Medium Depth Chemical Peels
What You Should Know Prior To Treatment
What is a Medium Depth Peel, and how does it work?
Most of our patients spent their youth and much of their early adult life in the pre-sunscreen era. We have learned very clearly over the last several decades that excess sun exposure and tans are unhealthy, and cause real damage to the skin. Changes on the skin caused by sun exposure include various combinations of irregular skin color (pigmentary changes and sun spots), changes in skin texture, fine or deep wrinkles, and skin looseness. These changes are due to damage in the skin’s support system, and to the pigment producing cells.
Medium depth peel treatment is a specific technique for skin renewal using a combination of Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and Jessners solution. Jessners solution is used in combination with TCA to enhance the effectiveness of the peel. TCA peels have been widely used for over a quarter century, and have been found to be effective at treating a number of pigmentary changes, lentigines (sun spots), and signs of photoaging.
How will a Medium Depth Peel benefit me?
Chemical peeling is a technique used to enhance the appearance of the skin. During this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, which causes dead skin cells to separate and peel off. A chemical peel produces younger-looking skin by stripping away old, sun damaged skin, which the body replaces with new, healthy skin. The new regenerated skin is usually smoother, more even in color, and less wrinkled than the old skin.
How soon should I see benefit?
Most patients experience some degree of textural smoothing and lightening of hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) after the first treatment. Results can be expected approximately 3-4 weeks after therapy, but further improvements can be seen up to several months after therapy. Other skin improvements that may result from a peel series include: softening of fine lines from sun damage, increased smoothness of skin texture, mild smoothing of acne scars, lightening of pigmentation irregularities and increasing skin glow or radiance. Based on discussion with your provider, you will have a peel treatment regimen designed to best meet your expectations and needs.
Are there any special conditions or products I should make my provider aware of prior to procedure?
Yes! There are several conditions that make it unsafe to have a peel, or may enhance your skin’s reactivity. You may be required to discontinue use of certain procedures/products 1-2 weeks before a peel. Please inform your provider if you have a history of:
1. Herpes simplex (cold sores). You should receive preventive medicine prior to the peel
2. Hypertrophic or keloidal scarring
3. Warts in proposed treatment area
4. Healing wounds in proposed treatment area
5. Sunburn or wind burn in 2 week period prior to proposed treatment
6. Artificial tanning/sun bathing in the 6 week period prior to proposed treatment
7. Waxing in proposed treatment area in 2 week period prior to proposed treatment
8. Accutane or other oral retinoid therapy in 6 month period prior to proposed treatment
Is there anyone who should not receive a chemical peel?
You can not receive treatment if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have had an adverse reaction to previous peels.
How safe are the peels, and are there any risks?
Chemical peeling has been done for over a century, and TCA/Jessner peels have been performed for over a quarter century. The peel procedure and products are generally safe, however there are potential risks of the procedure. These include temporary redness, burning, stinging, tingling, skin sensitivity, and swelling. Peeling, light scabbing, sun sensitivity, and skin sensitivity/irritation often occur 1-10 days after the procedure. We will discuss all of the risks with you prior to treatment.
Will the peel be uncomfortable?
Depending on the desired effect, different sensations will be experienced. You should expect a tingling or itching sensation at first, followed by a burning sensation as the peel procedure progresses.
What should I expect immediately after the treatment, and how should I care for the treated area?
Initially your skin may be somewhat red or puffy and your eyes may swell. Fairly significant peeling is an expected result. You may feel like you have a mild to moderate sunburn. It may take up to one week for your skin to look and feel “normal”. You should avoid sun exposure, artificial tanning devices, and direct heat sources in the 2 weeks after treatment. We will give you detailed care instructions at your visit.
Light Glycolic Acid Peel
What you should know prior to treatment
What is a Glycolic acid and how does it work?
Glycolic acid is one of the alpha hydroxyacids (AHAs), a group of naturally occurring substances often referred to as “fruit acids” because they are naturally found in various fruits and other foods. Numerous clinical publications have demonstrated their beneficial effects on skin appearance and texture. Many skin problems are caused by or associated with an excessive build-up of dead skin cells that makes the skin thick and dull, and may cause clogged pores, leading to breakouts. AHAs help loosen and remove the skin’s dead surface layer, as well as promote more even pigmentation and deeper skin firming effects.
