Brighter and more radiant skin
Throughout history, people have looked for ways to achieve a younger, more vibrant look by improving their facial appearance. If you want healthier, smoother-looking skin, now there’s a way to noticeably improve your complexion. A physician-strength chemical peel is a procedure used to improve the appearance of skin by removing the outermost layers so that new regenerated skin can appear. You may notice improvements in skin color, tone, and texture, as well as a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Facial skin rejuvenation via chemical peeling is most effective when part of a total skincare program. An important advance in this treatment is the development of agents (derivatives of retinoic and glycolic acids) that prepare the skin prior to the peel and continue to improve the skin after the peel. We will help you adopt a new daily cleansing regimen that will result in continued improvement of your new complexion. Of course, it is important to do your part in maintaining a healthy lifestyle: exercise daily to keep circulation moving; eat a diet with plenty of whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables; reduce stress and tension; avoid excessive sun exposure; wear sunscreen/sunblock, protective clothing, and sunglasses; and abstain from smoking.
FAQ
Before the Procedure
Procedure
After the Procedure
Before the Procedure
Who is not a good candidate for a chemical peel?
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking Accutane, or have a chronic history of cold sores, you may not be a good candidate for the procedure. It is important to understand that chemical peels are not a substitute for face lifts, but can improve the quality of your skin. Remember that improvement, not perfection, is the goal.
What are the different types of peels?
We offer mild and medium-depth peels. Mild peels, sometimes referred to as “lunchtime peels,” are performed using alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). AHAs include glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids, and are mild chemical solutions that lightly peel skin, often resulting in brighter-looking, smoother skin. A salicylic acid peel (Biomedic Micropeel) is a BHA that is effective for all skin types, especially acne-prone. Medium-depth peels are performed using trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to correct moderate sun damage, including age spots, freckles, and actinic keratoses. The TCA is mixed with a special blue base (Obagi Blue Peel) to slow penetration and allow accurate monitoring of the peel depth to make the procedure as safe as possible. Although peels vary in intensity and depth, as a rule, the deeper the peel, the more profound the results and the longer the recovery time.
What type of peel should I have?
After carefully evaluating the condition of your skin, skin type, and severity of discoloration and wrinkling, we can help to determine which type or combination of chemical peels is right for you.
What areas can be treated?
Chemical peels can be applied to the face, neck, hands, back, and chest.
How is this treatment different than a salon or spa peel?
High-strength AHA, BHA, or TCA products or treatments are available only through a medical skincare professional. The purpose of treatments is corrective skincare and not a “pampering” spa experience. The deeper TCA peels are performed by a surgeon who has specialized training and experience with this highly effective treatment.
Are there any instructions to follow before the peel?
For best results, avoid waxing, electrolysis, using a loofah or other exfoliating products, and any products that may dry or irritate the skin, including AHA, BHA, or retinoic acid compounds, one week prior to treatment. Arrive at the office make-up- and perfume-free. For men, it’s best not to shave within a few hours of the peel.
Procedure
How long does it take to perform a chemical peel?
Depending on the type of peel being performed, it may take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes and is performed right in the medical office.
After the Procedure
What can I expect after my chemical peel?
The amount of peeling you experience and discoloration of your skin will depend upon the type and strength of the peel. After a mild peel, most patients report that their skin feels softer and smoother, and that they’re able to resume their normal activities immediately. With a deeper peel, patients may experience light swelling and redness. The skin will begin to peel within two to three days and should be healed in an average of seven to 10 days. In either case, the peeling should not disrupt your regular lifestyle for long, although you may want to limit your normal activity and schedule well in advance of any special engagements. Also, avoid sun exposure right after the treatment.
How often should I have this treatment?
Ideally, a series of four to six light chemical peels should be performed two to four weeks apart and then maintained every one to three months. With a deeper Obagi Blue Peel, one to three peels can achieve dramatic improvements in many skin problems. For optimal results, treatments should be performed in conjunction with an at-home skin treatment regimen that can be recommended by your doctor.
What are the complications?
Complications are rare with mild peels. With deeper peels, complications include whiteheads, cold sores, infection, scarring, numbness, and permanent discoloration, particularly in people with dark skin. However, the use of tretinoin or alpha hydroxy acids in combination with bleaching agents can reduce the risk of discoloration. They should be applied four to six weeks before and soon after the peel. Almost every effective wrinkle or pigmentation treatment increases sensitivity to the sun. It is therefore especially important to include sunblock and avoid overexposure when undergoing treatments.
Cosmetic procedures are performed in Santa Rosa.
