New Peeling Technique, Solution to Resurfacing

EMBARGOED UNTIL MARCH 20, 1999

NEW PEELING TECHNIQUE OFFERS LUNCHTIME SOLUTION TO SKIN RESURFACING

NEW ORLEANS (March 20, 1999) - More and more people are using the traditional lunch hour for more than just lunch. Running errands, shopping and exercising have become increasingly popular ways for workers to spend their hourly lunch break. Now, time-crunched consumers have another lunchtime option - scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist for a new skin peeling procedure that allows patients to wear make-up after the treatment and function normally with minimal redness.

Speaking today at the American Academy of Dermatology's 57th Annual Meeting in New Orleans, dermatologist Mark Rubin, MD, Associate Clinical Professor, Division of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego, discussed the benefits of Dermapeeling as the latest treatment option for skin resurfacing.

Dermapeeling, or microabrasion, is a fairly new procedure in the United States for treating common skin conditions such as rough skin texture, uneven pigmentation, acne, sun damage, fine wrinkles and acne scars. Although Dermapeeling has been used in Europe for more than seven years, it has only recently gained popularity in the United States.

Dr. Rubin explained that microabrasion is a technique that involves stripping off very thin, superficial layers of the skin using machines that employ airflow from a vacuum-like device and sterile "sand" that consists of aluminum oxide. The way the current devices are set up, air is circulated through a handpiece with variable levels of airflow and sand.

By varying the airflow and sand, microabrasion can create very superficial wounds - 10 microns, or ten-thousandths of a millimeter in depth - with one pass of the handpiece across the surface of the skin or deeper wounds of over 100 microns, or one-tenth of a millimeter in depth, with multiple passes of the handpiece. In order to compare how deep a micron is, Dr. Rubin explained that a sheet of paper is approximately 80 microns deep.

"One of the main benefits of microabrasion is the ability to create controlled, superficial removal of skin, allowing each patient to receive a custom treatment that is deeper in areas of more severe damage," explained Dr. Rubin.

Since microabrasion is typically performed with only a few passes of the handpiece over the skin to create a superficial wound, anesthesia is not needed for the procedure. Dr. Rubin said that because the wound is superficial, the patient will experience only mild redness for a few hours after the procedure and can apply make-up and return to work. "This is truly a lunchtime peel in that it can be done in 15-20 minutes with minimal preparation time," stated Dr. Rubin.

While the superficial nature of the procedure keeps redness to a minimum, one treatment is not sufficient for most skin problems. For best results, an average patient may need four-to-eight treatments spaced from one-to-three weeks apart.

"What we're accomplishing with microabrasion is not only removing some of the damaged skin, but stimulating new cell growth as well," said Dr. Rubin. "Research has shown that repetitive, superficial abrasions can create significant new cell growth. Microabrasion takes advantage of this response by allowing patients to gradually resurface their skin without the 'downtime' and risk of more aggressive procedures."

The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership over 11,000 dermatologists worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the science and art of medicine and surgery related to the skin; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; supporting and enhancing patient care; and promoting a lifetime of healthier skin, hair, and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM or www.aad.org.

# # #