Skin Correction - Introduction

The skin is the human body's largest organ. Because of its exposed placement, it is subjected to injuries, environmental influences, and physiologically driven aging processes to a greater extent than most other organs. All these influences can leave long-lasting marks on the skin to a greater or lesser degree - among these are, for example, age marks and light damage, warts, acne, blood vessel abnormalities (angioma), scars, or stretch marks (striae).
Dermatological aesthetics deals with the avoiding or reducing these and other skin changes. In most cases, a laser treatment or peeling are suitable for cosmetic correction; these can take chemical or mechanical forms.^1,2

The principle of a laser or peeling treatment consists in the removal of the uppermost layer(s) of skin in which most of the unaesthetic skin changes lie. For laser treatment, the removal is achieved through vaporisation via laser radiation. For different types of skin changes, there are different lasers used in each case. A chemical peel entails removal using various acids. In a mechanical peel, the skin is scraped off using a rotating diamond or a small steel brush. About 2 weeks after the skin is removed, a crust emerges on the surface of the wound under which a new layer of skin forms. This is usually fresh and smooth and shows little to no traces of the undesired skin changes. Laser and peeling treatments are normally conducted as outpatient procedures. The type of anaesthesia depends on how large the area of skin to be treated is. A peeling treatment is usually accomplished over the course of several sessions in which the acidic concentration can be increased as desired.

In order to avoid mispigmentation after treatment, sunlight should only be enjoyed - whether naturally or artificially - with a sufficiently high degree of protection for the next half year. After treatment, any reddening and swelling which arises typically goes down quickly and the scab detaches by itself after 5-8 days. The newly formed layer of skin then comes to the forefront.

Through laser or peeling treatment, problematic skin changes can be obviated or their definition can be lessened. With professional execution and disciplined aftercare, your skin will appear younger than normal thanks to the treatment.

Selecting the right method of skin correction can only be accomplished in consultation with the doctor who is treating you. Your doctor can give you information about which method will afford you the most aesthetically pleasing results.