Skin Rejuvenation

Non-surgical skin rejuvenation is an effective approach to achieving a youthful and vibrant appearance without the need for surgery. For patients experiencing early to moderate signs of aging, minimally invasive treatments like laser resurfacing, IPL, microneedling, biostimulatory filler such as Scupltra or Radiesse as well as some chemical peels can greatly reduce the visible symptoms and effects of time on the face.

Dr. Amber L. Allen is a double board-certified cosmetic surgeon at Allen Aesthetic Surgery. Dr. Allen and her talented staff specialize in individualized patient-centric care. To schedule a consultation to talk about your skin rejuvenation options, please don’t hesitate to call our Raleigh office at (919) 676-5052. You can also fill out this form and we will get back to you soon.

Non-Surgical Skin Rejuvenation Treatments

The skin is not only the largest organ in our body, but it is also one of the most visible indicators of our overall health and vitality. Unfortunately, as we age, the effects of time, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices can take a toll on our skin, leading to the development of wrinkles, sagging, uneven texture, and other signs of aging.

In the past, the only options for addressing these concerns were invasive surgical procedures. However, advancements in medical technology have now provided us with a wide range of non-surgical skin rejuvenation techniques that can help you achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance without the need for surgery.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Changes in our skin can manifest in the form of wrinkles, fine lines, uneven pigmentation, acne scars, and overall loss of elasticity. Laser skin resurfacing is designed to combat these signs of aging by stimulating collagen production and promoting cellular regeneration.

During the procedure, a laser device is used to precisely deliver controlled beams of light energy to the targeted areas of the skin. This energy is absorbed by the skin’s layers, causing micro-injuries that trigger the body’s natural healing response. As a result, old and damaged skin cells are replaced with fresh, new cells, leading to improved texture, tone, and overall appearance.

How Can Laser Skin Resurfacing Improve Acne?

By selectively damaging sebaceous glands and eliminating bacteria, laser acne treatment can significantly reduce the occurrence of new breakouts and helps clear existing acne lesions. Additionally, the controlled heat generated by the laser stimulates collagen production, which aids in the healing process and promotes the growth of healthy, rejuvenated skin.

What Are the Benefits of Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Excessive UV light exposure causes skin photoaging, resulting in rough texture and wrinkling. IPL is used in skin rejuvenation to reduce the appearance of melasma, acne, widened blood vessels, rosacea, and to remove unwanted hair from the face. ⁽¹⁾ This treatment can be used for skin retexturing as well pigmentation correction.

Is IPL a Laser Treatment?

IPL is not a laser. It is a filtered flash lamp device that emits polychromatic light in diverse pulse durations. This makes IPL much less selective than laser light, so special filters narrow the spectrum of light wavelengths to target specific elements within the skin. When certain wavelengths of light are targeted toward pigmented skin cells, hair follicles, and blemishes, they absorb the energy and the cells are destroyed. With this controlled destruction of cells, IPL can selectively reduce the appearance of lesions from the skin with minimal damage to the surrounding tissues. ⁽²⁾

What Happens During an IPL Treatment Session?

Dr. Allen starts the treatment by cleansing your face to remove debris and prepare the treatment area. She then applies a cooling gel, and possibly a numbing cream, to keep you comfortable during the procedure. After supplying eye protection, Dr. Allen applies the light pulses directly to your skin. IPL application often feels a little like a pinch, so you may feel slight discomfort. The entire procedure, depending on what area of the body is being treated, takes around 20 to 30 minutes to complete.

Microneedling

Previously known as collagen induction therapy, microneedling is an effective non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatment. It can address multiple signs of aging and scarring in the face and other areas of the body thanks to its fine needles, which can penetrate through to the dermis – the skin’s lower layer. Depending on the condition of the patient’s skin, and what they are trying to remove from it, each microneedling treatment session can be customized to address certain skin conditions at certain depths. For example, fine line and wrinkle treatment involves more superficial microneedling, whereas atrophic scarring, like some kinds of acne scar, would involve penetrating deeper into the skin’s layers.

Learn more about the innovative Sylfirm X radiofrequency (RF) microneedling system.

