Fine wrinkles begin to appear in our thirties and are often the result of excessive sun exposure, which breaks down the collagen (CAHL-oh-jin) and elastin (EE-last-in) in our skin. Continued facial movement such as frowning or squinting also tends to carver permanent expression lines, or wrinkles, into the face. Chemical peel, or chemosurgery (Kee-moh-sur-jer-ee), is one technique for restoring wrinkled, scarred, or blemished facial skin to a more normal appearance. Laser facial resurfacing, utilizing a CO2 (C-Oh-2) laser, is a newer method of removing fine and deep wrinkles. The procedure takes around one hour usually under a general or local anesthesia. Afterwards, the face may be covered with a protective dressing for two to five days, then followed by a topical ointment. Redness takes a few weeks to subside, but make-up may be used in approximately 10 to 14 days and then the patient can go out. Sun protection with a sun screen is critical afterwards. The face will have a more youthful, smoother appearance. For additional information on fine wrinkles, contact a cosmetic or plastic surgeon.
