In order to have the best quality of skin, you need to care for your skin.  We recommend skin care to all of our facial cosmetic patients because smooth, soft, and healthy skin helps to ensure good cosmetic surgery results.  Some patients even find that surgery can be delayed because they have such good results with skin care alone.

Good skin quality does start with genetics and facial structure, which are hard to control.  However, there are things that we can control – things like good nutrition, protection from sun exposure, and protection from injury – that also influence your skin quality.  There are other things that we know are particularly damaging to the skin, like smoking, that should be avoided all together.

The purpose of skin care is to help maintain good skin quality.  Skin care involves the exfoliation of the superficial layers of epidermis and the thickening of the underlying dermis using chemicals.  Various chemicals can be used, including Retin-A, alpha hydroxy combinations, and ascorbic acid solutions, though in our office we primarily use glycolic acid and vitamin C.  Daily skin maintenance is essential, while periodic treatments like those offered by our aesthetician are also very helpful.

There are stronger skin treatments that physicians can offer, like TCA peels and laser treatments.  There are some substantial fees and sometimes risks associated with those treatments and often good skin care alone provides the desired results.