The Derma Peel procedure uses highly controlled vacuum and pressure to move microscopically abrasive crystals over the surface of the skin. This action causes little or no discomfort while it gently removes the outer layer of the skin. By repeating this process over the course of several weeks or months, the younger, softer skin moves to the surface, revealing significant textural and color changes.

Unlike Dermabrasion, acid peels, or laser resurfacing, Derma Peel causes little or no discomfort, requires no anesthesia, requires no recuperation period, and treats all skin types.

Persons with olive, brown, or black skin may be at increased risk for pigmentation changes. At Charleston Plastic Surgery, we consult with our patients and assess their skin attributes before recommending treatments of any type.

Laser resurfacing may be performed in a hospital (for more extensive resurfacing procedures) or at our Surgery Center on an outpatient basis. Laser resurfacing is most commonly performed under local anesthesia with sedation. In other words, you will be awake but relaxed and will feel minimal discomfort (extensive resurfacing may require you to be placed under general anesthesia). The procedure itself takes anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours, depending on the surface area involved.  For deep imperfections, we may recommend more than one resurfacing session.

You are likely to experience some mild swelling and discomfort after laser resurfacing which can be controlled with ice packs and medications. After a week or so, any bandages used will be removed and a thin layer of ointment may be applied to your skin. We will instruct you how to wash and care for your healing skin. During this time, it is very important that you do not pick any scabs or crust that may form otherwise scarring may result. Within approximately 10 days, the scabs should disappear. However, redness may linger for several weeks. Some pinkness may remain for up to six months. In the months following treatment, it's important to protect the treated area from the sun until all the color has returned to normal. After the pinkness fades, most patients notice a significant improvement in the quality of their skin.

Cosmetic laser treatments are usually not covered by medical insurance. It may be covered, however, when the procedure is used for modification of scars or the removal of pre-cancerous skin growths. In any event, we can discuss with you how to contact your insurance carrier to determine whether they will cover such treatments.

We perform your sessions in our office. The sessions usually last only about 15 to 45 minutes and are minimally discomforting.

After two or more sessions, the spider veins should noticeably fade. Bear in mind that the procedure treats only visible veins and does not prevent new veins from surfacing in the future. After the sessions, your legs may be bruised or slightly discolored for several weeks afterward. You may experience. After treatment, you may experience some mild cramping in the treated legs.

Bruising from the treatments will diminish within a month. There may be some residual brownish pigmentation which may take up to a year to completely fade. In time, the treated area will be noticeably clearer and more attractive.