Procedures to Minimize Damage:Dermabrasion and Chemical Peels
When you see a sander in action or pass a carwash where polish is brusquely applied to improve the finish of a cleaned vehicle, the glow and smoothness of a product (sanded item or buffed car) is attractive. Whatever the shape, size, or color, its detractors stand out less and its beauty gleams more evidently. This is what happens when you ‘polish’ the skin with an extensive procedure to remove damage: assets are apparent, and imperfections recede from view.
Though the analogy seems crude as we humans and our complex layers and systems require unique care, dermabrasion and chemical peels provide just that kind of help – they allow us to maximize assets, taking advantage of chemicals, machines, and tools to improve the appearance of what we have.
Dermabrasion is a process which involves freezing skin and then using a special instrument to plane (‘sand’) it. Though it’s considered a type of surgery and requires a dermatologic surgeon, this process can be done as an outpatient procedure. When a patient arrives, the caregiver provides medication to offer relaxation, uses an antiseptic cleanser on the patient’s skin, and then sprays on the chemical to ‘freeze’ the treatment site. The procedure aids in skin’s contour: a new layer of skin is visible once the top layer has been treated. This does, however, require several days (commonly seven to ten) of healing. Results include diminished signs of wear and tear, from a reduction in visible ‘liver spots’ and wrinkles to tattoo scars and more. This improvement isn’t without a hitch, though; for example, one must avoid sun exposure for several months or risk skin pigment darkening (an uncommon but real complication some face), and one must avoid most over-the-counter pain relievers, smoking, and alcohol for days following surgery. To avoid rare side effects of scarring or infection, careful attention to the ‘aftercare’ instructions from one’s doctor is particularly important.
Chemical peels are not all alike, but each works toward to the same thing – removing damage on the out layer of one’s skin. Three main types of peels are described by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons: alphahydroxy acid (AHA) peels (least abrasive), trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels (for medium peels), and phenol peels (most aggressive). While an AHA peel has more subtle effects on diminishing the appearance of fine lines, its gentleness means it may be suitable for use when patients can’t take time to recuperate – and it may be recruited for a multi-part treatment (for example, multiple sessions over time or a single treatment used in conjunction with AHA cleansers or moisturizers). Going to the next level, TCA peels vary in strength but are often used when a stronger result is desired than AHAs will provide. They do not, however, provide the same benefits or require the healing time of a phenol peel. Phenol peels may actually provide a ‘deep’ peel – improving coarse wrinkles, removing pre-cancerous skin, and minimizing cases where skin has gotten blotchy from uneven sun exposure. Typically, phenols are used only on the face; there are greater risks of scarring if it is applied on the neck or elsewhere. With this powerful peel comes more risks; such a strong treatment may negate your skin’s ability to tan (and necessitate more sun protection) and may pose a special risk for those with heart disease. Just as risks grow with the strength of the peel type, so do periods for healing and seeing results: AHAs have more subtle effects, whereas phenols may offer substantial visual changes and may enhance the appearance for a longer term.
Chemical peels take advantage of science, and the serious results (though some are less long-term than others) require serious attention to care.
