Skin Rejuvenation

One of the most powerful and long-lasting skin rejuvenation treatments we use to address signs of facial aging is carbon dioxide (CO2) laser resurfacing. As we age, the skin naturally loses collagen, which can result in fine lines, wrinkles, and mild laxity. Our CO2 laser treatments boost the skin’s natural repair process and stimulate collagen production to improve its texture and quality.

If you want to revitalize your skin and restore your appearance, look no further than Chicago Oculofacial Plastic Surgery in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Paul Phelps, MD, FACS, a leading oculofacial surgeon and member of the Oculofacial Society, has decades of experience helping his patients reach their goals with life-changing facial treatments. Dedicated to helping his patients, Dr. Phelps has received numerous awards and grants for his work and has built a reputation for providing his patients with consistent, stunning results.

To schedule a personal consultation for your skin rejuvenation treatment with Dr. Phelps, please call Chicago Oculofacial Plastic Surgery at (312) 888-5754 or contact us online.

About Skin Rejuvenation

Skin rejuvenation is a set of treatments focused on improving the overall quality of each patient’s skin. The skin is your largest organ, protecting the internal organs while providing sensory information. ⁽¹⁾ The skin is composed of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis (or subcutaneous tissue), which all serve different functions. Aging and environmental factors can cause the skin to slowly lose elasticity. As gravity and sun exposure wear on the skin, pigmentation, wrinkles, fine lines, and crow’s feet can affect your self-esteem.

CO2 laser resurfacing is an effective treatment for fine lines, texture improvement, and reduction of pigmentation problems. CO2 lasers are highly precise and can remove thin layers of skin while preserving the surrounding tissues. They are an effective treatment for a range of aesthetic concerns, including:

CO2 laser resurfacing can significantly improve your skin without altering the skin’s natural features. Combining a lower lid blepharoplasty with CO2 laser resurfacing can help reduce complications and achieve better outcomes.

Basic Skincare

A consistent skincare routine is the first step to maintaining and preserving the quality and appearance of one’s skin, with the most effective routines often being the simplest. We recommend that each patient use a gentle face cleanser each morning and night. Shortly afterward, you should apply a facial moisturizer to hydrate the skin. You should also apply sunscreen each morning to help protect the skin from UV exposure and to minimize the risk of damage. To view and purchase our recommended line of skincare, please refer to our selection of skincare.

To learn more about the ingredients in your skincare products and compare them with other products on the market, you can visit SkinSAFE.

Basic Nutrition for Healthy Skin

It is essential for patients to make lifestyle choices to ensure their skin’s health. Patients should avoid the consumption of nicotine, tobacco, alcohol, and other substances to improve the health of their skin. Maintaining a nutritious diet full of essential vitamins can also help with the various functions of the skin, as well as drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated.

Advanced Dermatologic Services

For individuals not already working with a skincare expert, our talented team can help them find a provider and educate them on the basics of skincare. Many times, patients with rosacea, acne, and autoimmune skin conditions benefit from aesthetic dermatology care prior to undergoing a skin rejuvenation treatment or other procedures. Our team works closely with expert dermatologists to ensure each patient’s skin rejuvenation treatment is the best possible one for them.

Benefits of Skin Rejuvenation

There are many benefits of undergoing a skin rejuvenation treatment. Patients undergoing this treatment may notice a brighter, more even complexion as pigmentation irregularities are diminished. Patients with acne scarring, including divots and raised scarring, may see an improvement in texture and lowered visibility. Many of our treatments offer collagen-stimulating properties that offer continued benefits over time. Each of our treatments provide long-lasting results and can be fully customized to help each patient address multiple skin concerns.

Suitable Candidates

Ideal candidates for a skin rejuvenation treatment are those interested in enhancing the tone, texture, and overall quality of one’s skin. Individuals experiencing acne scarring, sun damage, uneven skin tone, or texture may benefit greatly from this treatment.

All candidates interested in our skin rejuvenation treatments should be in good overall health and hold realistic expectations regarding the outcome of their treatments. Patients experiencing an active skin infection should call to reschedule their appointment. Patients with certain conditions affecting their skin may not be recommended for some skin rejuvenation treatments, but we recommend that anyone interested in a treatment attend a consultation so our team may find a suitable alternative for their needs.

