Chemical Peel Questions and Answers

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Question:

what procedures can be done for dark circles under the eyes?

Answer:

Dark circles can be improved by chemical peel and by some eyelid surgery procedures if done in a special way, or a combination of both. David M. Metzner, MD

Question:

I have psoriasis. Would this present a problem if I desire to have laser, chemical peel or the new "n" light procedure?

Answer:

The only situation I can think of it being a problem is if your psoriasis were in the same area as the area you wanted treated. If so, then the redness of the skin might pull in more energy from the "N-Lite" or other laser and cause an unusual reaction. Similarly, if no psoriasis were there but you wound up with a side effect that caused a skin burn or scabbing of the skin, it is possible that the psoriasis could "spread" into the area that it didn't currently occupy, since psoriasis tends to show up in areas of skin damage. Both of these scenarios are rather unlikely with care and caution, unless you have psoriasis of the face. You should discuss these possibilities with the laser practitioner of your choice. Make sure your doctor is a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, the premier laser surgeon organization (www.aslms.org).

Amy Taub, M.D.
Lincolnshire, IL

Question:

can you lighten the inner thigh/leg, which is referred to as SCRUB?

Answer:

Dear Debbie, You are referring to darker skin in the upper, inner thighs which occurs in some people. This is actually a form of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (long word meaning darkening of skin after prolonged irritation). I would suggest that the cause of the irritation be addressed first. The thighs must stop rubbing or the condition will return. The darker skin color is best bleached with a 4% hyroquinone bleaching cream or treated with a laser that reduces pigmentation. Scribbing the area or using chemical peels usually is not at all helpful since more pigment is made by the irritation.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

I have very, very dark under eye circles. I do not have any under eye bags, quite the oposite, mine are concave with a facial line that boarders and accentuates them below. Since I was small people think I am tired, mad or got hit in the eyes. (I am 41 now) I would like to have this corrected if possible. I have looked into laser, but was given a 50/50 chance of it helping. Any other procedure out there that might help?

Answer:

I wish I had a simple answer for your dilemma. I have tried laser, chemical peels and skin bleaching creams without success. My best advice is to use appropriate make-up. You may try Physician's Formula's concealer stick (especially yellow). Good luck.

Question:

My questions regards bad achne scars. I have had bad achne problems through out my teenage years and now it has somewhat scared my back with dark pigments that's obvious when i take off my shirts. Its very embarassing around friends and I would like to know if there are any treatment of resolving it. Lazer treatment ?? Its an embarrassing fact and i can't seem to find someone to ask these personal problems. Where should i start looking and who can help me? Thank you much for your time...

Answer:

There are a few potential treatments: microdermabrasion, mild chemical peels, and laser treatments. I would start by seeing a dermatologist who is affiliated with the American Society of Dermatological Surgery by going to www.asds-net.org and seeing if you can locate someone in your area by clicking on where it says "find a dermatologic surgeon". These are dermatologists who are more oriented towards cosmetic problems and hopefully can find a solution for you. Good Luck!

Amy Taub, M.D.
Lincolnshire, IL

Question:

Are there any procedures such as tattoing, etc. for the lightening of skin? What was Michael Jacksons procedure for the lightening of his skin?

Answer:

You can lighten the skin with various bleaching agents, the most utilized was hydroquinone in a 4% formulation (need a prescription) or over the counter in a 2% formulation. Much higher percentages can be utilized for more permanent results and there is speculation that this is what Michael Jackson used but I have no confirmed information about his treatments. Kojic acid is another chemical that may help lighten the skin. Other treatments would include laser treatments or chemical peels. There are tattoo artists skilled in hiding scars with flesh colored tattoos, but I am not sure how this would work if a large surface area were involved.

Amy Taub, M.D.
Lincolnshire, IL

Question:

I am an african-american female in my 30s. I have noticed that there are many african-americans in show business who have much lighter skin tone than they did a few years ago. (Michael Jackson being the most noteable.) How is this skin lightening achieved with such dramatic results? Thank you for your time. It is greatly appreciated.

