Skin Conditions: In-Office Dermatology Treatments

Newer dermatologic treatments, including Botox, laser surgery, and dermabrasion, are now available and can be performed in the dermatologist's office.

Botox

Botox injection is a cosmetic procedure used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Botox is the brand name of a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Small, diluted amounts can be injected directly into specific muscles, causing controlled weakening of the muscles. As a result, the injected muscle cannot contract, causing the wrinkles to relax and soften. Botox is most often used on forehead lines, crow's feet (lines around the eye), and frown lines.

The procedure takes only a few minutes and no anesthesia is required. Botox is injected with a fine needle into specific muscles with only minor discomfort. It generally takes three to seven days to take full effect.

The most common side effect is temporary bruising. A small percentage of patients may develop eyelid drooping, which usually resolves in three weeks. This development is usually caused by migration of the Botox; for this reason, you shouldn't rub the treated area for 12 hours after injection or lay down for 3 to 4 hours.

Chemical Peel Treatments

A chemical peel, also known as dermapeeling, is a technique in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin. The affected skin peels off, leaving the new skin smoother.

Chemical peels are performed on the face, neck or hands. They can help reduce:

• Mild scarring
• Certain types of acne
• Wrinkles
• Sun spots
• Liver (age) spots
• Freckles
• Dark patches caused by pregnancy or birth control pills

To perform a chemical peel, the doctor cleanses the skin and then applies a chemical solution (such as glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, or salicylic acid) to small areas on the skin. These applications produce a wound, paving the way for regenerated skin.

After the chemical peel, your skin will be red and will peel for up to a week before the benefits can be seen. The process can be repeated as necessary.

Possible side effects include reactivation of cold sores (herpes infection) in patients with a history of herpes outbreaks. This can be prevented or treated with an oral medication.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion, or surgical skin planing, is an abrasive procedure that "sandblasts" the skin to create a smoother layer of skin. Dermabrasion is used to treat scars, pox marks, age (liver) spots, and skin lesions.

In the dermabrasion procedure, the doctor cleans and freezes the skin. To perform the abrasion, the doctor uses a high-speed instrument equipped with a wheel or brush to strip off the top layers of skin.

Your skin will feel rough and "burned" after the dermabrasion procedure, and will be pink for a while before the benefits of dermabrasion can be seen. Stay out of the sun for several months and be sure to use sunscreen when you do go outdoors.

Risks of dermabrasion can include uneven changes in skin color, scarring, and infection.