Feb
I routinely do filler and Botox on the same day as light peels. If it is a salicylic acid peel, it even provides some anesthesia for the needle sticks. I would not do a peel that causes swelling on the same day, but a light peel would be fine. I always peel before I inject. If injected first, the chemical can go down the needle tract and possibly cause crusting.
Post-mosquito scars are really post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in most cases. This is typically seen in darker skin and is worsened by any scratching from the itch. True scars from insect bites only occur if the patient scratches so much that they get a secondary infection.
My usual recommendation is an anti-inflammatory cream, and sometimes a bleaching cream. A series of light peels is also helpful as is Diamond Glow. In severe cases, Fraxel might be considered. The best strategy is to use the anti-inflammatory cream BEFORE the discoloration occurs. And as always, avoid scratching and picking your skin.
Yes, but your doctor must be careful about the choice of peeling agent. I particularly like salicylic acid over glycolic acid in darker skin because it is really ideal for oiliness, acne and mild acne discoloration, which is what most of my darker patients ask to have improved (as opposed to wrinkles in Caucasian patients). Salicylic acid is also self-limiting and does not require the acid to be neutralized. This prevents “hot spots” where the acid can burn too deep and cause discoloration, which is a risk of glycolic peels.
20% TCA is a reasonable choice for periocular rejuvenation and it will help fine lines and discoloration. Your doctor should have warned you that you will look worse before you look better, for one week. Be sure to use sun protection and to keep the dry, dark skin moist to facilitate the peeling and relieve tightness. I still recommend Botox with the peel to help with the lines that are caused by the movement of the muscles around the eyes, as chemical peeling will show no improvement of this problem.
Our mission at the Lupo Center is to provide patients with innovative, effective, and ethical care to make each person look and feel their personal best. To fulfill our goal, we provide state-of-the-art medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments to all patients.
Board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology Mary P. Lupo, MD, has been a leader in the field of non-surgical rejuvenation since 1983. She travels internationally to teach her innovative techniques, and her reputation brings in patients from around the country. She started the first formal residency training program for injectables and peels in 1983 at Tulane Medical School and served as past president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society, adjunct professor of dermatology at Tulane, and a founder of Cosmetic Boot Camp. Dr. Lupo holds membership in many prestigious dermatology associations, participates in clinical trials for the approval of new drugs and devices, and acts as an advisor for numerous aesthetic-minded companies.
Dr. Lupo was recently recognized as a trailblazer for women in dermatology and for her dedication to educating dermatology residents and fellows.
She has also received the following awards:
Dr. Lupo has authored over 90 published articles and book chapters and has spoken on various dermatological topics at nearly 480 national and international meetings and seminars.
