Question: Are there any less invasive techniques than skin grafting to remove severe burn scars?

Answer: It really depends on the appearance of the actual scars for what treatment modality would be best, and there are certainly less invasive techniques than skin grafting to treat burn scars. If there are just some irregularities to the texture of the skin due to the burn, this can frequently be improved with a treatment with the ProFractional Laser, which is a fractionated Erbium laser, which essentially vaporizes small, thin tunnels in the skin, which then cause new collagen deposition and remodeling of the actual skin thus improving the appearance of the scarring; however, if the scarring is quite severe, this may not be your best option and if it is an enlarged area, I would actually recommend seeing a burn specialist.

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Question: I really do not want to get a facelift yet. I am only 46 years old, but I do have some areas of concern on my face, and I would like some nonsurgical alternatives to repair them. For example, my skin has lost some of its elasticity and there is some sagging at my lower cheeks. Are there injectables that can be used as temporary stopgap measures?

Answer: Fillers can certainly be used to volumetrically enhance the face, which means adding volume can plump up the face and make the face look more youthful. Fillers can also be used to specifically fill wrinkles and depressions to add a more youthful appearance to the face as well. If you are looking at trying to improve laxity of the face in a nonsurgical way then you may want to consider Ultherapy, which is an ultrasound-based device that uses microfocused ultrasound to create new collagen deposition deep in the tissue of the face, which causes tightening and lifting. It is the only nonsurgical device ever to be given on lift indication by the FDA, and it is very consistent in the manner in which it delivers this energy. To treat the overlying skin, you may want to consider an in office ProFractional Laser treatment, microdermabrasions, and good physician-strength skin care.

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