| Dr.Christopher Park is a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about Reconstructive Surgery.
Q. What is the difference between Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery?
A. The end result is usually the same but with different reasons and perspective, maximizing ones appearance, function, and self esteem. The barriers can be fuzzy but in general, cosmetic surgery is not covered by insurance and requires more personal investment.
Q. What benefits does Reconstructive surgery provide?
A. The ability to restore ones function and comfort.
Q. Who is a good candidate for Reconstructive surgery?
A. Anyone who has a problem or defect that is impeding their life.
Q. Does Reconstructive surgery have possible risks and complications?
A. Of course, they are procedure specific and the benefits of an operation must outweigh the risks.
Q. How is a chemical peel performed?
A. Chemical peels are medical procedures that use a variety of chemicals to either lyse or coagulate the skin, leading to rapid exfoliation of the epidermis and superficial dermis. They are designed to treat the changes that occur with genetic and photo-aging, including irregular pigmentation, reduced elastic fibers, fine wrinkling, and slow cellular turnover. The depth of peel is determined by the expectations, budget, and allowable recuperation time.
Superficial peels (Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Jessner’s solution) are nonablative but remove the top layer of the epidermis and stimulate healing, thickening, and hydration. A superficial peel is appropriate for a patient wishing to correct fine wrinkles and mild degrees of hyperpigmentation.
Medium depth peels (Trichloroacetic acid :TCA) are ablative and reach into the dermis. Depth of treatment is not only dependent on the concentration but on preparation of skin and the number of applications and can be judged by the frosting that occurs during the procedure. With the increased depth of peel comes significant additional improvements in skin elasticity, hydration, tone, and color, but also increased discomfort and risks of scarring, infection, and altered pigmentation.
Deep peels (Phenol / Croton Oil) are ablative and extend into the deep dermis, leading to the deposition of new epidermis and dermis with normal elastic fibers, glycosaminoglycans, and collagen. However, this is a deep, painful burn done only under sedation and the patient needs to be monitored and resuscitation equipment should be available.
Q. What is the recovery time for a chemical peel?
A. Superficial peel – hours to 2 days
Medium depth – 2 weeks
Deep peel – 6 weeks |
