Palm Springs Dermatologists

If I Get a Chemical Peel on my Shoulders Where my Tattoo is What Will It Do?

I'm trying to decide where I want to put my tattoo, but I use to get chemical peels on my shoulders for scars, they arent bad anymore but idk if I will need to get more peels, so what will it do? Also is maintenance of a tattoo difficult on the shoulder because i wont have anyone helping me.. im thinking ill put it there or on my hip it won't be too big just big enough that after a few years it can still be legible

Chemical peels should not affect a tattoo. It would, of course, depend on the chemical peel itself; the actual chemicals and acids compounded to make the specific peel.  It would also depend on the intensity of the peel - superficial or deep.  In regards to tattoos, as we all age, the tattoo will lighten and the skin will lose collagen, so the tattoo over time, will also not look as “fresh” as you first get them.

Timothy Jochen, MD

Palm Springs Dermatologic Surgeon

I Have Finished Accutane but Whitehead Are Coming Back, Also Strange Rash. What Do I Do?

Have just finished my 5 months of Accutane, (60mg/day) but after 2 weeks I have whiteheads and blackheads appearing on my face. There is also a strange rash on the sides of my face/cheeks. The rash has no colour, just bumps and isn't ichy. I am also premenstrual (does that have anything to do with it?). Will the whiteheads and blackheads go away? Is the rash from oversensitive skin? What do I do?

For the rash, I would visit your dermatologist to see what type of rash you are having.  For the whiteheads, you could have them extracted by an aesthetician or you could see your dermatologist.  Finally, I strongly recommend continuing the use of Retin-A topically.

Timothy Jochen, MD

Palm Springs Dermatologic Surgeon

How Are the Outcomes Different for Caucasian and Asian Skin Types Using Fraxel for repairs?

Darker skin types including Asian skin are more vulnerable to pigmentary issues following Fraxel treatments.  Although Fraxel has been safely used in treating Asian skin, you should be pretreated with Retin-A and hydroquinone for at least four weeks to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).  If you do get PIH, it is often temporary and will fade.  The pigment of darker skin types is simply more volatile and requires a little extra caution when treating with lasers. The end results should be similar to that of Caucasian skin, but may require more treatments because more conservative settings are often used to minimize risk.

Timothy Jochen, MD

Palm Springs Dermatologic Surgeon