Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dr. Munique Maia

As you go through the natural aging process, taking care of your skin becomes increasingly important. At Maia Plastic Surgery, we understand your skincare needs and offer a variety of specialized treatments to address them. With our medical-grade skincare products, chemical peels, and advanced laser treatments, you can give your skin the extra TLC it deserves. While the ultimate decision on the best approach for you will be made by our expert, Dr. Munique Maia, here are some general recommendations to consider while you await your appointment:

Talk about your medical-grade skincare recommendations.

Some of my go-to products that we offer at the clinic are from my own skincare line Maia MD skincare, Alastin, and Sente, which are all paraben-free, fragrance-free, dye-free, and cruelty-free. These products have active ingredients that are proven to rejuvenate the skin, created by skincare professionals and dermatologists who have a deep understanding of skin biology, function, and behavior. These products are specifically formulated to address various skin concerns and are designed with optimal pH levels to ensure maximum absorption and effectiveness. I understand that maintaining healthy skin is essential for achieving optimal results from any cosmetic procedure. That’s why I developed the Maia Antioxidant Serum with the most advanced antioxidant technology available to provide superior defense against premature aging and to help you achieve long-lasting, radiant skin.

My favorite sunscreen that I will never leave the house without is Alastin’s Hydratint. It’s lightweight, tinted, and goes well under makeup. It hydrates and protects the skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays while giving a soft, glowing appearance. My go-to moisturizer is Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer by Alastin, specially formulated for sensitive skin. It’s fragrance-free and provides hydration while encouraging the production of elastin and collagen to help improve overall skin health. It helps combat all visible signs of aging, brightening the complexion and lifting the skin for a more youthful glow

What makes medical-grade skincare elite?

Medical-grade skincare products are specifically formulated with higher concentrations of active ingredients that have been clinically tested and proven effective. This means that they can provide more visible and longer-lasting results compared to over-the-counter products.

I often counsel my patients to adopt a regular medical-grade skincare routine that will improve skin’s health, maintain facial rejuvenation results and often, for many, delay their need for surgery.

Which chemical peels do you use most often on patients? How in advance do you need to receive a chemical peel if you are considering another treatment like a laser?

TCA (trichloroacetic acid) and Jessner peel are both types of chemical peels that I recommend to improve the appearance of the skin, but they work in different ways and are suitable for different skin concerns. Jessner’s Peel is what we use most often on patients with mild to moderate skin concerns such as acne, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. A Jessner chemical peel is a light- to medium-depth chemical peel created from a blend of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol which all work together to exfoliate the outer layers of the skin. I recommend waiting at least 2-3 weeks before receiving a laser treatment after getting a Jessner peel.

TCA peel is stronger than a Jessner peel and is used for other skin concerns such as wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and acne scars. TCA peels can penetrate deeper into the skin than Jessner peels and can produce more dramatic results. TCA peels can be customized to different strengths depending on the severity of the skin concern, ranging from light to medium to deep peels. I often pair TCA peels with patients who are receiving facelifts and neck lifts to optimize their facial rejuvenation results. After a TCA peel, it is recommended to wait for at least 4-6 weeks before receiving laser treatment. This waiting period allows the skin to fully heal and recover from the chemical peel.

What laser treatments do you offer in the office?

We offer PicoSure, IPL, Erbium, and CO2 laser. Picosure and IPL lasers are both non-ablative light therapy treatments that target and eliminate discoloration in the skin. Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL), is a non-invasive treatment that uses lightwave technology to target darker pigments in the skin like freckles, birthmarks, age spots, sun damage, and even varicose veins. Picosure also treats the same issues as the IPL, however, Picosure is recommended for darker skin tones.

The CO2 laser is an ablative treatment that uses focused beams of light to target and remove layers of damaged or aging skin. The laser stimulates the body’s natural healing response and promotes collagen production, resulting in smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin. The CO2 laser is one of the most popular treatments in my office. It’s used to address deep wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, acne scars, and other skin imperfections. I often combine this laser with facelifts and my patients are thrilled with their results.

 

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Overall, the CO2 laser is the most effective treatment to target aging skin, acne scars, and sun-damaged skin. Picosure is best for pigmentation issues, and IPL is best for milder skin concerns. The choice of treatment depends on the patient’s specific skin concerns and goals and should be discussed during a consultation in the office so that I can recommend the most appropriate treatment for their needs.

Is the combination of skincare, chemical peels, and lasers a great way to rejuvenate your skin?

Yes, definitely. These procedures work in synergy. Skincare is an important part of any skin rejuvenation plan. A good skincare regimen should include cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection, as well as targeted products to address specific concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, or hyperpigmentation. Medical-grade skincare products that I recommend to my patients can help to improve the health and appearance of the skin and enhance the results of other treatments. I make it easy for my patients to purchase skincare products from our online store. I carefully curated a collection of products with powerful active ingredients that are scientifically proven to work. As a facelift surgeon, I see the transformative impact of medical-grade products on aging skin.

I also recommend chemical peels and laser treatments, which can be customized to address a variety of skin concerns, including fine lines and wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation. When used together, skincare, chemical peels, and lasers can provide comprehensive skin rejuvenation that addresses multiple concerns and produces long-lasting results. I recommend getting a skincare consult so that I can help develop a customized treatment plan that is tailored to the patient’s individual needs and goals. Patients that are consistent with a skincare routine at home and do in-office procedures experience exceptional results and healthier, youthful-looking skin.