To find out if you are eligible for our skin rejuvenation treatments, please call our Chicago office at (312) 888-5754 or contact us online.

Consultation

Each patient is asked to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Phelps so he can determine the best treatment for their needs. Each individual will discuss their medical history, medication, and aesthetic goals with our team. From there, Dr. Phelps will perform a medical examination to determine the quality of each patient’s skin before recommending the best methods and strategies to achieve their ideal outcome. We offer this treatment in combination with other procedures such as blepharoplasty, fat grafting, brow lifts, and face and neck lifts.

To schedule your personal consultation and receive your full, customized treatment plan, please call (312) 888-5754 or contact us online.

Preparation

Preparation for skin rejuvenation may look different between patients depending on each individual’s skin treatment and conditions. Specific instructions will be prepared and provided at each personal consultation, but the process is typically fairly straightforward. Patients should ensure they are staying hydrated and maintaining a nutritious diet. Medications and supplements with blood-thinning properties should be avoided, along with the use of tanning beds and unprotected sun exposure. Those who smoke should be prepared to quit several weeks before starting their treatment and refrain from nicotine or tobacco use until healed.

Each candidate may also be asked to alter their at-home skincare routine in preparation for their procedure. Harsh skincare products such as retinoids and exfoliants may compromise the skin barrier and should be avoided leading up to the treatment. On the day of each appointment, patients should arrive at the office with a clean face, free of any makeup and skincare products.

Treatment Process

One of our main skin rejuvenation treatments is our CO2 laser resurfacing. This procedure begins with the administration of anesthesia to ensure each patient feels fully relaxed and comfortable. Dr. Phelps will administer the laser energy through the use of a small device that generates heat to help stimulate the production of collagen in the tissue. Each treatment session can last between thirty to sixty minutes or longer, depending on the size of the treatment area, the condition of each patient’s skin, and whether or not any additional procedures are performed.

After Your Treatment

After CO2 laser resurfacing, patients may experience discomfort similar to a sunburn, which usually lasts around 24 hours. Proper post-treatment care is crucial for reducing discomfort and promoting faster healing. Our team can provide you with detailed instructions to ensure optimal results.

You should keep the treatment area clean and ensure that you are wearing the proper sun protection when going outside. Dr. Phelps may ask patients to return to the office to monitor their healing progress and ensure optimal results.

Results

Most patients get to enjoy an improvement in skin texture and tone for between three and five years after undergoing laser therapy. These results last longer with a good skincare routine and good overall health of the patient.

Patients can enjoy brighter, more radiant skin. Our treatments offer gradual results, meaning that it can take several weeks to several months for each treatment’s effects to develop, especially for collagen-stimulating procedures.

Patients will be able to experience an improvement in tone, texture, appearance, and overall skin quality as scarring and other irregularities are eliminated. Individuals can also enjoy a reduction in visual signs of aging, such as fine lines, creases, blemishes, and wrinkles are diminished. In order to preserve and prolong results, you may need to make changes to your skincare routine, and you must use sun protection. UV exposure contributes to up to 80% of skin aging. ⁽²⁾

Depending on the condition of your skin, you may need multiple sessions to achieve your ideal results.

Cost of Skin Rejuvenation in Chicago

The cost of each patient’s skincare treatment will vary depending on their fully customized treatment plan and whether they need supplementary procedures. Each patient will receive a full, written quote at their consultation after Dr. Phelps performs an examination to determine the best methods and strategies to help each patient revive and rejuvenate their skin. Dr. Phelps can tailor each aspect of our skin treatments to help each patient meet their aesthetic goals.

To unlock the full cost of your personalized skin treatment, please call our Chicago office at (312) 888-5754 or contact us online, and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible!

FAQ

References

1. Yousef H, Alhajj M, Sharma S. Anatomy, Skin (Integument), Epidermis. PubMed. Published June 8, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470464/
2. Guan LL, Lim HW, Mohammad TF. Sunscreens and Photoaging: A Review of Current Literature. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2021;22(6):819-828. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-021-00632-5