Chemical peel

I'm a 36 yr old female and considering a mild-medium chemical peel with a facialist. I have a good skin condtion and have olive skin tone. Lately I feel my skin is not as tight as before and that is why I want this procedure to get my skin a little tighter and rejuvenated. However, I have a history of Viltilgo localized to my knees and ankles with 85% repigmentation. No treatment for the past 10 yrs(my condition started at age 9). I used to get exposed to UV with trisolaren and before that with Oxsalaren. At this point, I'm content with my vitiligo and try to expose to only sunlight with no medication in summertime (only localized to knees and ankles). Going back to my original question, should I be concerned with my history of Vitiligo and getting a chemical peel on my face and neck area. Thank you.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

No, you needn't be concerned.  Vitiligo, as you know, affects the pigment cells, not the texture of the epidermis.  So the kind of peel performed by a facialist ought to be fine.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[calqt23]

Something that you might want to try is Thermage. It is a radio frequency that is waved across the face with a "wand". It is done at a dermatology or plastic surgeons office. It doesn't really hurt, but it feels like someone snapping a rubber band on your face.  There is a light pain killer put on the skin. Anyway it heats the collagen in your face and tightens it, making your face tighter. I have light brown skin and I had it when I was 33.  I didn't have any wrinkles or anything, but I felt like my cheek area was a little loose. Great results. About $2,500, and it lasts for up to a year.  Not a permanant solution, but I am not ready for surgery!