CHOOSE YOUR TREATMENT Skin Resurfacing (Energy Assisted)
Skin resurfacing is a treatment to tackle the skin's surface texture. It can help with pigmentation problems, acne scars and wrinkles.
What is it?
Traditional ablative laser resurfacing techniques damaged the entire outer layer of skin on the face, causing it to die away and peel off, revealing fresh, healthier skin beneath, and stimulating the production of new collagen. Although highly effective, this resulted in a serious amount of downtime.
However, in recent years, techniques have been developed that allow for similar results to be achieved with less
downtime.These include fractional resurfacing and sublative techniques, which we will cover in more detail below.
Who does it? Who is suitable?
● Plastic Surgeon ● Cosmetic Doctor ● Cosmetic Dermatologist
Although gentler than their predecessors, the resurfacing techniques used today are still quite aggressive and are best suited to those with more serious lines, pigmentation or scars.
Resurfacing will not solve sagging skin of the face and neck – if this is your problem you might be more suited to a surgical Facelift (p 88), although the results from combining the two can be quite impressive.
You would need to have a thorough consultation with a medical practitioner, who will go through your medical history and advise you of the benefits and risks of the
The eMatrix machine from Syneron offers the first ‘sublative’ technique for skin resurfacing, using radiofrequency technology. Unlike traditional ablative techniques, which cause damage to the outer layer of skin, eMatrix works beneath the skin to remove problems, leaving the surface unharmed.
Neither the practitioner’s nor the patient’s eyes need to be covered, as with laser treatments, and although a topical anaesthetic cream can be used if you prefer, many practitioners don’t deem this necessary.
The handpiece is run over your face and a series of short zaps delivered to the skin – it usually takes about
procedure. Generally, however, if you have a history of sensitivity to light, or of keloid scarring, then this isn’t the treatment for you.
What’s the treatment like?
Your skin will be thoroughly cleaned prior to the procedure and a topical anaesthetic cream will be applied.You may need to wear protective eye goggles during treatment.
In fractional resurfacing, which, as the name suggests causes only fractional damage to the outer layer of skin, the laser handpiece will be run across the skin both vertically and horizontally, leaving red dots all over the surface of the skin. This won’t be painful, but you will probably feel a tingling sensation.
What happens afterwards?
Fractional resurfacing techniques still involve at least a week of downtime, as your skin will be red and swollen for several days post procedure.You will be advised to moisturise regularly post procedure, and it’s important to avoid sun exposure.
You may also need to return for repeat treatments - this will depend on the severity of your problem, so your practitioner will advise you on this.
Will I have a scar? Cost From £300 to £1,000
You shouldn’t have any scarring from skin resurfacing.
Dr Elisabeth Dancey explains the benefits of sublative resurfacing
15 minutes to cover a full
face.There will be some redness and swelling post treatment, but this should fade within a week. Depending on the scale of your problem you may need between one and three treatments.
eMatrix costs between £400 and £900 per session, depending on the size of the treatment area.
www.elisabethdancey.co.uk For more information on eMatrix and a list of practitioners, email
customerservices@wigmoremedical.com
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