PROCEDURES
CHEMICAL PEEL
Refresh your skin
A chemical peel can make you look years younger by removing and softening fine lines, age spots, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, enlarged pores and blemishes. A chemical peel is a safe and effective accelerated form of exfoliation that smooth the skin’s surface by chemically removing the outer layers which facilitates the formation of new skin cells. Chemical peels can rejuvenate the skin, eliminate blotchy patches and improve wrinkles through chemical exfoliation. You can choose from three peel depth levels, depending on the amount of skin damage. Your result is fresh, softer, younger looking skin!
The effects of a chemical peel often can be enhanced when combined with a facelift.
How is a Chemical Peel Performed?
Prior to the peel, you will follow a special skin care regimen to prepare your skin. After your skin has been primed through skin care or microdermabrasion, your skin will be cleansed and a mild toner will be used to remove the natural surface oils. The agent is then applied targeting the epidermis and dermis to remove the superficial layer of dead skin cell. After a period of time, your physician or skin care specialist will neutralize and remove the product. Your skin is cleaned and an anti-bacterial ointment is applied, followed by a moisturizer and sun screen.
For a light depth peel, the skin is prepared and a mild chemical peel will be applied. The peel creates a healthy, refreshed appearance to the skin with no down time because the living ski is left intact. As you deal, the old, damaged skin will be replaced by a layer of new healthy skin. A layer of collagen will also form below the skin surface to help tighten and smooth out your new skin. Light peels do not require any anesthesia.
For a medium depth peel, a stronger more concentrated chemical peel is applied so the deeper layer of skin, the dermis, will be affected. A medium depth peel can effectively improve facial wrinkles and sun damaged skin.
For a deep depth peel, an even stronger chemical agent is used to penetrate the deep layer of dermis. The peel targets deep and widespread wrinkles and extremely rough skin. It is used only in selected cases and not recommended for darker skinned patients. A sedative may be used to lessen any discomfort.
Who can benefit from a Chemical Peel?
Women and men with superficial wrinkles of the face, neck, upper chest and arms are excellent candidates for a chemical peel. Those concerned about uneven skin pigmentation, enlarged facial pores, sun damage, superficial acne scars, and age spots may also benefit form a chemical peel.
How do I decide which type of peel I should have?
Your doctor can help you decide what depth of peel, what type of chemical solution is most appropriate, which areas you want peeled and discuss desired results. A small “test spot” may be peeled to get a better idea of the results, especially for people with darker skin.
What is the healing process?
Your doctor or skin care specialist will send you home with specific after care instructions for your newly rejuvenated facial skin. Aster light peels, the treated skin turns red or pink and heals without crusting. Healing typically occurs in 7 days or less. For medium depth peels, there may be some flaking during the healing process which is typically complete within 2 weeks. There may also be some redness, which can be covered with camouflage makeup and may persist for up to 3 to 4 weeks. For deep peels, your doctor will give you strict instructions. Avoid sun exposure with all types of peels and let your skin heal naturally - treat it gently and use only recommended cleansers and moisturizers.
When will I be able to see the results?
You will start noticing pink, fresh skin emerging from under the peeling, damaged skin within the first few days. Patients should not help the peel along by pulling or rubbing the old skin off. Within a few weeks, any pinkness will fade for most light peels. Depending upon the depth of the peel, you may have lingering pinkness which may look like mild sunburn or flushed appearance. Your doctor will recommend the type of peel most suitable to your skin type, condition, and your desired results.