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Skin ResurfacingIn Nashville

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The Key to a New Luminous You

Harmony Facial Plastic Surgery In Nashville

Have you spent too much time in the sun? Do you have scars from acne? Maybe you are noticing blood vessels, pigmentation changes, wrinkles or other imperfections on your skin that you wish would disappear?

So many things can affect our skin. Time and the environment are the leading culprits in making us look older, but heredity plays its part as well. The surface of our skin may lose tone and feel less firm. There may be rough spots that just do not seem to ever go away, no matter how many moisturizers we try. With Dr. Kate O’Connor, one of the few female plastic surgeons in Nashville skin resurfacing is a way to preserve your youthful appearance and restore that radiance you once had.

Nashville skin resurfacing model with red hair

What is Skin Resurfacing?

Nashville Skin Resurfacing

Skin resurfacing or skin rejuvenation refers to several cosmetic procedures that can improve the appearance and texture of your face. No matter what the cause, there is a solution that will help alleviate the flaws that have accumulated over time. Skin resurfacing involves a controlled injury to your skin. This allows your skin to heal and form new tissue that is healthier than what was removed.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion uses a small, handheld device to remove the outer layers of the skin. The skin that grows back is smoother, and scars and age spots are less visible.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels come in various levels of strength, depending on how many layers of skin they affect. Peels use acids to exfoliate the skin, causing it to slough off and reveal new skin that is smoother and less wrinkled. Light or superficial chemical peels use mild acids like alpha-hydroxy. 

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This type of acid will only go as deep as the outer layer of the skin. Medium peels use glycolic or trichloroacetic acid, which is a bit stronger. This type of peel will penetrate the outer and middle layers of the skin. It is especially helpful in removing skin cells that have been damaged by the sun, other environmental factors, or acne.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing is accomplished with different lasers depending on the issue and skin type being treated. There are ablative laser treatments where some of the outer layers are removed, and non-ablative treatments where the laser only passes through to the deeper layers without affecting the outer layers. Both types can be used to treat wrinkles, age spots, acne scars, and uneven tone and texture. There are lasers for different types of skin tones as well, so laser skin resurfacing can safely be used in all skin tones when the right laser is used in experienced hands.

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Laser resurfacing is especially effective in encouraging the production of collagen. Collagen is the protein in our skin that helps it to heal naturally and provides structure. Collagen production slows down as we age and the amount we have decreases. By stimulating the growth of collagen, laser resurfacing has the bonus of additional improvements to the skin even after the initial healing process.

Skin resufacing techniques that are a perfect fit for your cosmetic goals are available. Dr. Kate O'Connor strives to offer the best skin resurfacing Nashville has to offer and can help you determine the technique that will be safe and effective for your skin and the flaws you want to correct. The procedure is performed in-office, and local anesthesia or other medications can be utilized to relax you, if preferred.

Benefits of Skin Resurfacing

Holistic Plastic Surgery In Nashville

Skin resurfacing can improve the overall appearance of your face by removing the outer layer of the skin, revealing the healthy, new skin below. Each type of procedure has its own level of improvement for your skin.

Skin resurfacing can be done at any age and can be part of "prejuvenation" or preventative measures against aging. These procedures are minimally invasive and require much less recovery time than surgery. If you can avoid the circumstances that caused the skin problems in the first place, you may not need repeat treatments. If needed, mild peels can be repeated and may result in increasing positive outcomes with each treatment. Dermabrasion also may be done more than once to achieve the desired results. Depending on the laser treatment, you may not need more than a touch-up.

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Am I a Candidate for Skin Resurfacing?

Dr. O’Connor in Nashville

You will be a good candidate for skin resurfacing if you have concerns about your skin such as sun damage, wrinkles, acne scars, and uneven skin tone or texture. You will need to be in good health. Smoking can negatively affect the healing process so if you do smoke, quitting will be necessary. At any age, if you're in Nashville skin resurfacing from Kate O’Connor, MD, can restore your smooth, youthful complexion.

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Nashville skin rejuvenation model with orange shawl

What Happens During a Skin Resurfacing Procedure?

Unique Skills. Compassionate Care.

Dr. O’Connor will first spend time learning about what you want to achieve with skin resurfacing. She will determine what type of resurfacing technique is best for the areas you want to be treated and the condition and health of your skin.

Dermabrasion

With dermabrasion, Dr. O’Connor may administer local anesthesia to numb your face and may give you medication to help relax. She will precisely remove the outermost layer of your skin using a handheld device with a motorized device. This device is usually a wheel or a brush with a rough surface. She will continue to remove skin so she can decrease the appearance of the scar or wrinkle. After the treatment, she may apply an ointment or dressings.

Chemical Peels

For a light chemical peel, a chemical solution will be applied to the skin with a cotton ball, gauze, or a brush. You may feel a stinging sensation. When the peel is complete, Dr. O’Connor may remove the solution or add a neutralizing solution. The procedure is similar to a medium peel, but the chemical solution will stay on longer. You may have a bluish tint to your skin for a few days until the skin peels completely.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing begins with numbing the areas that are to be treated. You may be given a local or even a twilight anesthetic depending on the extent of the procedure. During the procedure, an intense beam of light is directed at the treatment area. The laser beam causes the outer layer of the skin to tighten and stimulates collagen formation under the outer layer of your skin and heals the layer below.

What Can I Expect During Recovery from Skin Resurfacing?

Recovery in Nashville

Recovery differs depending on the type of skin resurfacing treatment used. Chemical peels usually result in a week or two of downtime and some discomfort. It may take several weeks after dermabrasion for your skin to lose the swelling and pink color. With laser resurfacing, healing occurs most in the first week where the skin is red and may peel.

Additional Reading

In all skin resurfacing treatments, it is important to remember that the outer layer of skin is removed to uncover the healthier, new skin underneath. It takes some time for that new layer to form and heal. Dr. O’Connor has a holistic, natural approach to healing and is a post-operative recovery expert. 

She has keen interest in alternative practices such as acupuncture, massage and regenerative healing to reduce your recovery time and alleviate pain. Skin resurfacing recovery will happen more quickly and with less pain when provided by Kate O’Connor, M.D.

What Results Can I Expect from Skin Resurfacing?

Results in Nashville

Once your skin has healed after skin resurfacing, you will see a reduction in wrinkles, areas of pigmentation (like sunspots and freckles), and scars. Your skin tone will be improved, and you will notice a youthful luminosity. Your whole look will be rejuvenated, and you will look more rested and healthier. Dr. O’Connor will explain how to prevent the recurrence of the conditions that caused the issues in the first place.

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Why Should I Go to Harmony Facial Plastic Surgery for My Skin Resurfacing?

Dr. O’Connor in Nashville

Kate O’Connor, MD, is a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. She has been recognized by the Gold Humanism Honor Society, a national honor society that honors medical professionals for excellence in clinical care, leadership, compassion, and dedication to service. She ensures the best possible outcome with treatments that are catered for each patient. For skin resurfacing in Nashville, meet with Dr. O’Connor to find the best treatment for you.

When you decide to explore the surgical refinement of a facial feature, our goal at Harmony Facial Plastic Surgery is to begin your journey as a united team. We take our role in your care, happiness, and confidence to heart and strive to make your entire experience smooth and empowering. We will answer all your questions and help you understand your options to make the best decisions for yourself with a clear vision of your aesthetic goal in mind. We’re here to help you achieve your most confident self.

1017 16th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212

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