Peeling of the facial skin

After healing of the superficial burn injuries facial skin looks tighter in some individuals. From this observation different methods introduced to peel (damage superficially) the
skin.

Mechanical peeling with abrasive tools (dermabrasion): Outer layer of facial skin is shaved superficially. Mechanical tools like abrader, sandpaper, steel brush can be used for this purpose. The wounded skin looks better after healing. This procedure is painful and needs operating room. There is a downtime up to two weeks and sun protection is necessary for some weeks after healing. It is useful for fine wrinkles and spots but will not treat skin sag.

Peeling with chemical material (chemical peeling): Different chemicals were used for peeling purposes. Peeling by the mixture of phenol and croton oil is called “phenol peeling”. Peeling by trichlor acetic acid is called “TCA peeling”. These chemicals burn the skin and after wound healing (7 to 10 days) new skin looks tightened and smoother. Chemical peeling can be done in outpatient facilities. It is less costly then the dermabrasion but there is a downtime during healing. Less corrosive chemicals like alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) peels the skin without causing visible wound but their effectiveness is less than the others.

Peeling by laser light: Lasers are named differently by the length of the light. They produce excess heat on the skin surface and vaporize the tissues. Peeling with these devices is called “laser peeling”. Laser peeling provides better control of the depth of the skin wound but it is painful and healing process looks like the other invasive peelings.

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