FURTHER INFORMATION

Preparation of the Skin
One day prior to the procedure it is advised to avoid the application of any cosmetics. On the day of the procedure the skin is washed with soap, rinsed with water, and then scrubbed with either acetone or ether on gauze pads for de-greasing of the skin and removal of debris.

Your exoderm procedure will be performed at our Harley St clinic under light sedation with pain relief to eliminate the burning sensation.

The Exoderm solution is applied with a cotton applicator and rubbed onto the skin and into all depressions and skin folds starting at the forehead 2 mm behind the hairline. Gradually the whole face is covered and the solution produces a white blanching, or frosting, of the skin. As soon as frosting is seen, the area is rubbed dry with a dry cotton pad. The frosting disappears in a few minutes and is replaced by a red-grayish colour. The skin becomes oedematous (swollen) with puffy eyelids and creates a "leathery" sensation on touching. The procedure is performed twice in all facial areas.

Following the procedure the face is covered with an occlusive (air tight) tape to form a mask. This allows the solution to selectively melt the superficial layers of the skin, resulting in liquefaction of those layers while preserving the deeper layers of skin. This limited exfoliation induces regeneration of the skin and stimulates the formation of new collagen and elastic fibres. The ultimate result is a "tightening" effect that eliminates medium and deep depressions as well as a variety of discolouration conditions and pre cancerous lesions, providing a long-lasting rejuvenation effect.

The tape mask is easily removed after 24 hours, exposing an oedematous (swollen) and pink skin. Immediately thereafter, the face is covered by a bismuth subgalate powder which will harden and act as a protective antiseptic and regenerative mask and remains for a period of 7 days. On the eighth day, vaseline is applied to the rigid powder mask in order to soften and detach the mask from the newly formed skin.

After the procedure, the patient is advised to use water-based lotion creams 4 to 5 times a day and sunscreen creams with an SPF of 15 to 19. The erythema (pinkness) gradually resolves over 2 to 6 weeks in the majority of cases. During this period, makeup is encouraged for blending face and neck skin colour.

All surgery carries some risks and uncertainties

No permanent complications, such as scars, have been observed following the exoderm peel. However, transient complications are related to the demarcation line between the jaw and the neck region, especially in patients with darker skin. It is common to have lightening of the skin colour in the face (pinky/apricot colour). This condition disappears gradually over a period of 6-8 weeks with the applications of bending creams.

If you have any further questions or queries about this procedure, please feel free to call and speak to either Dr Roberto Viel, Dr Maurizio Viel or any of our nurses. Please note that it is necessary to attend a consultation prior to your operation, this is also the case with existing patients, it may also be necessary to have repeat blood tests