Skin Renewal and Rejuvenation

Every patient is unique and shows a different combination of genetic and environmental signs of aging affecting their skin. The sun, skin disorders, aging and even heredity can cause skin irregularities on the face and elsewhere on the body. These include textural irregularities such as wrinkles and acne scars, and pigmentation changes such as freckles, sunspots or visible blood vessels. In addition, the skin can lose tone, feel less firm and show a noticeable loss of radiance.

Skin rejuvenation and skin renewal treatments help you achieve younger-looking, more beautiful skin by removing the most damaged outer layers of the skin. They reveal the healthier-looking skin underneath and support the growth of new, healthy skin cells.

In Türkiye there are literally hundreds of different skin renewal treatments, along with different treatment methods to address the various aspects of skin damage. It is very important to be treated safely and effectively, and for the treatment you receive to be effective in reaching your goals.

The qualifications and procedures required to perform skin renewal treatments vary from treatment to treatment, but you should always choose to consult specialists who are competent in their field and experienced in medical skin care. Most skin treatments require a series of sessions and a multifaceted approach to achieve excellent results. Most importantly, depending on their condition and wishes, patients must be committed to protecting their skin going forward so that the results last longer.

Who Are Good Candidates for Skin Renewal Treatment?

In general, people who are healthy, have a positive attitude and have realistic expectations are suitable. People whose skin is sun-damaged and blotchy, who have fine wrinkles on the face, who have acne or chickenpox scars, or who have leathery-looking skin can be considered good candidates for this treatment. If you have active acne, very dark skin, deep wrinkles, or excessive or sagging skin, you may not be a good candidate for laser skin resurfacing.

How Is Skin Renewal Treatment Performed?

Common skin renewal treatment methods include laser skin resurfacing treatments, microneedling, microdermabrasion and dermabrasion, chemical peels and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light).

• Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment

The specialist may choose to perform laser skin resurfacing as an outpatient procedure. The care team will numb the skin with medication, meaning the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. During ablative laser resurfacing, an intense beam of light energy (laser) is directed at your skin.

The laser beam destroys the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). At the same time, the laser heats the underlying skin (dermis), which over time stimulates collagen production and results in better skin tone and texture. Ablative laser resurfacing typically takes between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on the technique used and the size of the area treated. With non-ablative laser treatment, you will likely need 1 to 3 sessions scheduled over weeks or months to achieve the desired results.

• After the Procedure

After ablative laser resurfacing, the treated skin will be raw, swollen and itchy. Your doctor will apply a thick ointment to the treated skin and cover the area with an airtight and watertight dressing. The purpose of using an ointment or cream is to prevent any crusting. You may take a pain reliever and use ice packs.

New skin usually covers the area within one or two weeks, and in general full recovery takes at least a month, depending on the nature of the condition treated and the type of laser used. During this time, do not use products such as cosmetics that could irritate your face. Once the areas have healed, makeup can be used to camouflage the pink-to-red color that is commonly seen after laser skin resurfacing. Avoid situations that increase your risk of infection, such as public hot tubs. Always use sun protection after laser resurfacing.

Recovery time after non-ablative laser resurfacing is minimal. Your skin may be swollen for a few hours. Use ice packs as needed. Typically, you can resume your usual activities and skin care routine right away.

What Results Can I Expect After Laser Skin Resurfacing?

You should see a difference in the treated skin right away. Depending on the laser treatment, your skin may remain pink or red for a few months. Your skin may continue to improve for up to a year, and the improvement may last for several years. The normal aging process will lead to new wrinkles, and these can be treated again with laser skin resurfacing. You should avoid the sun as much as possible and apply sunscreen every day; this is very important.