Peeling of the Face
Some
of the properties of the skin are by ageing or other external or intrinsic
influences like sun exposure, smoking or undesireable pollutive factors
lost. These are contributing to the signs of fine-wrinkled leathery skin
and these wrinkles can never be eliminated by a face lift.
Wrinkles, pigmentations, freckles, acne prone skin or post acne scarring
are conditions suitable for skin-resurfacing treatment, either chemically
or mechanically. A chemical peel is done to remove the top layers of facial
skin. It reduces fine wrinkles and evens out the skin tones, leaving younger
looking skin. A peel can be done on the entire face or just specific areas.
It does not replace a facelift as it won’t eliminate sagging skin, but many
patients benefit from a combination. Usually three different agents in different
concentrations and mixtures are used for this purpose: Phenol, Trichloro-acetic-acid
or Alpha-hydroxy-acids.
Phenol-peeling: Phenol has a deep penetration and is the most powerful agent.
Therefore some disadvantages as depigmentation, pain and hypersensibility
to sun-exposure are common.
Trichloro-acetic-acid ( TCA ): TCA does only have a relatively superfical
effect but with a pre-peeltreatment with Retin-A and hydrochinone, a sufficiently
deep effect is achieved.
Alpha-hydroxy-acids ( AHA ): The AHA-s are since ancient ages in use and
have recently gained a renaissance. The active agent is a component in commercially
available differnt brands, mostly handed out by cosmeticans, who also usually
make superficial peelings, whereas deeper peels should be made by physicians.
The AHA´s gives the skin a "polish" but never removes scars or even wrinkles.
This procedure takes between 15 minutes and 1 hour depending on how much
is being peeled. A general anesthetic will be used if the full face is being
done. Patients can expect swelling, and crusting for 1-2 weeks. There is
usually almost no discomfort. If the full face is done you can expect to
be off work for two weeks. Usually you can begin driving in one week and
exercise in two to three weeks.
In dermabrasion, the superficial layers of the skin are planned out with
an abrading device, leaving a wound permitting scarless healing. This procedure
needs some kind of anaesthetic.