What is Microneedling Like?

Before a microneedling session at Allen Aesthetic Surgery, a numbing cream may be applied to ensure maximum comfort. Dr. Allen then places the microneedling handpiece strategically in the targeted areas, creating tiny punctures in the skin. These micro-channels allow for better absorption of topical serums and encourage the skin to regenerate itself from within.

After the treatment, patients may experience redness and mild swelling, similar to a sunburn, which typically subsides within a few days. Over time, as collagen production increases, the skin’s texture improves, and the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars diminishes. Patients can expect to see gradual improvements in their skin’s tone and overall complexion.

How Many Microneedling Sessions Will I Need?

It is important to note that while microneedling can produce impressive results, multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve optimal outcomes. Dr. Allen will work closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan based on their unique needs and desired goals.

Biostimulatory Fillers

Studies have shown that some types of fillers, such as Radiesse and Sculptra, have been shown to increase the collagen and elastin when placed just under the epidermis or top layer of skin. While these fillers can also aid with volume restoration, when diluted with water or saline, they can be placed in a broader area to help with skin rejuvenation. Most individuals will need two to three sessions at spaced intervals to meet individual needs or goals. Additionally, radiofrequency microneedling, such as SylfirmX, works in conjunction with these fillers for best results. There is little risk with treatments with the most common being bruising and swelling.

Chemical Peels

Also called chemexfoliation, chemical peels remove a predictable and safe layer from the skin to improve its appearance and texture. Each peel uses a caustic agent (usually a type of acid) to cause targeted inflammation of the skin as the proteins in keratin and collagen start to break down. These chemical treatments are formulated to target certain depths in the skin: superficial (epidermis only), medium-depth (epidermis and papillary dermis), and deep peels (mid-reticular dermis). ⁽³⁾

Superficial peels often contain acids that belong to the AHA or BHA family, including glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids. Medium-depth peels contain TCA (trichloroacetic acid) and higher concentrations of glycolic acids, while deep peels are usually made up of greater than 50% of TCA or a compound called phenol. ⁽³⁾

As the peel works its way through the targeted layer(s) of skin, the cells start to disintegrate, leaving a frost of dead skin cells that eventually peels off naturally. After your skin peels, you are left with new, rejuvenated skin that is smooth and revitalized.

Ideal Candidates

Patients who are looking for non-surgical ways to improve their skin texture, tone, and overall appearance are great candidates for these procedures. They should also be in good overall health with no underlying conditions that may inhibit their recovery. Patients must be non-smokers, or willing to refrain from tobacco and nicotine products before their treatment date. This is especially important for a smooth healing period.

Personal Consultation

At Allen Aesthetic Surgery, we meet with every patient for a private consultation to address their specific cosmetic concerns. Dr. Allen performs a health examination to determine the state of your skin, what issues you may have, and how to eliminate them safely. She takes the time to get to know you and your skin by listening to your questions and creating a customized treatment plan.

For your first meeting, be sure to express your exact desires so Dr. Allen can have all the tools and information necessary to give you the comprehensive care you deserve. She will ask you about your daily routine and skin habits to determine which skin rejuvenation treatment will work for you.

Cost of Skin Rejuvenation Treatments in Raleigh

The cost of your skin rejuvenation procedure is determined by the customized treatment plan that Dr. Allen creates specifically for you. During your personal consultation, Dr. Allen makes sure to inform you of your complete cost breakdown. Schedule your appointment today by calling our office directly at (919) 676-5052.

If you are curious about other services Dr. Allen provides, be sure to check out our blog for more information.

References

1. Martella A, Raichi M. Photoepilation and Skin Photorejuvenation: An Update. Dermatology Reports. 2017;9(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.4081/dr.2017.7116
2. Alster T, Husain Z. The role of lasers and intense pulsed light technology in dermatology. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2016;9:29. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s69106
3. Soleymani T, Lanoue J, Rahman Z. A Practical Approach to Chemical Peels: A Review of Fundamentals and Step-by-step Algorithmic Protocol for Treatment. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology. 2018;11(8):21-28. Accessed December 12, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6122508/