What to expect:
Your skin will first be prepped with an alcohol-acetone application. The peel is then applied. Immediately after the peel is applied to your skin a stinging/burning sensation is felt. This lasts for several minutes, then cool compresses are applied which will calm your skin. One or more days after the peel the treated areas will become red and flaky (similar to a sunburn.) This usually lasts between several days and one week. Some patients will develop temporary brown patches which will peel off within 7-10 days.
Risks:
With a light chemical peel, only the top layers of skin are removed, therefore the risk of scarring is extremely unlikely. Other risks that can occur, but are also unlikely, are infection, darkening or lightening of the skin and persistent redness.
Preparation:
Strong glycolic acid products or Tretinoin should be used for two weeks prior to your first peel to enhance your results. After your first peel, these products can be restarted one week before each successive peel. If you are not already on one of these products, glycolic acid is the easiest of these products to start with. Physician-strength glycolic products are available in our office.
Arrive for your peel appointment with a clean, freshly washed face. You should have no make-up or moisturizers on your skin when you arrive.
Treatment Time:
Each treatment takes approximately 20-30 minutes… Peels are usually performed approximately every two-four weeks. A series of four to six peels is recommended to achieve the best cosmetic results.
Benefits:
- Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles
- Evens skin tone and texture
- Minimizes enlarged pore size
- Reduces signs of sun damage
- Reduced acne and oiliness of skin
- Healthier, more youthful skin
