Chemical PeelWhat is Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a treatment used to remove layers of damaged or aged skin cells to reveal softer, younger looking skin and promotes growth of new skin with an improved appearance. Chemical peels produce a partial thickness injury to the skin, the depth of which is determined by the chemical agents. Following the trauma to the skin, the wound healing process reorients the new skin connective tissue. Collagen remodeling is the main reason chemical peels decrease sun damage and reduce wrinkles. Dermal regeneration can take weeks to months. The epidermis, however, heals in a few days giving the skin an improved appearance, more even colour, smoother texture and a healthier glow. The Vitalize Peel is a very effective light chemical peel that penetrates the skins surface and evenly exfoliating the epidermis to reveal healthier, younger-looking skin. The new skin is refreshed, has a smoother texture and more uniform skin tone. The Vitalize Peel is a well-tolerated peel that combines a peeling solution or base with Retinoic acid that creates more exfoliation than other chemical peels penetrating the skin to the same depth. A very effective, visible improvement is achieved after a single treatment; however, significant results are seen after a series of treatments. This powerful yet non-damaging peel can take years off aging skin. It is a safe and effective peel appropriate for all skin types that delivers results you can see with little to no downtime or irritation. What are the benefits of Chemical Peels? Many people seek chemical peels to improve the following:
When can a Chemical Peel be performed? A chemical peel can be performed whenever there is damaged skin to be removed. It is best performed in winter when sun exposure is at a minimum. How long will the benefits of Chemical Peeling last? Aging of the skin is a chronic natural phenomenon. A single peel can reverse some of the clinical and histological signs of aging, but once the skin has healed from the peel, the aging process starts again. Therefore, a daily program of specifically designed products that reverse the signs of aging is necessary to maintain long-term improvement. How long before I see Chemical Peel Results? Most patients leave the office looking healthy and fresh. Any redness or discoloration can easily be covered with makeup and most activities can be resumed right away. Within 48 hours following Vitalize Peel and Rejuvenize Peel mild to moderate flaking will occur, which can be controlled with moisturizers. Patients who receive Glytone should not expect to see visible peeling, due to the superficial nature of the peel. You will notice fresh skin emerge under the peeling. Do not attempt to aid the peel by pulling or rubbing old skin off. The intensity of the pink appearance depends on the depth of the peel. Generally, skin will be brighter with improved texture after a few days. In order to see best results with brown spots, melasma, fine lines, and acne it is best to perform a series of 3 or more peels about 4 weeks apart. Are there any side effect or risks associated with chemical peels? Hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin pigmentation) and hypopigmentation (lightening of skin pigmentation) can occur following chemical peel. Scarring, Crusting, and Stinging can also occur. If you are prone to frequent cold sores, you may have a breakout following a chemical peel; blisters that form need to be treated immediately. If you have a breakout during your healing period, it can spread to your entire face and result in severe and permanent scarring. Should patients continue their acne treatment while receiving a Chemical Peel? If the patient has an acne condition, Vitalize Peel or Rejuvenize Peel is recommended in conjunction with the other therapies prescribed by physician. Oral antibiotics, if prescribed, should be continued during the course of the peeling. The use of topical prescription medications, such as Retin-A, Tazorac, Differin, and Benzoyl peroxide should be postponed until the healing process is complete. Over-the-counter acne remedies that are drying to the skin should be discontinued until the peeling process is complete. How long will the peel procedure take? Chemical peels typically take no more than 30 minutes depending on the area being treated. What is the Chemical Peel treatment process? The treatment process is simple. Here's what you might expect at the doctor's office from the moment you arrive until your procedure is done. Before the treatment Be sure to inform the clinic if you have a tendency to scar, have ever had a raised scar (keloid), a history of cold sores or genital herpes, any blood-clotting problems, an infectious disease such as HIV or hepatitis, unusual or prolonged wound healing, taken isotrtinoin (a medication used to treat sever acne), or any cosmetic procedures you’ve had done, especially dermal fillers, a surgical facelift or eyelid lift. These can have a tremendous effect on what you see after a chemical peel. If you are on a high dose of Accutane or just waxed the area to be peeled, your appointment might have to be rescheduled to a later date. Depending on the depth of the chemical peel, you may be asked to take a course of antiviral therapy starting one day prior to the peel and continuing for 7 - 10 days after the chemical peel. You will also be instructed to discontinue use of #3 -Clear, #4 -Exfoderm/Forte, #5-Blender and Tretinoin three to four days prior to peel. If you wear contact lenses they will have to be removed prior to the peel. Lenses may be reinserted upon completion of the procedure. It may be easier to wear your glasses (if you have some) on the day of their peel. Between the consultation and your treatments, it is important to protect your skin from the sun and avoid tanning. Chemical peels cannot be performed on tan or sunburned skin. If your skin is too tanned or sunburned to proceed, your treatment will be rescheduled The treatment Be sure to arrive to the clinic with a clean face on the day of your treatment. The treatment process usually begins with cleansing of your skin. An acetone swab will be used to remove the natural surface oils of your skin. After your skin has been prepared, Layers of the acid are gently and expertly applied to your skin. A timer is set and when the proper time has passed, the acids are neutralized and the product removed. Your skin is then wiped clean and sunscreen is applied to the skin. After the treatment In order to see the best results from your treatment and to avoid unnecessary complications, please follow the following post care instructions. First and foremost, stay out of the Sun! It is important to avoid sun exposure — both natural sunlight and tanning beds — for at least two (2) to six (6) week after treatment. Sun avoidance during the recovery period is critical. After the peeling process is complete, one can assume regular activities, but daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) is imperative for maintaining healthy skin and preventing re-pigmentation of dyschromias. You may notice some redness and swelling for the first few hours after your chemical peel, but treatment generally does not require downtime, and you will not have a visible wound. The treated skin will likely be red and may be swollen for a few hours. Keep your skin moist and supple. Wash the treated skin two to three times a day. This will lead to better results. If you allow your skin to dry out and crack, scaring may occur. It is important to be very gentle with cleansing; when showering, do not let water from the showerhead hit face directly. Do not scratch or rub the treated skin. While your skin may swell, itch or burn, it is important to resist the urge to scratch or rub your sin. This tends to diminish the results of the peel. If you pick or peel the skin as it is healing this to could result in scarring. The same can be said if scabbing develops during the healing process- do not pick at scabs. Especially after a deep peel, the face tends to scab. Picking at scabs can increase the risk of scarring, infection and skin discoloration. To alleviate any discomfort you may feel, try applying a cold compress. Do not moisturize! Do not wear any makeup till the peeling is completed and the skin has completely healed. A stinging sensation may linger for a day or two. But you can return to normal activities as long as the activities do not require any physical exertion for 24 hours. Who should not do Chemical Peels? Chemical peels are not recommended if you have: · A history of Accutane within 6 months · Vitiligo · Lupus · Active inflammatory skin disease on face · Active Infection on the skin If you have a history of frequent herpes infection on the face, a one week course of Valtrex may be prescribed following the peel to prevent an outbreak. |       |
