The Buff Peel- A successful combination of dermabrasion and chemical 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. (conditions better addressed by dermabrasion).  Blending is more natural since the peel solution can be used near the hairline and other border areas.

The procedure

The procedure is usually performed in Dr. Galoob's AAAHC 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 to moderate facial peel is then performed extending the peel into the hairline to achieve blending. The area to be treated is then peeled more deeply until  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. In the deeply treaated areas (buffed) 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.  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.

Post procedure laser treatments (usually one  or two) are planned to begin within two to three weeks of the procedure. this dramatically reduces redness, enhances healing and reduces loss of pigmention over the treated areas.

Most patients can expect at least 50% improvement in their skin surface texture and quality after treatment. The final result 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.

Occasionally, hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin color) may occur in the  few months after treatment , but this can be treatedsuccessfully with lightening creans. 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.