SKIN CARE TREATMENTS AND CHEMICAL PEELS -
BEVERLY HILLS | MALIBU | BAKERSFIELD | FRESNO CA
CHEMICAL PEELS
If you're considering chemical peel...
Chemical peel uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation. Phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are used for this purpose. The precise formula used may be adjusted to meet each patient's needs. Although chemical peel may be performed in conjunction with a facelift, it is not a substitute for such surgery, nor will it prevent or slow the aging process. This brochure provides basic information about certain types of chemical peel treatments and the results you might expect. It won't answer all your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Once you and your physician have decided on a specific peel program, be sure to ask about any details that you do not understand.
Deciding if chemical peel is right for you Chemical peel is most commonly performed for cosmetic reasons -- to enhance your appearance and your self confidence. Chemical peel may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne. In certain cases, health insurance may cover the peel procedure. Be sure to check your policy and contact your insurance company before the procedure is performed.
Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids are the mildest of the peel formulas and produce light peels. These types of peels can provide smoother, brighter-looking skin for people who can't spare the time to recover from a phenol or TCA peel. AHA peels may be used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne. Various concentrations of an AHA may be applied weekly or at longer intervals to obtain the best result. Your doctor will make this decision during your consultation and as the treatment proceeds. An alphahydroxy acid, such as glycolic acid, can also be mixed with a facial wash or cream in lesser concentrations as part of a daily skin-care regimen to improve the skin's texture.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be used in many concentrations, but it is most commonly used for medium-depth peeling. Fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment problems are commonly treated with TCA. The results of TCA peel are usually less dramatic than and not as long-lasting as those of a phenol peel. In fact, more than one TCA peel may be needed to achieve the desired result. The recovery from a TCA peel is usually shorter than with a phenol peel.
All chemical peels carry some uncertainty and risk Chemical peel is normally a safe procedure when it is performed by a qualified, experienced physician. However, some unpredictability and risks such as infection and scarring, while infrequent, are possible.
AHA peels may cause stinging, redness, irritation and crusting. However, as the skin adjusts to the treatment regimen, these problems will subside.
With a TCA peel, your healed skin will be able to produce pigment as always; the peel will not bleach the skin. However, TCA-peel patients are advised to avoid sun exposure for several months after treatment to protect the newly formed layers of skin. Even though TCA is milder than phenol, it may also produce some unintended color changes in the skin.
PEEL FORMULAS AT A GLANCE
Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) Uses:
- Smooths rough, dry skin
- Improves texture of sun-damaged skin
- Aids in control of acne
- Can be mixed with bleaching agent to correct pigment problems
- Can be used as TCA pre-treatment
Considerations:
- A series of peels may be needed
- As with most peel treatments, sunblock use is recommended
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) Uses:
- Smooths out fine surface wrinkles
- Removes superficial blemishes
- Corrects pigment problems
Considerations:
- Can be used on neck or other body areas
- May require pre-treatment with Retin-A or AHA creams
- Treatment takes only 10-15 minutes
- Preferred for darker-skinned patients
- Peel depth can be adjusted
- Repeat treatment may be needed to maintain results
- Sunblock must be used for several months
- Healing is usually quick, much quicker than with a phenol peel
PLANNING FOR A CHEMICAL PEEL
In some states, no medical degree is required to perform a chemical peel - even the strongest phenol peels. Many states have laws that permit non-physicians to administer certain peel solutions, but regulate the strengths which they are permitted to apply. You should be warned that phenol and TCA peels have been offered by inadequately trained practitioners claiming "miracletechniques" to rejuvenate the skin.
It is very important that you find a physician who has adequate training and experience in skin resurfacing. Your physician may offer you a choice of peel techniques or suggest a combination of peels to obtain the best result for you.
During your initial consultation, it is important that you discuss your expectations with your physician. Don't hesitate to ask any questions or express any concerns that you may have. Expect your physician to explain the planned procedure in detail, including its risks and benefits, the recovery period and the costs. If you have a history of herpes, you should inform your physician prior to the procedure. Remember, chemical peel treatments are usually not covered by medical insurance unless they are performed for medically related problems.
PREPARING FOR YOUR CHEMICAL PEEL
Your physician will instruct you on how to prepare for your peel treatment.
