How Do Skin Peels Work?

As an Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon, I see many patients searching for the best way to reverse the aging process and erase the damage that has been done to their skin. There are several methods available to accomplish different degrees of correction.

For my patients looking for a non-surgical method, I discuss skin treatments to address their challenging areas. One treatment in particular has proven to provide an overall rejuvenation of the skin; a full line of skin treatments from eyelid creams to medical grade chemical peels.

Then choosing a peel, it is best to discuss your objectives, skin sensitivities, past skin conditions and your daily activities with your clinician in order for them to make an informed recommendation on the proper peel regime for you. Though there are several chemical peels available, I have chosen a multi-tiered package for my patients that allow me to truly customize their treatment and results. The chemical peel package offers three levels of peels for treatment of fine lines and wrinkles in patients. The Level 1 or Illuminize peel is for patients with sensitive skin types or those that have skin that is more at risk for hyperpigmentation. The Level 2 and Level 3 peels (Vitalize and Rejuvenize) are stronger peels that have a longer and deeper effect. All sets of peels have no downtime but patients can expect to have mild skin peeling approximately 48 hours after the peel is administered. During that period, the old skin layer is flaked off to expose the newer skin layer underneath. The contents in the peeling solution are Alcohol, Salicyclic Acid, Resorcinol, Lactic Acid, Panthenol, Isoceteth-20. Additionally retinoic acid is used to pretreat the skin before treatment. This combination is used to increase skin glow and radiance and improve skin color, clarity and texture by increasing cell turnover in the skin. Most patients receive a treatment every 2 months.

All peels work differently. Discuss all your options with your clinical skin advisor before making any decisions and ask to see before and after photographs of their treated patients.

Thank you to Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Chris Thiagarajah, for being our guest blogger today.

Chalazia and Styes: Symptoms and Treatment

The term Chalazion comes from a Greek word meaning a small lump. It refers to a swelling in the eyelid caused by inflammation of one of the small oil producing glands (meibomian glands) located in the upper and lower eyelids.

A chalazion is sometimes confused with a stye, which also appears as a lump in the eyelid. A stye is an infection of a lash follicle that forms a red, sore lump near the edge of the eyelid. A chalazion is an inflammatory reaction to trapped oil secretions. It is not caused by bacteria, although the site can become infected by bacteria.
Chalazia tend to occur farther from the edge of the eyelid than styes and tend to "point" toward the inside of the eyelid. Sometimes a chalazion can cause the entire eyelid to swell suddenly, but usually there is a definite tender point. When a chalazion is small and without symptoms, it may disappear on its own. If the chalazion is large, it may cause blurred vision.
Chalazia are treated with any or a combination of the following methods:
1. Warm Compresses and Massage. Warm compresses can be applied in a variety of ways. The simplest way is to hold a clean washcloth, soaked in hot water, against the closed lid. Do this for five to ten minutes, three or four times a day. Repeatedly soak the washcloth in hot water to maintain adequate heat. The majority of chalazia will disappear within a few weeks. An alternative to a moist washcloth, which can get cold too rapidly, is to place a moist paper towel in a zip lock bag, or heat a baked potato, bag of rice, or bag of beans in the microwave oven to heat it, and then wrap a washcloth around the heated object. This is then placed over the affected eyelid after which the chalazion is to be massaged in the direction of the eyelashes.
2. Steroid Injections can be useful after soaks have been tried and a small lump remains.
3. Surgical Incision or Excision of large chalazia, which do not respond to other treatments, can be surgically opened after the early inflammation is reduced.
Chalazia usually respond well to treatment, although some people are prone to recurrences. If a chalazion recurs in the same place, your ophthalmologist may suggest a biopsy to rule out more serious problems.

Thank you to Dr. Chris Thiagarajah, Cosmetic Eye Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon at The Eye Care & Surgery Center, for sharing his insights and knowledge with us.