PROCEDURES

SKIN RESURFACING WITH CHEMICAL PEELS

Chemical Peels are effective, minimally invasive treatments for improving the appearance of wrinkles and rough texture and can also be used to:

• soften fine lines

• minimize superficial age spots and discolorations

• reduce the appearance of acne scars

Trichloracetic Acid (TCA) is used often for medium-depth peels, working on the outermost layer of the epidermis responsible for maintaining skin's barrier function, and is suitable for most skin types and colors. TCA's resurfacing agents remove dead skin cells, revealing a fresh, smooth, new layer of vibrant skin cells.

Glycolic Acid is also used frequently for chemical peels thanks to its ability to easily penetrate the skin's upper layers, loosening the dead skin cells revealing fresh new skin cells and a revitalized surface texture.

There are a variety of options available for chemical peels including:

• Soft Touch

• Toniec

• 30/10 (30% Glycolic Acid/10% TCA)

• 40/10 (40% Glycolic Acid/10% TCA)

• and other mixed acid peels

How will you choose the right Chemical Peel?
During your consultation, we'll do a careful examination of the facial areas that concern you most. We'll discuss in depth not only the right peeling agent for your condition, but the right treatment plan to follow over time in reaching your appearance goals. The plan we create together may include using more than one type of treatment (such as a combination of Glycolic Acid and Trichloracetic Acid), depending on the depth and location of the textural conditions we're trying to improve.

How are Chemical Peels applied?
Your practitioner will choose an appropriate concentration of the resurfacing agent and apply it by gently brushing it over your clean skin. The length of the treatment depends on the number of layers to be applied in order to achieve the desired depth of peeling; treatment is usually complete in a few minutes. You may experience a slight stinging sensation during the treatment, but pain management is not usually required. A neutralizing solution is applied to finish the treatment and the solutions are removed.

What improvements can you expect to see after using a Chemical Peel?
Chemical Peels temporarily smooth out fine lines and surface wrinkles, restoring skin's even texture and color. Sagging, deep bulging and severe wrinkles do not respond well to TCA peels. Following treatment, the skin will tighten and darken, then begin to peel for about 4-7 days. The newly revealed skin will be more sensitive to sunlight for several months so daily use of a sunscreen is required to protect the skin.

Is using a Chemical Peel a healthy choice for you?
Your practitioner will discuss the specific characteristics that make you a healthy candidate for using Chemical Peels. You should discuss your medical history thoroughly, including any history of with your practitioner before undertaking this kind of treatment.

Are there side effects after using Chemical Peels?
Depending on the depth of the peel, and the chemical used, you may experience some redness, stinging and skin crusting. You may also notice some changes in skin color.

Other risks include:
Hyperpigmentation (when too much pigment occurs, causing brown blotches) may result even if you use sunscreen

• Redness, which occurs in everyone after the peel, may last longer than a few months for some people

• Permanent scarring is another, infrequent, risk
  You should discuss these possible side effects and any additional concerns you might have with your practitioner before undertaking any procedure.

To learn more or to schedule an office visit call 586.573.4980 (Warren) or 810.230.0001 (Flint). 

COSMETIC TREATMENT OPTIONS

CONDITIONS

Acne & Acne scars
Actinic keratosis
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) 
Basal cell carcinoma 
Contact dermatitis 
Fungal infections
Genetic skin disorders 
Hair loss (male and female) 
Herpes 
Hyperhidrosis 
Hyperpigmentation
Melanoma
Moles 
Rare skin diseases
Redness & Facial Veins
Rosacea 
Seborrheic dermatitis 
Skin cancer – 
    melanoma 
Skin cancer – 
    non-melanoma 
Skin cancer – 
    pre-cancerous conditions
Skin discoloration 
Solar keratosis
Spider veins
Squamous cell carcinoma 
Sunburn
Urticaria (hives) 
Varicose Veins
Vitiligo 
Warts 
Wrinkles & Rough Texture