for Uneven Skin Texture
While dermabrasion is considered a surgical procedure and microdermabrasion is a gentle dead skin slougher, they both precise exfoliation with a magic wand.- Crystal Microdermabrasion
- Overview: A crystal tipped instrument exfoliates to promote rejuvenation.
- Cost: $75 - $300
- Recovery & Results: Some redness and irritation for a day or two. Multiple treatments for best results.
- Diamond Tip Microdermabrasion
- Overview: Like crystal microdermabrasion except the instrument is diamond tipped.
- Cost: $100 - $350
- Recovery & Results: Some irritation for a few days. Treatments every two to three weeks will create the best results.
- Dermabrasion
- Overview: A scalpel scrapes away skin layers revealing healthier skin.
- Cost: $100 - $4,000
- Recovery & Results: Redness, tenderness, and swelling for two weeks. The results will be subject to natural aging
Dermaplaning for Uneven Skin Texture
A straight razor shave for your entire face — whether you have a beard or not.- Dermaplaning
- Overview: A scalpel is used to gently shave dead skin and hair. This exposes the healthier lower layer.
- Cost: $75 - $200
- Recovery & Results: Slightly sensitive and red skin for a day or so. Results are temporary.
Microneedling for Uneven Skin Texture
Essentially a controlled acupuncture for your face, microneedling stimulates collagen production to smooth skin texture.- Microneedling
- Overview: A.k.a. collagen induction therapy.
- Cost: $100 - $1,000
- Recovery & Results: Some redness and irritation for a few days. Maintenance treatments ideally once a month.
- Microneedling with PRP
- Overview: A combination of microneedling and injections of platelet rich plasma.
- Cost: $350 - $1,100
- Recovery & Results: Flaking and dryness for a few days. Monthly maintenance treatments for best results.
- Microneedling with Radiofrequency
- Overview: A combination of microneedling with radio frequency waves.
- Cost: $250 - $1,000
- Recovery & Results: Redness, flaking, and irritation for about one week. Monthly treatments are recommended.
- Microneedling with PRP and Stem Cells (aka Trifecta Therapy)
- Overview: Microneedling combined with platelet rich plasma and stem cells injections.
- Cost: $600 - $700
- Recovery & Results: Mild dryness, redness, and irritation for a few days. Monthly therapy is ideal.
- Infini RF
- Overview: Radio frequency waves and microneedling stimulate collagen and elastin production.
- Cost: $700 - $2,500
- Recovery & Results: Skin will be red and flaky for one week. The results last five years with maintenance treatments.
Facials for Uneven Skin Texture
Sure, a facial can't provide long-lasting texture correction, it does offer a quick fix for brighter, clearer, smoother skin.- Hydrafacial
- Overview: Solutions are placed on the skin to clean, extract, and exfoliate. A vacuum is then used to remove the damaged cells.
- Cost: $150 - $300
- Recovery & Results: Face may be irritated and tender for a day or so. The results are temporary.
- SilkPeel Facial
- Overview: A gentle solution is used to open pores and cleanse skin. A vacuum is used to exfoliate.
- Cost: $100 - $450
- Recovery & Results: Redness lasts for about one hour. The results are temporary.
- JetPeel
- Overview: Oxygen and a nutrient solution are inserted via a jet stream into skin.
- Cost: $100 - $450
- Recovery & Results: Minimal side effects. The results are temporary.
- Cryofacial
- Overview: Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze, refresh, and invigorate skin.
- Cost: $55 - $65
- Recovery & Results: No side effects. Immediate, but temporary results.
Topical Medication for Uneven Skin Texture
Topicals are usually prescribed by a dermatologist, and their use is carefully monitored to ensure minimal adverse reactions.- Tretinoin
- Overview: This topical is applied regularly to promote cell turnover and rejuvenation.
- Cost: Dependent on insurance
- Recovery & Results: Mild irritation and redness at the site of application. Results can be maintained with consistent use.
The Takeaway
All skin types can experience the effects of sun damage, acne scars, age spots, and skin damage. Fortunately, all skin types can also benefit from one of numerous cosmetic procedures to restore skin texture and appearance. If the over the counter skincare products don’t cut it anymore, a cosmetic skin resurfacing procedure can provide a significant and lasting solution.
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