Sometimes Retin A - a prescription medication derived from Vitamin A - is used to pre-treat the skin. This thins out the skin's surface layer, allowing the TCA solution to penetrate more deeply and evenly. If your skin won't tolerate Retin-A pre-treatment, an AHA cream may be used instead. Hydroquinone, a bleaching agent, is sometimes used in conjunction with Retin-A or AHA pre-treatment, especially if you have blotchy skin areas or pigmentation problems. You may have to spend a month or more in the pre-treatment phase before the doctor will schedule your actual peel.
You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home and help you out for a day or two if you are having a phenol or deeper TCA peel. You probably won't need any extra assistance if you're having an AHA peel or superficial TCA peel.
WHERE YOUR PEEL WILL BE PERFORMED
Most chemical peels may be safely performed in a physician's office, office-based surgical facility or outpatient surgical center. Your physician may want you to stay overnight in a facility or hospital if other cosmetic procedures are performed simultaneously.
TYPES OF ANESTHESIA
Anesthesia isn't required for phenol or TCA peels because the chemical solution acts as an anesthetic. However, sedation may be used before and during the procedure to relax you and keep you comfortable.
No anesthesia is needed for AHA peels since they cause only a slight stinging sensation during application.
THE PEEL
AHA peels/treatments: Your doctor will apply the AHA solution to your cleansed facial skin, a process that usually takes no more than 10 minutes. No "after-peel" ointment or covering is required. Depending on the strength of the peel, periodic treatmentsmay be necessary until the desired effects are achieved.
For some patients, the application of an AHA-based face wash or cream once or twice a day at home will be sufficient to accomplish the desired goal. Your physician may add Retin-A or a bleaching agent to your at-home treatment schedule. After several weeks of at-home use, your doctor will examine your skin to determine if your regimen needs adjustment.
A full-face TCA peel usually takes no more than 15 minutes. Two or more TCA peels may be needed to obtain the desired result, and those may be spaced out over several months. Mild TCA peels may be repeated as often as every month.
AFTER YOUR TREATMENT
After an AHA peel, it is common to experience some temporary flaking or scaling, redness and dryness of the skin. However, these conditions will disappear as the skin adjusts to treatment.
After a TCA peel, your doctor may prescribe a mild pain medication to relieve any tingling or throbbing you may feel. If tape was used to cover your face, it will be removed after a day or two. A crust or scab will form on the treated area. To help your face heal properly, it is essential that you follow your doctor's specific post-operative instructions.
A TCA peel may also cause significant swelling, depending on the strength of the peel used.
GETTING BACK TO NORMAL
With an AHA peel, the temporary redness, flaking and dryness that you experience will not prevent you from working or engaging in your normal activities. A fresher and improved skin texture will result with continued AHA treatments. Remember, protecting your skin from the sun is also important following these mild acid peels. Ask your doctor to recommend a sunblock with adequate UVA and UVB protection and use it every day.
With a TCA peel, the moderate discomfort and mild swelling you may experience will subside within the first week. In about a week to ten days, your new skin will be apparent and you should be healed sufficiently to return to your normal activities. It is best to avoid sun exposure unless you are adequately protected.
About two weeks after treatment, you may return to work and resume some of your normal activities. Your skin will be healed enough for you to wear makeup. (For makeup tips, ask your physician for the ASPS brochure on camouflage cosmetics).
YOUR NEW LOOK
Improvements from AHA peels may be very subtle at first. You may detect a healthier glow to your skin. With continued treatments, you will notice a general improvement in the texture of your skin.
The results of a TCA peel are usually not as long-lasting as those of phenol peel. However, your skin will be noticeably smoother and fresher-looking.
LEVULAN TREATMENT
At Dr. Shah & Associates we offer the combined Levulan/ Photofacial treatment. This method is the new and most encouraging procedure in the treatment of acne. Levulan (Aminolevulinic acid 20%) is a naturally occurring compound in small amounts in the body that is used to treat sun damage and pre-cancerous legions, sebaceous hyperplasia, acne rosacea, together with improving skin texture and pore size.
The Levulan formula is applied on the face 30-90 minutes prior to receiving an IPL treatment which" activates" the Levulan medication. Levulan subsequently inactivates the bacteria that triggers acne, exfoliates the skin, unclog pores, and finally shuts down the sebaceous glands in the skin. This is revolutionary because sebaceous glands are the root cause in the formation of acne so it has a long lasting outcome even on severe acne.
Levulan acne therapy can even work in patients who have failed accutane. Accutane also targets the sebaceous gland but accutane has fairly toxic side effects. Levulan is a very safe alternative to accutane treatment with only a little down time.
