Skin Care and the Aging Face

Serving Chattanooga, Tennessee

ver the course of the last decades, public understanding of the effects of sun exposure on our skin has steadily risen. This realization has produced a surge in patients seeking guidance from a variety of medical specialties regarding the treatment and prevention of not only skin cancer but also premature aging of the skin.

Of all the preventive means available to improve skin quality, by far, the most effective is protection from ultraviolet light. The effects of sun exposure may not manifest for years so this protection must begin in childhood. It is well recognized in the medical community that the common basal and squamous cell skin cancer, as well as the less common, but deadly, melanoma are all directly related to ultraviolet light exposure. How do we improve our chance of avoiding these problems? Be smart. Avoid sunburns. You know when it's happening. Wear protective clothing and a hat if you must be directly exposed to the sun during peak sunburn hours. These are between 10 AM and 2 PM . Protect the tender skin of your children. The lighter skinned you are, the more likely you are to be injured by solar exposure. Sun blocks, though helpful, are no guarantee of protection regardless of their SPF factor. Remember that the "tan" you enjoy today will be back to haunt you later in your life. ---I don't suppose I need to mention the risks of tanning booths.

Public education campaigns have led to the early detection and treatment of not only the common basal cell and squamous cell cancers, but also the less common but potentially life-threatening melanoma. Be on guard for lesions which have increased in size, changed in pigmentation quality, or have become ulcerated. These types of lesions should be examined by your physician to determine if the lesion should be removed and examined under a microscope.

The great majority of skin cancers have a relatively straightforward treatment. Many can be managed by the application of topical ointments such as "Efudex". This treatment allows for removal of only the unhealthy skin while permitting the uninjured skin to go untreated. It has the added advantage of "at home" application. Plastic surgeons can carry out very precise removal of skin cancers with the use of the "frozen section". This technique combines the disciplines of surgery and pathology, at the time of skin cancer excision, to assure complete removal of the cancer while preserving as much normal tissue as possible.

There has been a virtual explosion in the science of skin care in recent years. Management of aging and sun damaged skin extends from the mildest creams to carbon dioxide laser resurfacing. Some of the products that are the most familiar include alpha-hydroxy acids, antioxidants (topical formulation of vitamins A, E, and C), and Tretinoin or retinoic acid. These all work in various ways to restore a more youthful appearance to photo-aged skin. They are frequently used in combination with Hydroquinone products, which correct and prevent inappropriate pigmentation caused by ultraviolet light exposure.

As mentioned above, resurfacing of the skin is now available and frequently performed. This treatment is offered in degrees with microdermabrasion being the least invasive and laser treatment as the gold standard.

In sum, be mindful of how you treat your skin. Protect yourself from unnecessary sun exposure, bring skin changes to the attention of your physician, and engage in a skin care program that suits your skin type and life-style.

The Plastic Surgery Group, P.C., in Chattanooga, Tennessee offers the latest skin care and plastic surgery procedures. For more information, visit our plastic surgery procedures page or call our plastic surgery staff at (423) 756-7134 or (800) 634-3334. You can also e-mail us your questions and we will be in touch with you shortly.