 |
CHEMICAL PEEL
What Is a Chemical Peel?
This procedure can restore sun-damaged, wrinkled,
blemished, acne scarred or blotchy skin to its original
youthful appearance. The results are normally a smoother
more even toned textured skin. The skin will look
younger, tighter and "fresher" than before although it
cannot remove all facial flaws. Deeper lines, wrinkles
and other flaws may require additional treatments or
techniques. The chemicals normally we use are
Trichloracetic acid (TCA) for more superficial lines and
blemishes.
The Obagi Blue PeelThis type of peel is relatively new. Developed by
Dr. Zein E. Obagi, this peel is an in-office
trichloracetic acid (TCA) peel to correct fine lines,
superficial scars, minimal laxity and pigmentation
problems. It is performed in 1-4 steps and is very
beneficial to persons of all skin types. Usually more
invasive peels are unfortunately suitable to only those
of European Caucasian descent. With the Blue peel,
persons of ethnic skin tones such Asian,
African-America, Italian and other darker skins tones
can safely undergo beneficial resurfacing.
The solution is applied in 1 to 4 layers and left on the
skin for 25-30 minutes. You may feel a slight burning or
stinging sensation as each layer is applied which may
last from 2-5 minutes. A gain a fan will help you
tolerate the stinging sensation - so request if this is
used. The blue tint will darken and advise the skin
technician when the peel is complete. The blue tinge
that you get from this peel may last for up to 3-10
days, depending. So prepare to take off a few days for
this one as well. This peel may be reapplied at 4 week
intervals.
Are You a Candidate for a Chemical Peel?Depending upon the peel, you
may be a candidate for one if you have slight wrinkles,
hyperpigmentations, splotchiness, unevenness, acne, acne
scars, black heads or sun damaged skin. You may not be a
candidate if you have herpes as this can spread to your
healing skin and cause great, weeping sores which will
damage and scar your skin. Ask your primary physician
for a release and perhaps a prescription for a oral
medications such as Zovirax™. This will decrease your
risk of an outbreak. If your primary care physician does
not release you or opposes to your having a peel - DON'T
take that chance! Also, deeper peels may not be suitable
for you if you are prone to keloids or hyper- and
hypopigmentation.
Preparing for Your Chemical PeelYou will more than likely be asked to
closely follow a skin care regimen which may include the
use of AHAs, Retin A, Kojic Acid, Hydroquinone, etc. to
prepare your skin and even out the skin tone itself.
This will make the peel more effective as well as
lessens the pigment and fades a tan by prohibiting
melanin production and skin cell turn over. This way you
are less likely you hyperpigment after the procedure.
Typical Post-Peel Instructions
- You will cleanse your face as usual but be instructed to use a
gentle-formulated cleanser.
- You may be instructed to use a special moisturizing cream or lotion.
- Do not apply any type if glycolic acid or exfoliation products as this can
severely damage or irritate the skin during the entire time of healing or the
skin will become irritated.
- Avoid sun exposure if you can. Use a high SPF sunblock to help block the
harmful UV rays.
- Do NOT peel, rub or scratch your skin at anytime, whatsoever. This WILL
cause damage and compromise your results as well as possibly severely scar you.
- Let your surgeon or skin care specialist know immediately if you have a
herpes break out. This can also result in severe and permanent scarring.
|
| |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
