|
To smooth, improve color and tighten
CHEMICAL PEELING
To treat the signs of aging
DERMABRASION
|
|
Experience results . . .
Chemical Peeling, Dermabrasion
and Laser RejuvenationThese three
methods can be used alone or in combination to correct sun damage,
aging changes, wrinkles, and scars. Dr. Sterling has extensive
experience using all three modalities and will discuss with you
during your private consultation which methods will benefit you the most.
CHEMICAL
PEELING
Chemical peeling is a technique used to improve the appearance of
the skin. A chemical solution is applied to the skin which causes it
to separate, peel off, and allows new skin to regenerate. The new
skin is smoother, less wrinkled than the old skin, and more even in
color. Millions of chemical peels are performed each year. Dr.
Sterling uses various peeling agents and is an expert in performing
all types of chemical peeling. All peels are performed in the office
with local numbing medicine. |
|
What
can a chemical peel do?
Chemical peeling is used to treat fine lines, especially under
the eyes and around the mouth.
Wrinkles caused by sun damage, aging, and hereditary factors can
be reduced or even eliminated with this procedure. However,
sags, bulges, and more severe wrinkles do not respond to peeling
and may require other kinds of cosmetic procedures. Dr. Sterling
can help determine the most appropriate type of treatment for
each individual patient.
Pigmentation of the skin in the form of sun spots, age spots,
liver spots, freckles, and blotchiness due to taking birth
control pills can also be improved with chemical peeling. Areas
of undamaged skin and scaling patches may improve after chemical
peeling as well. Sunscreens and sun blocks must be used in
conjunction with chemical peels in order to decrease the chance
of the reappearance of lesions.
All pictures are unmodified photographs of actual patients of Dr.
Sterling’s, reprinted with their written permission.
Individual patient results may vary.
How is a chemical peel performed?
All chemical peels are
performed in the office with local numbing medicine. The skin is
thoroughly cleansed with an agent that removes excess oils. The eyes
and hair are totally protected. One or more chemical solutions such
as trichloroacetic acid or carbolic acid (phenol) are used. Dr.
Sterling will suggest the proper peeling agent based upon the type
of skin damage present and desired results.
During a chemical peel, Dr. Sterling applies the solution to various
areas of the skin. These applications produce separation and
eventually peel off layers of skin, enabling rejuvenized skin to
appear. During the procedure, most patients experience a warm to hot
sensation that may last about five to ten minutes.
What should be expected
after treatment?
Superficial peeling usually involves redness,
followed by scaling that lasts three to five days. Medium-depth and
deep peeling can sometimes result in swelling and blisters that may
break, crust, turn brown, and peel off over a period of 7 to 14 days
or longer.
It is important to avoid overexposure to the sun
immediately after a chemical peel since the new skin is temporarily
more susceptible to injury. Dr. Sterling will prescribe appropriate
follow-up care to help the skin heal.
|
|
What are the possible complications?
In certain skin types, there is a risk of developing a temporary
or permanent color change. Birth control pills, pregnancy or a family history of brownish discoloration on the face may
increase the possibility of developing abnormal pigmentation.
Persistent redness may also occur and can lasts for months. |
 |
|
Although very low, there is a risk of scarring after chemical peels. If scarring does occur, it can usually be
treated with good results. There is a small incidence of the reactivation of cold sores or herpes simplex
infection in patients with a history of fever blisters. Prior to a chemical peel, it is
important for patients to inform Dr. Sterling of any prior history of keloids, unusual scarring tendencies,
extensive X-rays or radiation to the face, or recurring cold sores, for proper precautions to be taken.
Patients can decrease the likelihood of side effects by carefully following the instructions
given by Dr. Sterling.
DERMABRASION
Dermabrasion, or skin planing, is a surgical procedure in which
Dr. Sterling removes or “sands” the skin with a diamond-studed
rotary abrasive instrument to improve its contour. Dermabrasion
should not be confused with “micro-dermabrasion”, which is a
superficial technique for minor skin problems. Dermabrasion
causes a skin wound, much like an accidental abrasion, which
requires several days to a week or more to heal. The healed skin
generally has a smoother appearance.
When is dermabrasion indicated?
When dermabrasion was first developed, it was used predominantly
to improve scars resulting from acne, chicken pox, and accidents. Today, it also is used to treat chronic sun damage,
wrinkling, precancerous skin degeneration, age spots, and other diseases.
LASER REJUVENATION
The use of lasers in dermatology has advanced rapidly over
the years. Dr. Sterling uses two precision lasers (the KTP and
Nd:Yag lasers) to remove the most common signs of age and sun
damage from red and brown discoloration to lax skin and
wrinkles.
How do lasers work to rejuvenate the skin?
Lasers rejuvenation works by precisely
targeting the three major signs of aging:
Brown discolorations, also known as pigmented lesions (age spots, sun spots, etc.),
are darker than the rest of the skin and absorb more laser energy than surrounding skin.
Red discolorations, also known as vascular lesions (small veins, rosacea, cherry
angiomas, etc.), are overgrown or enlarged blood vessels.
Preferentially heating vessel walls causes them to weaken and be
absorbed by the body.
Wrinkles and skin laxity are caused by a gradual breakdown in collagen density and
strength. Deep heating laser energy starts a regenerative
process which lays down new healthy collagen.
Fees for
Chemical Peel, Dermabrasion and Laser Rejuvenation
The fee ranges from $1,100 to $2,000
depending on the severity of sun damage, wrinkles and the
patient's individual skin characteristics.
|
|
Fax: (732) 449-5110
