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| The process of aging inevitably carries with it the unwelcome development of facial blemishes, age spots and blotches, pigment irregularities, fine wrinkles and eventually deep wrinkles, folds, sags and bags. Frightening thought, but not things we necessarily have to live with in their natural or unaltered forms. Chronic sun exposure, genetics, smoking, alcohol and perhaps many other unknown factors can accelerate or enhance these cutaneous stigmas such that one person may look considerably older than another person the same age. This is the playing field. There are things we can do by ourselves to level the playing field or at least make it appear more level, such as stop smoking, reduce alcohol intake, avoid sun exposure and use sun screens, get adequate rest and nutrition, perhaps vitamin or herbal supplements (that’s not our area of expertise), and visit our office for a personalized consulations. Unfortunately, to date, there is nothing we can do to alter the genetic program – maybe someday but not soon. Chemical peels are topically applied liquid chemical agents which denature the protein in the outer layers of skin and cause them, a few days to a week later, to slough or peel off. The initial five minute application process is moderately uncomfortable, made less so by oral medication if desired, but there is no pain afterwards. There is some “downtime” (by appearance criteria only) until the peeling skin has fallen off (not unlike the aftermath of a moderate sunburn). The peeling process takes with it some of the blemishes and spots and fine wrinkles and stimulates collagen formation. The end result is a smoother, softer, and more youthful skin. Some patients choose to have a repeat (maybe lighter) peel once or twice a year, or not. Most will use some type of exfoliating skin care products (we strongly prefer the Obagi line which we have available in our office) to maintain or enhance the improvements. The complication rate of chemical peels is very minimal as long as the concentration of the peeling agents are kept in the light or medium range and the surgeon has a conservative touch and a wealth of experience. Where the potential trouble lies is in that some surgeons try to accomplish too much at one time, either with stronger or a mixture of peeling agents or deeper applications or a lack of attention to detail. We would much rather do two medium chemical peels six months apart than try to do it all once with a deep chemical peel which can take all the pigment out of the skin or possibly result in unacceptable scarring. Microdermabrasion (“Power Peel”) is a more conservative process than chemical peel. It involves a painless mini-sand-blasting of the skin of the face. It removes less of the outer layers of skin than does chemical peel but there is no downtime. Patients can go back to work immediately afterwards. The method involves a machine that delivers a steady stream of microcrystals under controlled pressure to the skin (usually of the face, but hands and chest are other possibilities) through a handpiece guided by a trained technician. The process takes about 20-30 minutes and does not require any anesthesia. Usually these are done in a series of 4-6 peels at one or two a week intervals but some people use them on an as-needed basis to look their best for an upcoming occasion. A series of 5-6 power peels are about the same price as a light-medium chemical peel. Lasers have gotten to be an entire field of their own – with so many types of lasers, so many variations in power and technique. It has become very confusing to patient and doctor alike. Having many many lasers in an office is absolutely cost prohibitive and having too few is very limiting in terms of tailoring the laser type to your particular skin type or pathology. Also the recovery from laser resurfacing can be alarmingly prolonged and severe. Admittedly some of the best results in treating aging skin have come from laser resurfacing; but some of the most devastating complications have as well. back to top go back to procedures home page? |
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