-
Views
-
Cite
Cite
Richard H. Bensimon, Croton Oil Peels, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 28, Issue 4, July 2008, Pages 470–471, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asj.2008.05.005
Close - Share Icon Share
Extract
Dr. Bensimon Replies:
I am appreciative of Dr. Kotler's complimentary remarks, and I am happy to see that he recognizes the value of croton oil peels. With regard to his comments about pretreatment with tretinoin, hydroquinone, and glycolic or phytic acid, I would like to expand on the purpose of such pretreatment. On a cellular level, the stratum corneum of the epidermis is compacted, the melanocytes are suppressed, and there is a more even blending of pigment deposition. This regulation of cell function reduces the risk of postoperative hyperpigmentation. The fibroblasts are stimulated to create more collagen and elastin, and angiogenesis increases the circulation of the skin. In essence, the skin is “revved up” in preparation for the injury to come. Skin prepared in this manner has been shown to respond better to resurfacing, and it is useful no matter what modality is used.
There is some controversy as to the necessity of this preparation, but when I have omitted or shortened it in light-eyed patients, these patients have suffered erythema that is intense and of an excessively long duration. The best way to treat postoperative hyperpigmenation is to prevent it and, in my experience, the regimen that I outlined in my article is the best choice.
