Dr. James Barber - Cosmetic Surgery Blog

The skin is the largest organ of your body. It has three layers, the dermis (Latin for skin) is the living skin layer, and the epidermis is the outer skin layer and is composed of dead skin cells. The subcutaneous layer is the deepest layer and is where the larger blood vessels and glands reside.

The dermis is continuously regenerating itself, passing older skin cells from the interior to the exterior of the body. The epidermis is the final stage of skin growth and is continually being sloughed off. Through this process the skin is constantly renewing itself.

As we age, the epidermal layer of skin appears less supple and dryer, and often shows more age spots and blemishes. With the use of a specialized laser, the physician can stimulate new cell growth by ablating the epidermis and causing minor trauma in the dermal layer. Much like sunburn, this traumatized layer is more quickly replaced by newer, fresher looking skin from underneath. Laser skin resurfacing can make you look years younger, reducing wrinkles and sun damage.

Laser skin resurfacing is not for everyone, and in consulting with Dr. Barber you should consider your other options, such as microdermabrasion and Obagi Blue Peels.