The Buff Peel-a combination of Dermabrasion-(Facial sanding)- and a chemical peel-the best of both worlds

Throughout history, people who have been distressed and embarrassed by disfigurement of their facial skin have searched for ways to improve these imperfections. Today, because of modern technology, there are several excellent procedures available to improve facial scarring, one of which is dermabrasion. This technique, first introduced in the 1940'S, has been perfected over the last few decades. Used on both men and women, facial dermabrasion is a surgical procedure in which skin, scarred from acne, pox or other causes, is "sanded" with a rotary abrasive instrument. The abrasive or planing action evens out the skin to give it a smoother, more pleasing contour.

 

A variation of the Dermabrasion procedure as performed by Dr. Galoob is the Buff Peel.
In this procedure, a light facial peel is performed using TCA (Tri Chlor Acetic Acid) over the entire face. The target areas to be abraded are then peeled more deeply producing superficial tissue swelling (edema). The Dermabrasion is then performed. This allows treatment of both the pore size (a condition better addressed by the Peel) and the broader skin irregularities such as wrinkles, acne scars, etc. which are better addressed by the Dermabrasion. Blending is more natural since the peel solution can be used near the hairline and other border areas.

Before surgery

Prior to surgery, a complete medical history is taken in order to evaluate the general health of the patient. A careful examination is also conducted. The physician describes the type of anesthesia to be used, the procedure, what results might realistically be expected and possible risks and complications. Photographs are taken before and after surgery to evaluate the amount of improvement. Preoperative instructions may include the elimination of certain drugs (Aspirin, Garlic, Arthritis medications, etc.) in order to minimize the possibility of excess bleeding. Patients who have a history of cold sores are sometimes placed on a cold sore prevention medication such as Zovirax or Valtrex before and after the procedure. Most patients are placed on the Obagi skin care program for at least two weeks before the procedure and following healing to promote healing and to help control pigment changes after the surgery.

The procedure

The procedure is usually performed in Dr. Galoob's office surgical suite. For small areas and a short procedure, an oral sedative and local anesthetic injections are very well tolerated by most patients. If more sedation is needed or requested by the patient, IV Sedation and local anesthetic injections is administered. A licensed nurse is specifically assigned to constantly monitor vital signs and give medications under the Doctor's direction. Patients are kept at a twilight level of consciousness that allows them to relax and rest and the surgery to be easily performed. Most patients have no recollection of the surgical procedure, or if any does occur, it is not unpleasant. Occasionally the patient may go to an outpatient surgical facility depending on patient needs and health concerns.

The face is thoroughly cleansed with an antiseptic cleansing agent. A light facial peel is then performed. The area to be treated is then peeled more deeply and when the skin is white and swollen, it is "sanded" with an abrasive wire brush or wheel attached to a high speed rotary instrument. This removes some of the Peel damaged skin and allows the abrasion to be performed with precision and predictability. Because large pores are better treated with Peels than Dermabrasion, they are better addressed using this combined procedure than with a Dermabrasion alone. In addition, the full facial peel acts to blend the Dermabraded vs. Non Dermabraded areas reducing the possibility of lines of demarcation between Abraded and Non Abraded skin. This combined technique of peeling plus sanding allows the procedure to be performed with minimal bleeding and discomfort. Patients are usually not bandaged after treatment. The procedure lasts from thirty to sixty minutes, depending upon the condition of the skin and extent of the area involved.

Following surgery

For a few days, the skin feels as though it has been severely sunburned. The raw skin weeps and crusts for 5-7 days until healing occurs. Antibiotics and antiviral drugs are often prescribed to prevent bacterial or cold sore infection. Some swelling is to be expected 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Swelling can be reduced by keeping the head in a slightly elevated position when reclining. Medication alleviates any discomfort the patient may have. Patients may use cool soaks, a fan, or warm Epsom salt soaks to improve comfort depending on their needs.

The crust which loosens and falls off in several days begins to form a few days after dermabrasion. At this time, the treated area is moist and weepy. The patient is instructed to wash the crust with a mild soap and tap water and apply Vaseline or antibiotic ointment. The patient is cautioned not to pull off crusts that tightly adhere to the skin as this can result in scarring.

After the crusts fall off, the skin appears quite pink. This coloration fades in two to three weeks. Special light laser treatments may be used at this time to reduce skin redness and improve healing. During this period, special soaps and cosmetics may be recommended and men are allowed to shave with mild shaving creams. Patients are instructed to avoid medicated or scented cosmetics and hair sprays which might be harmful to the skin or cause an allergic sensitivity. Normal activity can usually be resumed within 7-10 days.

The amount of improvement from the Buff Peel varies, depending on the initial condition of the patient and the extent of surgery. In most cases, a single procedure achieves the desired results while in some cases, additional procedures may be indicated. Most patients who have had dermabrasion are delighted with their more attractive, smoother appearance.

Thousands of patients who undergo dermabrasion each year are delighted with the results. Occasionally, hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin color) may occur, but this can be treated. Hypopigmentation (lightening of skin color)is a late effect and is only treatable by lightening the surrounding skin. The combination Buff peel technique dramatically reduces the risk of hypopigmentation. Infection of the treated area is rare as is scarring. Additional treatments may be necessary. Although complications are rare, there are certain inherent risks connected with every surgical procedure which should be thoroughly discussed with the physician. Patients can minimize complications by carefully following directions given by the physician.

Contact us
If you are interested in learning more about the Buff Peel (a combination of chemical peel and Dermabrasion), call or email our office or leave your name and address on this web page and we will be happy to answer your questions.