Here Comes The Sun

Spring is here! We look forward to longer, sunnier days. But your skin might not! Sun damaged skin is one of the most obvious signs of aging. Before the sun comes back to full force this year, you might consider correcting some of that sun damage and then commit to using sunscreen every day. But what are the signs of sun damage, and what can be done?

The signs of sun damaged skin are flakey skin, dry skin, brown spots (sometimes called ‘liver spots’), premature wrinkles, and breakdown of the underlying collagen that supports the skin. Sun damaged skin often results in uneven pigmentation and actinic keratosis, those scaly spots that are small, rough, and raised on parts of the body that have been exposed to the sun constantly. Some of these actinic keratosis spots can grow into skin cancers. Our faces, not being covered by clothing, get the most exposure to the sun. So it is important to use sunscreen on your face, and have regular screenings for skin cancer.

But what of the damage already done? There are several cosmetic procedures that can correct sun damage. One of the most important aspects of correcting sun damage is skin tightening and evening out texture and pigmentation. These goals can be achieved with several light and ultrasound treatments including IPL Photofacial, Ulthera, Micro Laser Peel, and Laser Resurfacing. Laser Resurfacing is often the best bet for extreme sun damage as it not only removes the upper most layer of skin (with all that sun damage), but it also boosts the production of collagen growth. The collagen then fills out your face to increase that youthful glow. Micro Laser Peels also correct uneven pigmentation, such as age spots and fine wrinkles, and this procedure can be repeated and customized to your particular skin type and conditions. However, many patients prefer IPL, Intense Pulsed Light, because it doesn’t wound the skin. This treatment can remove port wine stains, vascular lesions, broken capillaries, fine wrinkles, age spots and uneven pigmentation. On the other hand, if your skin does not have a lot of damage related to pigment, but has mostly lost elasticity, Ulthera can tighten and lift that loose skin on many areas of the neck and face.

As you can see, at Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center, you have a choice of laser resurfacing and other skin treatments that are tailored to your specific needs. A consultation to find the very best treatment for you is free. But you have to promise to use sunscreen afterwards!

Dr. Branman

Call Melinda to set up your consultation at 501-277-0707