Chemical Peels for Younger-Looking Skin

Chemical peels work to remove the damaged outer layers of skin through the application of a chemical solution to the face, neck or hands.  The chemicals will produce a controlled wound that allows softer and more even-toned layers of skin to regenerate.

Uses for Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can be used to reduce the appearance of:

• Wrinkles and fine lines
• Scars
• Age spots
• Sun-damaged skin
• Acne
• Freckles
• Irregular skin color

Types of Chemical Solutions Used in Chemical Peels

     There are several different types of chemical solutions that can be used in a chemical peel procedure, such as:

• Salicylic acid
• Glycolic acid
• Trichloroacetic acid
• Lactic acid
• Carbolic acid

If you are planning to have a chemical peel in preparation of a big event, allow enough time for your treated areas to properly heal. It may take anywhere between 3 days to 2 weeks or more to fully recover. It is also important to avoid the sun and wear sunscreen and protective gear during the healing process.

Most light and medium-level chemical peels must be repeated to achieve maximum results; deep chemical peels will typically have longer-lasting results and a much longer chemical peel recovery process.

If you would like to learn more about chemical peels and determine if the procedure might provide the facial rejuvenation results you desire, contact 77 Plastic Surgery to schedule a Cosmetic Consultation in San Fransisco today. Call 415-655-7546 or visit 77plasticsurgery.com.

Sun and Wrinkles

Summer is upon us! The warmth of the sun can feel wonderful on your skin. Having a sun-kissed face and body can make you feel thinner and more attractive. But, while it’s true that sunlight provides a natural and beneficial source of vitamin D for our bodies, most people only require between 5 to 30 minutes of sun exposure each day (depending on their skin pigmentation) to get the health benefits of sunlight.

The fact is that every time you expose your skin to the sun’s ultraviolet light, you run the risk of damaging it. UVA and UVB exposure accounts for the vast majority of premature skin aging – wrinkles, fine lines, sun spots and more.

Sunlight damages the epidermis (the outer layer of skin), causing it to become thinner. Sunlight also damages the dermis (the second layer of skin) by causing faster breakdown of collagen fibers. Collagen is a type of protein that supports and adds structure your skin; when it breaks down, the skin succumbs to wrinkles and lines.

     There are non-surgical methods to help reduce the effects of sun damage, including:

• Facial rejuvenation treatments like BOTOX® or dermal fillers like Juvederm®
• Laser skin treatments
• Chemical peels

These treatments must be repeated to maintain their results. The best way to prevent further damage and extend the results of your treatment is to limit your sun exposure.

If you would like to learn more about cosmetic options to reduce the effects of sun damage, contact Dr. Fan at 77 Plastic Surgery in San Fransisco to schedule a Cosmetic Consultation. Call 415-655-7546 or visit 77plasticsurgery.com.

Cosmetic Surgery for Men

Women aren’t the only species who benefit from cosmetic surgery procedures. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, many cosmetic surgical procedures for men and cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures for men continued to grow in 2012. And Father’s Day is coming up…

Top 5 Cosmetic Surgical Procedures for Men in 2012

• Nose reshaping for men: 62,000 (down 1% from 2011)
• Eyelid surgery for men: 29,000 (up 1% from 2011)
• Liposuction for men: 23,000 (down 1% from 2011)
• Breast reduction (gynecomastia): 21,000 (up 5% from 2011)
• Facelift for men: 12,000 (up 6% from 2011)

Top 5 Cosmetic Minimally-invasive Procedures for Men in 2012

• Botulinum Toxin Type A (like BOTOX® for men): 390,000 (up 7% from 2011)
• Laser hair removal for men: 194,000 (up 5% from 2011)
• Microdermabrasion for men: 183,000 (up 10% from 2011)
• Chemical Peel for men: 90,000 (up 3% from 2011)
• Soft tissue fillers for men: 89,000 (up 2% from 2011)

Men are also pursing physical enhancement procedures such as calf implants, pectoral implants, penile enhancement and hair restoration.

Cosmetic procedures for men are a delicate process, as most men want to create a more youthful appearance while also maintaining a “masculine” edge. It is important to select a cosmetic surgeon who has experience in the fine medical art of male cosmetic surgery.

To see if we can provide a cosmetic surgery procedure to meet your needs or make your own dad feel more confident in his appearance, contact Dr. Fan at 77 Plastic Surgery to schedule a Cosmetic Consultation. Call 415-655-7546 or visit 77plasticsurgery.com.

Tobacco Usage and Cosmetic Surgery

May 31, 2013 has been designated “World No Tobacco Day” by the World Health Organization. The day is designed to remind people about the health risks associated with tobacco use with the overall goal of reducing tobacco consumption. Tobacco use is responsible for the deaths of almost 6 million people every year, with 600,000 of those being non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke. 

In addition to the mortality rates, overall health problems such as cancer and emphysema, teeth yellowing and premature skin aging, tobacco usage can also greatly interfere with cosmetic surgery results.

The nicotine found in cigarettes, gum, patches and chewing tobacco affects your small blood vessels by constricting them and reducing blood flow to the skin. Carbon monoxide is also increased in your blood stream, leading to less oxygen in your tissues. When you have surgery of any kind, this oxygen is important to help fight infection, move antibiotics through the body and protect the skin tissue.

It doesn’t matter if you smoke two packs a day or consider yourself just a “social” smoker. If you smoke before, during or after cosmetic surgery, you run the risk of:

• Poor wound healing
• Serious infections
• Longer bruising period
• Skin loss / skin death
• Scarring
• Pulmonary problems
• Tissue breakdown
• Wound separation

Most cosmetic surgeons require that patients stop smoking at least 2-3 weeks before and after invasive cosmetic procedures to minimize complications. However, if you regularly use tobacco/nicotine and are considering a cosmetic procedure, this article is meant to prompt you into making a life change.

Dr. Fan at 77 Plastic Surgery offers Cosmetic Consultations to help people determine if they are physically and mentally healthy enough for a cosmetic surgery procedure. Visit 77plasticsurgery.com or call 415-655-7546 to schedule your appointment today.