The Photofacial Levulan treatment will improve acne, sun damage skin, acne rosacea, sebaceous hyperplasia, wrinkles, pore size, skin texture, pigmentation, and potentially prevents the development of skin cancer. This treatment can be performed one to three times spaced 4-6 weeks apart depending on the client's individual level of improvement.
Side effects include photo sensitivity, redness, and skin exfoliation. Patients should plan this procedure when they can have at lease 48 hours free of sun exposure. After care also includes gentle cleansing of skin, use of a broad spectrum sunscreen, avoidance of direct sunlight for two days, and use of intense hydrating moisturizers thereafter.
OBAGI BLUE PEEL
Begin your remarkable skin transformation in less than an hour with the Obagi Blue Peel. Based on your particular skin needs, we determine the strength and depth of Tricloracetic Acid (TCA) peels and number of coats applied. A blue mixing base with built-in safeguards helps ensure consistent results every time. We control the procedure. You enjoy the results.
Only the Obagi Blue Peel features built-in controls to promote superior outcomes, including simple coat system, even application and fixed concentrations of TCA to reduce variables such as overpainting, non-ionic blue base with glycerin that acts as a color guide and slows TCA penetration for a more even, uniform distribution, and easy-to-recognize endpoints that signal desired depth, determining outcome.
The Obagi Blue Peel System is best for patients who want a fast procedure with dramatic results. In less than an hour, an in-office procedure, Obagi Blue Peel is effective for many skin conditions, including laxity, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, large pores, comedones and more. For all skin colors and thicknesses. For use on the face, neck, chest, hands and arms. For patients who want a strong solution, that's fast and permanent.
The Obagi Blue Peel is a quick and simple procedure that does not typically require sedation. Application typically to the face and neck takes about 20 minutes, depending on the number of coats applied. You can expect a burning sensation that lasts only a few minutes and a bluish tint to your skin that usually washes off in 12 to 24 hours. Following the procedure, you will experience light swelling. Within two to three days, your skin will begin to peel. This peeling continues over the next several days. By the seventh to tenth day, you skin should be healed and start looking younger and healthier.
OBAGI NU-DERM
Are you looking for an amazing improvement in the signs of facial aging without the downtime of an invasive procedures or an important compliment to surgery? The Obagi Nu Derm System (tm) is one of the best medical grade skin rejuventaiton systems on the market today! We have the ability to transform your skin with the Obagi Nu-Derm System, proven to correct skin functions so that skin looks and acts younger and healthier.
The Obagi Nu-Derm System uses a unique combination of active and prescription ingredients - including Tretinoin and Hydroquinone 4% - to maximize penetration to all skin layers. The specific dosage and frequency are determined and monitored by us, according to your skin condition, needs and lifestyle.
THE SYSTEM TRIGGERS A THERAPEUTIC CASCADE™ THAT:
- Increases cellular turnover of abundant, healthy keratinocytes, pushing fresh cells to the surface more quickly and promoting old cells to exfoliate faster.
- Suppresses melanocyte production reversing and preventing hyperpigmentation.
- Promotes the even distribution of melanin, eliminating unwanted dark patches and age spots.
- Repairs intracellular transcription of keratinocytes, producing healthy, uniform cells for better skin structure.
- Stimulates fibroblasts to increase collagen and elastin formation, resulting in stronger, more resilient skin.
- Increases GAG synthesis, providing natural hydration and necessary nutrients to the epidermis.
- Increases angiogenesis, improving blood flow.
The Obagi Nu-Derm System is best for patients who are willing to commit to a comprehensive skin care protocol and are concerned about mild to severe photodamage. The system is also for those who want to eliminate sun or age spots and have hyperpigmentation, have fine lines, wrinkles and laxity, and experience adult acne. Ask Beautologie if the Obagi Nu-Derm System is right for you.
ABOUT BUYING OBAGI ONLINE
Online sales via Amazon and Ebay provide Obagi with an inaccurate reputation as the product is not monitored by a medical professional, nor do we know the quality of the product being sold. Like any other medicine or brand name sold via Ebay/Amazon, the integrity of the brand is lowered and the quality of the product cannot be guaranteed. For example, the product could be outdated, stored in a warm environment, opened and resealed, or even a be fake. Finally these are prescription grade products that need to be prescribed and monitored by a physician. It is illegal to sell these products without Physician consent.