Laser / Peeling

Peeling, skin laser or dermabrasion are therapeutic methods which aim to remove the top layer of damaged skin in order to eliminate very fine wrinkles, small sunspots, pigmentation, small grains or angiomas, giving a smoother and more rejuvenated appearance.

They have been used for over 10 years with good results.

Peeling

It is done with chemicals applied to the skin such as glycolic acid and trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Depending on the depth of the wrinkle one substance or another is employed. Several sessions are required and the final results can take up to 6 months. Phenol is used for deeper wrinkles.

TCA is used in minor or moderate wrinkles and may need more than one dose for an effective outcome.

The duration of treatment is 10-15 minutes. TCA achieves better results in darker skin types. Always use sunscreen for several months after treatment.

Phenol is applied deeper and its results are also more apparent. It is not recommended for dark skin types. Do not use in patients with heart disease.

No anesthesia is usually used in chemical peeling. You can then add some lightening cream for a few weeks.

Application is painless although may give some itching.

The face may swell slightly for a few days.

Sun protection is required.

Medical peels with glycolic, kojic, ascorbic acid or retinoico acid stimulate the p53 protein, which is responsible for an increase in defences against skin cancer, due to its immune function on the changes that occur in the skin following exposure to ultraviolet radiation sun or tanning booth.

Ultraviolet radiation

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation, known as UVA, causes some skin cancers result from mutations in the epidermal cells. The p53 protein acts as a natural protective and vigilant immune factor destroying cancer cells. However, prolongad sun exposure can disable this protein mutation, increasing the likelihood of developing many types of carcinomas in little time.

Studies conducted in recent years by the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV), have found that salicylic acid peel, glycolic or pyruvic not only provide a better aesthetic appearance of the skin, but also works by stimulating the p53 protein, thereby increasing the body's natural defenses. This has been demonstrated in experiments with mice exposed to sunlight under mild chemical peels that prevented the development of cancer, while the untreated specimens developed it in 100% of cases.

Some scientists have concluded that systematic peeling treatments constitute a potential prevention for the development of skin cancer.

Dermabrasion

It is perfomed mechanically with a motor and a microadiamanted device. Results are similar to laser.

Laser

Laser is a precision instrument and has many applications in medicine. The laser light source is directed toward the skin and produces absorption. This will lead to a tightening effect and secondarily tissue with rejuvenating effect. Likewise small pigmented lesions or skin irregularities can be removed.

There are several laser types:

Some are used in ablative case of scars, in deeper skin layers and is also later retrieval. They require a single session.

Others are non-ablative: less depth and better recovery. Used in fine lines and requires several sessions.

There are different types of commercialised lasers: CO2, Erbium YAG, Ruby Alexandrite, Q-switched, fractional.

Erbium and YAG provide more freshness. CO2 is softer and better for wrinkles.

For stains Alexandrite is better.

Treatment is tailored to the type of lesion.

All these procedures can be used together with other surgeries

Complications

In all these of treatments complications may occur:

Infection. It is rare but bacterial or viral infections may occur. If you have a history of herpes simplex virus infections around the mouth, it is possible that an infection can recur after a chemical peel, dermabrasion or laser skin treatments. Specific medications should be prescribed before peeling, dermabrasion of skin treatments or laser, with intent to prevent HIV infection. If there is any type of skin infection you may need further treatment, including antibiotics.

Healing. Although we expect a good recovery after the procedure, abnormal scars may occur both in the skin and deep tissues. In rare cases, keloid scars may result. Scars may be unattractive and of a different color than the surrounding skin. Additional treatments may be needed to treat scarring.

Colour change. Chemical peeling agents, dermabrasion or laser skin treatments can permanently lighten the natural colour of the skin. There is the possibility of irregular colour variations in the skin, with areas that may be lighter or darker. Cases of permanent darkening of the skin after chemical peels have been documented, skin treatment laser or dermabrasion, most often associated with inadequate sunscreen prophylaxis postoperatively. There may be a line of demarcation between normal skin and skin treated with peeling, laser or dermabrasion. Redness after a peel may persist for an unacceptably long period.

Poor outcomes. There is a possibility of poor outcomes with these procedures. Chemical peels, dermabrasion and the laser skin treatment can lead to unacceptable visible deformities, skin crusting, loss of function, and permanent changes in skin color. You may be unsatisfied with the final results of chemical peel or other skin treatments.

Recurrence of skin lesions. Skin lesions may reappear in some situations after a chemical peel, dermabrasion or laser skin treatment. It may need additional treatment or secondary surgery.

Allergic reactions. In rare cases, allergic reactions have been reported to medications and agents used in chemical peels, dermabrasion or laser skin treatments. In rare cases there have been local allergies to tape, preservatives used in cosmetics or topical preparations. Systemic reactions which are more serious may occur in response to drugs used during the procedure and prescription. Allergic reactions may require additional treatment.

Sunburn. Certain types of chemical peeling agents can permanently predispose the skin to sun burns. The skin after a chemical peel may lose the normal ability to tan when exposed to sunlight.

No permanent results. Chemical peels and other skin treatments cannot completely improve or prevent future skin wrinkles. No technique can reverse the signs of skin aging. Additional surgical procedures may be necessary to stretch further sagging skin. It may be necessary for you to continue with a maintenance program after a chemical peel procedure.

Delayed healing. Healing may take a longer time than anticipated after a peel or other skin treatment. Healing of the skin may result in thin skin which easily damageable, which is different from the normal redness of the skin after a chemical peel, dermabrasion or laser skin treatment.

Heart problems. It has been reported that some chemical peeling agents can cause abnormal heart rhythms that may require medical treatment if they occur during the procedure. This is a potentially serious problem. Dermabrasion or laser skin treatment do not employ potentially toxic medications for the heart.

Unknown risks. The possibility exists that are additional risk factors in chemical peels, dermabrasion and laser skin treatment.