What to do about crepiness/texture, mostly around mouth and cheeks? (photo)

Question

I have texture in my skin that I am not a fan of. I'm an esthetician so I take care of my skin with antioxidants, semi-regular use of retinol products, crazy amounts of spf, and occasional microderms and microneedling. I am currently a little over weight. I'm not ready for a CO2 laser, and I'd rather not lose my freckles. What do I need to be doing/using?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Elham Jafari, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question! Fractional CO2 laser is my first choice to improve the skin texture, but since you indicated that you are not ready for CO2 laser, my 2ns choice is microneedling (which can be done with various serums or PRP). In general microneedling achieves results similar to Fractional CO2 laser but at a lower level with less down-time and for patients who do not want to try fractional CO2 laser, it is often a good substitute. I hope it helps and good luck!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest seeing a cosmetic dermatologist to get you on a long term plan with lasers, microneedling/prp, Viva, Cosmelan, J Plasma, peels, scupltra, fillers, facials and skin care. Best, Dr. Emer.

Tanya T. Khan, MD · Answer

hi, you seem to have a good baseline skincare regimen. I would consider using a filler like Belotero or Volbella to help fill in the finer lines around the mouth. As you suggested, a laser might be something to consider in the future as well.

Patricia Faraz, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and pictures.Microneedling + PRP will help with the texture of your skin along with using retinols at home daily to help keep those cells stimulated and the skin exfoliated.Best to you,

What to do about crepiness/texture, mostly around mouth and cheeks? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Mouth lines

Answer: Mouth lines

Answer: Microneedling + PRP To Improve Texture

Answer: Microneedling + PRP To Improve Texture

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Skin Rejuvenation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

What to do about crepiness/texture, mostly around mouth and cheeks? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Mouth lines

Answer: Mouth lines

Answer: Microneedling + PRP To Improve Texture

Answer: Microneedling + PRP To Improve Texture

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Skin Rejuvenation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.