Trichloroacetic acid peeling versus dermabrasion: a histometric, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural comparison.
BACKGROUND
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) chemical peel and dermabrasion are beneficial methods for treatment of photoaged skin.


OBJECTIVE
In this study, we evaluated the changes induced by these therapies on various structures of facial skin of nine dark-skinned patients (Fitzpatrick types IV-V; TCA, five patients; dermabrasion, four patients) demonstrating different degrees of photodamage.


METHODS
Routine histopathology coupled with histometric computer-assisted image analysis was used to assess epidermal changes. Alcian blue stain was used to evaluate changes in glycosaminoglycans. Immunoperoxidase techniques with antibodies against types I and III collagen and elastin were used to evaluate quantitatively changes in collagen and elastic fibers, and their ultrastructure was examined by transmission electron microscopy.


RESULTS
Similar histologic, immunohistochemical, as well as ultrastructural changes were observed in the two groups, including epidermal and dermal rejuvenation with new collagen deposition and normalization of the elastic tissue. However, these changes were more prominent in patients treated with dermabrasion than those treated with TCA.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study suggest that beneficial effects of such modalities on facial skin were accomplished primarily by increasing the amounts of collagen I and collagen III and improving the morphologic appearance of collagen and elastic fibers.
El-Domyati
Moetaz B M
MB
Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Minya University, Al-Minya, Egypt.
Attia
Sameh K
SK
Saleh
Fatma Y
FY
Ahmad
Hesham M
HM
Uitto
Jouni J
JJ
D000328:Adult; D002615:Chemexfoliation / Q000379:methods*; D003869:Dermabrasion / Q000379:methods*; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000473:pathology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014238:Trichloroacetic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D014238:Trichloroacetic Acid