The essence of facial skin rejuvenation is the careful removal of dead and damaged upper layers of skin and their replacement with new skin that has more youthful characteristics. There are many ways to accomplish skin rejuvenation and they each have their strong points. As mentioned in the Wrinkle section of the Procedures menu, mimetic lines can be improved with these methods but not removed, and the improvement is not permanent. Static lines, however, can be removed for years, often permanently.

       The Erbium:YAG laser can be used to resurface the skin quickly and effectively. The laser has the ability to selectively treat more damaged areas to a greater extent than other areas - a trait useful around the mouth and eyes. The laser literally disintegrates the upper damaged skin and leaves new, fresh skin in its place after healing. The laser requires intravenous sedation for pain control during its application (see Laser Surgery).

       Glycolic, Lactic, and Salicylic peels are among the lighter peels, but are very safe and can be repeated. They rarely cause permanent pigment problems and cause peeling, but no open wounds. These peels cost between $80 and $150 and are often performed by Michelle Delaney, our skin care coordinator.

       Dermabrasion uses a sanding type instrument to remove skin manually. The technique is very precise, like the laser. Areas can be treated preferentially, which is useful in cases of acne scarring and deep lip wrinkles. The technique requires some type of anesthesia and the open wounds take several days to heal, depending on how deep the treatment goes. Pigmentation problems are not very common. The cost varies between $750 and $1500.

       The Power Peel is a sandblaster device which slowly and carefully strips away the dead, upper part of the skin. The process is painless. It is, however, also limited to the upper skin which means it cannot remove wrinkles well. It can, however, give a very smooth, younger looking skin, especially when used in addition to chemical peels and at-home treatments. There is no downtime and you can go back to work after treatment. Since the process is subtle and takes multiple treatments the procedure is usually sold as a package of 6.

       Botox is a drug that will paralyze muscles for 3 to 6 months after injection into the muscle. Injections incur only mild discomfort due to the tiny needle. This treatment is useful for all mimetic lines (see Wrinkle section of the Procedures menu). Keep in mind, however, that the paralysis may change your facial expression slightly since you cannot move the injected muscles at all - even if you want to. The cost of treatment is $300-$600 depending on how much Botox is used.

       Fat injections are a terrific way to fill in the deeper lines of the cheeks as well as provide fuller lips with lip augmentation. The procedures are done in the office and offer the benefit of potential permanent correction versus collagen injections which are always fully absorbed. The cost averages $1500 per treatment.

Dr. Martin Mosokovitz is a member of The American Society Of Plastic Surgeons. So for more information from The American Society Of Plastic Surgeons on Dermabrasion - Click Here, Chemical Peel - Click Here.