You can look younger without surgery – here’s how

Written by Megan McNeil, APRN, of the UK HealthCare Aesthetics Center.

Do you want younger looking skin again? You can achieve a refreshed look without having to undergo surgery.

But with so many options available, it can be challenging to figure out which procedure is right for you. 

Here’s what you should know about four types of nonsurgical treatments – chemical peels, laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion and micro-needling – that can leave you feeling radiant and confident.

Chemical peels

We have light and medium chemical peels, and we choose a peel based on your skin type, your concerns and how aggressive you want to be. 

The acids in the peels exfoliate your skin by removing dead skin cells and encouraging new skin cells to form. 

Not all peels will physically cause your skin to peel. The lighter, milder peels are much gentler and exfoliate your skin superficially. The deeper peels will cause a period of shedding skin. Depending on how damaged your skin is, this shedding can range from flaking to true peeling of the top layers. 

You can typically see results within five to seven days. Depending on strength of the peel, you can have the procedure done every four to six weeks.

Laser resurfacing

Laser resurfacing works by damaging the outer layer of your skin, thereby removing it. It also penetrates the deeper layers to stimulate collagen production and reveal healthier skin. 

We offer several different types of laser resurfacing to treat a range of issues, including excess hair and texture irregularities. Most laser treatments require multiple sessions for the best results. 

Lasers can be scary, but the pain for the most part is tolerable. Deeper, more aggressive lasers are often done in the operating room where some light sedation is provided. All in-office lasers are tolerable; we apply topical numbing cream as well as cold packs.

Results are usually visible within one to eight weeks.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion works by gently exfoliating the epidermal layer of skin. Here at the UK Aesthetics Center, we use hydrodermabrasion, which is pressurized water that gently exfoliates combined with suction to help clogged pores. 

We are also able to add in serums to infuse into your skin at the same time. That makes this a three-in-one treatment: exfoliation, infusion of vitamins and antioxidants to target specific concerns, and suction. 

This treatment can be used to treat acne as well as some light pigment concerns. 

Micro-needling

Micro-needling works by making hundreds of micro-injuries in your skin to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin as well as send in growth factors and stem cells. This is similar to how your body responds to a cut or injury. 

The device we use has 12 32-gauge needles, which are extremely small and in a motorized chamber that allows the micro-injuries to occur. I am able to control the depth and can adjust for different areas of the face and neck and to target scarring or coarser areas of texture. 

Numbing cream is applied prior to the procedure to increase your comfort. 

I generally recommend three to six treatments every four to six weeks for the best results. I also like to apply topical growth factors to improve healing times and give better results.

Why should I go to UK for these procedures? 

When having a procedure done at UK, you can rest assured that you are in expert hands – our providers have many years of combined knowledge and experience. Additionally, there is always a board certified plastic surgeon on site.

Learn more about the UK HealthCare Aesthetics Center and the services it offers by visiting our website or call 859-257-7171 to schedule an appointment.