Alpha hydroxy acids—A class of chemical compounds that consist of a carboxylic acid substituted with a hydroxy group on the adjacent carbon.
Baker-Gordon peel—Phenol peel in which phenol is diluted to a concentration varying from 45 to 55 percent.
CO2 laser—One of the most intense ablative lasers. This laser vaporizes the top layers of skin while stimulating new collagen. Administered after patient is given topical or general anesthesia.
Dermabrasion—Mechanical resurfacing of the skin, which involves the use of abrasive tools to remove the outer layers of the skin to produce an improved appearance and removal of superficial upper layers of the skin without causing wounding.
Dermis (papillary and reticular)—The primary function of the dermis is to sustain and support the epidermis. The dermis is a more complex structure and is composed of 2 layers, the more superficial papillary dermis and the deeper reticular dermis. The papillary dermis is thinner, consisting of loose connective tissue containing capillaries, elastic fibers, reticular fibers, and some collagen. The reticular dermis consists of a thicker layer of dense connective tissue containing larger blood vessels, closely interlaced elastic fibers, and coarse bundles of collagen fibers arranged in layers parallel to the surface.
Erbium Yag laser—Single- or variable-pulse or dual ablative/coagulative mode erbium.
Nd: Yag laser—Neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet laser.
Phenol peel—The strongest skin peel. Its primary ingredient is carbolic acid.
Trichloroacetic acid—An acid made by chlorinating acetic acid.
- TCA 10-15%—removes superficial skin, leaving a smooth finish
- TCA 20%—slightly stronger than very light peels, penetrates deeper into the epidermis
- TCA 30%—a much deeper peel, effective on deeper wrinkles and strong fine lines
- TCA 35-40%—a very strong TCA concentration. It is considered ablative treatment, and causes significant downtime.
