A couple of months ago I had a real bad reaction to some makeup. I broke out with really bad acne. The acne has cleared, but some scars were left. What would you recommend to have these scars removed?
Answer:
Dear Marie,
I wish it was easy to remove scars. It depends upon their character and depth. If they are very deep, they may need to be surgically removed. If more superficial, a type of deep resurfacing will improve them markedly and, if very superficial, a light treatment such as microdermabrasion performed a few times will make them much better. I would suggest that you visit with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon who offers all of the options in order to determine what is best for you.
Question:
Is dermabrasion the proper procedure for removal of lip lines and lines around the eyes?
Answer:
Dear Beverly,
Many practitioners have used this for years around the mouth. It is dangerous on the lower eyelid and upper eyelid skin. Microdermabrasion is safer but not effective for all but the finest of lines. Most of us have taken to using lasers in this area for smoothing the skin with minimal risk of scarring. The only down side to this is the fact that it will be red for about one month to 6 weeks after the procedure. The choice of treatment should be based upon how severe the wrinkles are and not on the favourite procedure fo the surgeon.
Question:
Hi, I'm a 17 year old single mother of a 6 month old son. During my pregnancy I developed horrible strech marks that completely cover my stomach and go in circles around my belly button. I was wondering what type of surgery would best get rid of my battle scars and an approximate price. I would love to show off my stomach in a bikini again!
Answer:
Dear Julie,
If you have a lot of excess skin in addition to the stretch marks and plan on having no further children, a tummy tuck is still the best option. Despite the long, low scar, it is the best means of removing the stretch marks if a tummy tuck is needed for other reasons. If your skin is not loose and the muscle are still tight, successful treatment options are limited. Many have tried laser and microdermabrasion treatments with very limited success. New non-resurfacing lasers which stimulate collagen production may be useful but they have not yet been extensively tested.
Question:
Can you tell me if the Laser procedure done with NLite has good results? Also is microdermabrasion a good alternative for wrinkle reduction?
Answer:
Dear L.
The Nlite is a very superficial laser as is microdermabrasion. If your problems are minor, both would be of some help. I would suggest that a deeper procedure be performed if you have substantial wrinkling.
Question:
I have had two dermabrasion treatments, and both hurt very much. My friend is doing the same treatments (at another center) and says it does not hurt. Will you provide me with more information, please? And is it supposed to hurt? My face usually stays red for several hours afterward and I can see every stroke the wand made. Thank you very much.
Answer:
I take it that you mean microdermabrasion treatments which are very different from dermabrasion. There are settings for varying the intensity of the suction and the flow of crystals on the various machines avaialable. If it hurts, it is likely delivering a deeper peel and you may get better results than your friend. If it bothers you too much, though, tell the operator and have them turn down the power.