I recently had a clinical facial at Dr. Winslow's practice. She has a range of aesthetic services in addition to facial plastic surgery that are available regardless if you had surgery with her or not. She also offers a great line of skin care products. So, let me tell you about my experience.
I broke out some time ago with a horrible case of acne across my lower face. Just horrible! It would not go away. Long story short, it seems that it was caused by the prescription testosterone that I had been on for a year or so from my ObGyn.
So Jen the aesthetician at WFPS performed a clinical facial to clear up my skin. This is different from a pampering facial because I have a dermatological issue that needs correction. This requires a medical grade facial that you would get from a dermatology practice or facial plastic surgery practice or medical spa. First, of course, I discontinued the testosterone. The excessive production of sebum, which causes acne, is linked to hormonal changes, which is why acne is common in teenagers and women before their periods or who are on hormone therapy. The sebum also causes bacterial overgrowth on the skin.
At WFPS, Jen did a thorough consultation with me. We discussed my problem in depth, what I had done to address it to date, and then her recommendation for treatment. I will do my best to describe the acne facial that she performed:
I laid back on a comfy table that was blanketed in soft cloths -- making it so comfortable that I eventually wanted just to take a nap after my treatment. Jen began by softening my skin with steam and a deep cleansing.
Next, Jen did a dermaplane treatment. Dermaplane is a non-invasive, manual method of facial skin exfoliation using a sterile blade. This removes the buildup of dead skin cells that can lead to excess oil, clogged pores, and acne. Jen said there was a lot of "gunk" (my word not her's) in the deep layers of my skin. Thanks a lot testosterone! BTW this is a gentle treatment and it feels good, so don't be freaked out because a blade is used (its just a scalpel).
As we age, the natural regeneration process of new cell growth and sloughing off of dead skin cells slows, which can leave skin looking dull, rough, and dry. Dermaplane treatments exfoliate the epidermis, therefore encouraging the dermis to produce new collagen. As a bonus, it also removes the fine vellus hairs, or peach fuzz, from the face resulting in smooth, fresh-feeling skin. I think outside of doing procedures that have down time, such as a chemical peel or certain lasers, that the dergmaplane provides the clearest complexion possible.
Dermaplane is not a permanent procedure but it can last for a good amount of time. I read a description on the internet that claims, "Because this procedure removes up to 3 weeks of dead skin cells that have accumulated, a dermaplane facial will effectively last for up to a month before another procedure may be required. With good at-home maintenance of the skin, however, this time can be prolonged for up to 6 months as long as the dead skin cells are not allowed to accumulate. Many tend to return with the hair returns and dirt and oil begins to collect once again, which is typically 1 to 2 months." That did not come from WFPS so don't take it as the gospel truth, but rather indicative of what might be the expected result.
Moving on... next Jen did acne extraction. I had lots of tiny pimples and even one blackhead -- my first ever! When you pop a pimple yourself, you actually push the infected material deeper into the skin which can lead to worse inflammation and/or scarring. Plus, the chances of you being able to fully remove the blemish without medical tools is near zilch. But the way that an aesthetician does acne extraction will drain the pimple effectively without these risks. Jen used medical grade gloves and sterile instruments. It is, however, a procedure that doesn't tickle. I mean, it is not entirely awful but there was a point when I felt like Jen was putting her thumb into my temple, LOL. Stubborn acne! But I survived and so will you :-)
The extraction immediately got rid of the majority of the acne. Jen said she was unable to get everything, and that is not unusual. Several treatments may be required and just how many you need is going to vary depending on how bad your acne is and what you do between treatments to care for your skin.
Jen also applied a medicated mask to cleanse and purify my skin using salicylic acid. Salicylic acid helps unclog pores to resolve and prevent lesions. She also applied vitamin serums to heal the skin. Possibly Jen also applied topical antibiotics, although I am not certain of this.
I believe the treatment took an hour in addition to the consult. I returned to the office afterwards, but as is common my skin was pigmented where Jen had done the extractions. She offered to let me apply makeup that WFPS has... I am sure it is good stuff but I wanted to keep my skin in this virgin condition and allow it to heal. Jen said that I might have some mild scabbing and to just let that fall off naturally.
Jen suggested that I do another facial in two weeks. I am having that done this coming Friday, and will try to shoot a few pix of the procedure then post them here.
Before I left WFPS, Jen discussed a skin care regimen for me and I was able to buy the products right there, which I found very convenient, and the prices were the same as what I'd pay elsewhere. I will write about the products and regimen tomorrow, as this post is getting long and the hour is growing late. Please stay tuned...
And ladies, as my title says, no matter what facial plastic surgery you have done, skin maintenance is required for best results!
