Is your skin ready for summer?

By DR. NAVIN SINGH
Special to the Blade 

Wondering how to get your skin summer ready? Considering facial injections, chemical peels, laser treatments or surgical procedures? Here are a few options that range from a quick fix to a permanent solution.

(iStock photo)

Fillers: A dermal filler is used to replace the hyaluronic acid in your skin. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance created by your body that helps it hold its shape and volume. As you age, your body produces less of this acid, allowing wrinkles to form.  Fillers can be injected into these areas to create a youthful appearance. Popular areas for this injection include smile lines and lip lines. Peak results can be seen about a week after the initial injection and can last from eight to 12 months. For best results, remember to avoid exercise for 24 hours and unnecessary exposure to heat and sun for 1-2 weeks. There are several different brands of fillers, the most well-known include Juvéderm XC, Radiesse, and Restalyne.

Botox: Botox Cosmetic, possibly the most common facial injection, is also used to treat facial wrinkles. It is injected into the muscle to prevent the muscle from creating the same movements that create the wrinkle. Botox can be injected into the forehead, crow’s feet, and glabella. Botox can be purchased by area or by unit, depending on the health care professional administering the injection. To fully treat one area you may need between 20 and 30 units. Peak results can be seen as early as a few hours after the treatment and last three to four months. To achieve the best results, remember to avoid lying down for four to five hours and exercise for 24 hours.

Chemical Peels: These are another great way to improve the appearance of your skin. A peel may improve the appearance of facial wrinkles, age spots and light acne scarring. During the procedure, you will be provided with a solution to cleanse your face of all oils. A chemical solution will then be applied and allowed to sit for a short time before you are told to remove it with a provided cleanser. Approximately 48 hours after the peel has been administered your face will begin to peel as if it has been sun burned, and will peel for two to four days. Two days after the peeling and redness has ceased, your skin will be left looking healthy and glowing.

Dermabraison: If you have deep wrinkles, a chemical peel may not be the best solution.  Dermabraison is a surgical procedure typically done under twilight anesthesia that can rid your skin of excessive acne scarring and wrinkles. Dermabraison can be performed on the entire face, by is usually directed most toward the problematic areas of the cheeks and around the mouth.  The procedure consists of sanding down the top damaged layers of skin so that new baby skin may emerge. The healing process can last up to three weeks.

Laser treatments: If you prefer a more cutting edge technique to acquire beautiful skin, try a laser treatment. We now have the technology to alter the appearance of stretch marks, reduce hair, and tighten skin. Palomar Medical has come out with its Starlux Laser that can improve your skin through a series of treatments (average four to five).

Remember to consult with your health care professional before undergoing any treatments