Answer:

Dear Jae, It is usually achieved through the continued use of bleaching agents containing 4% or more hydroquinone. Usually for the facial areas, repeated chemical peels are used at a deep level which result in reduction of pigment.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

Hi. I'm a 30 year old African-American woman who has been battling acne and espcially hyperpigmentation associated with acne scarring since I was a teenager. I've been to dermatologists and aestheticians and received accutane, antibiotics and a couple of years worth of chemical peels and micro-dermabrasion with little results. I'm interested in getting rid of this problem once and for all! My question: Is a laser procedure a safe and viable option for Black skin with my condition and how much does such a treatment run? My complexion is medium-brown and I was told a couple of years ago that lasers were not recommended for my skin tone, so I'm wondering if the technology has improved since then. If not, what other options do I have?

Answer:

Dear Rae, Lasers procedures work very well on your skin color and I perform many. In my opinion, it is the best means of evening out your pigmentary problems as well as improving the scarring. The trouble is that not very many physicians have experience with non-white skin in laser resurfacing. I have presented my techniques at many national and international meetings and am currently publishing a paper on the matter. There is no question in my mind that you can be greatly improved with a laser resurfacing procedure.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

a dermatologist proscribed me a creme called Dernovat for my acne. after use of this creme I have 2 dark spots on my sheeks ever since(almost 10 years now) how can I get ride of them?

Answer:

I am not familiar with the cream you name. Assuming that you had a reaction to them and developed some type of hyperpigmentation, I would attempt to use a hydroquinone containing cream (preferably a 4% hydroquinone prescription cream such as Lustra) or an OTC version (such as Bleaching cream or gel on the skinfo.com website) as well as a retinol containing cream (again such as Afirm on the skinfo.com website) and even consider some mild chemical peels or microdermabrasion. Even though they have been there for a long time, interventions such as these may help. If these do not help, find an experienced laser surgeon who may be able to help you by going to www.aslms.org and searching for a practitioner in your area.

Amy Taub, M.D.
Lincolnshire, IL

Question:

I have pitted scars from plucking ingrown hairs on my chin area, not knowing that plucking was making them worse. I have been having laser treatments for the ingrown hairs which has made a big difference and has helped me alot. Although I am still left with these small (not red) scars that are not deep, but bothersome to me and have heard alot of bad things about chemical peels which I do not think I want to have done. I have looked into laser treatment for resurfacing and was wondering if that is the way I should go, although these scars only on the chin area are not deep nor are they red, so I am stuck as far as where to turn, where to go, as the laser place has suggested the peels giving me all the side affects. I am ivory skin colored with dark hair, facial hair all over, which most is blode and not bothersome, aside from the dark ones that started appearing on the chin area, had hormones tested and that was not the case, was told that this was and is hereditary. Can you please give me some guideline as to where to start, if laser resurfacing would be the best route to go, so forth?

Answer:

Laser resurfacing is a really intensive treatment which I would use only as a last resort. Chemical peels vary by the strength and the chemicals that are used. Mild chemical peels- salicycilic acid 20-30% (Beta-LIft Peel) or glycolic peels 30-40% virtually have no risks and in a series may help you. Another option would be microdermabrasion, which I favor as a treatment for this type of problem, but you will also need multiple treatments, at least 5-6. Finally, you could try to find someone who has a Cool Touch II Laser. These are known to improve acne scars without much risk. Go to the web site www.aslms.org to find a laser practitioner in your area.

Amy Taub, M.D.
Lincolnshire, IL

Question:

I'm 25 femle.I want to be fair[in skin].I want to reduce malenin in my body,by any chemical process,to get more fairer.I've tried out heomopathic medicines and succeeded to a little extent.Is this possible.how much will this cost?

Answer:

Dear Kiran, This process is not suggested but the amount of melanin can be reduced by repeated deep chemical peels. For smaller area, bleaching creams using 4% hydroquinone and strong sunscreens can reduce the darkness of the skin.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

I am 18 years old and have dealt with mild acne since i was 13. My skin has scarring and i would like to know if a chemical peel would be recommeded. I have little to no acne now, and would like to rid my face of the red scar patches. Is a peel worth it?

Answer:

You call them red scar patches. Does this mean they are mainly red, or red and indented. The redness makes me think you may be a candidate for a procedure called photorejuvenation, a new treatment for rosacea and sun damage. If there is red in the scar this procedure will help to remove it, plus stimulate the skin underneath to grow new collagen. Find a practitioner in your area or more about this at www.aslms.org or photorejuvenation.com or at esc-med.com. Microdermabrasion can help smooth out superficial scars (indents) but needs to be performed multiple times. Similarly, mild chemical peels would need to be done in a series. Neither peels nor microdermabrasion will help with redness.

Amy Taub, M.D.
Lincolnshire, IL

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