Medical Grade Chemical Peels
Medical Grade Peels
Chemical peels are one of the most popular, effective methods of rejuvenating skin. They soften fine lines, treat acne, and improve skin’s texture by removing damaged outer layers to expose the younger-looking skin underneath. Using a controlled chemical reaction, chemical peels diminish the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin tone, and shrink blood vessels and pores, offering a clear, smooth look. For our patrons in Lake County, medical grade chemical peels offer a safe, effective way to enhance your appearance and look years younger.
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Is a Medical Peel right for everyone?
Medical peels are found to be effective on a wide range of skin colors and types. Fair skinned patients with light hair are generally considered the ideal candidates for this treatment option, however darker skin types have also found good results.
The type of condition being treated will determine the type of results you will experience. During your initial consultation, your doctor will discuss with you what your likely outcome will be.
How is a Medical Peel performed?
A medical peel is administered in a doctor’s office as an outpatient. There is no real recovery time needed.
When you arrive for your appointment your skin will be cleansed thoroughly with a special solution to remove excess oils. Your eyes and hair will be covered prior to beginning the peeling process, this is so that they will be protected. Your doctor will then apply 1 or more medical solutions to small, targeted, areas on the skin. These solutions include glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, or carbolic acid (phenol). The process is done in a very specific manner so that the wounds are controlled, and new smoother, more rejuvenated skin can emerge.
What do I need to do before a Medical Peel?
Before having a Medical Peel your doctor may ask you to discontinue the use of certain medications. You may also need to prepare your skin for the peel with a topical preconditioning medication. These medications include Retin-A, Renova, or glycolic acid.
Your doctor may also prescribe oral antibiotics or oral antiviral medicine before your medical peel. It is important to begin taking those as prescribed, especially for deeper medical peels to prevent infection.
What should I expect during a Medical Peel?
Most patients report feeling a warm or hot sensation that lasts approximately 5 to 10 minutes during the medical peeling process. After this initial heating period, a stinging sensation is felt. Your doctor may apply a cool compress to relieve this stinging.
For patients who are undergoing a deeper medical peel, your doctor may recommend pain medication during or after the procedure. This is something you should discuss with your doctor prior to having your medical peel treatment.
What will happen after the Medical peel is completed?
The type of reaction you experience after a medical peel will depend largely on the type of peel you receive. Patients report experiencing a reaction similar to that of a sunburn following a mild medical peel; redness, followed by a scaling of the skin occurs, which generally ends in about 3-7 days. Patients receiving mild peels can have them repeated in 1-4 week intervals until the optimal effect is achieved. Patients receiving medium or deep peels may experience swelling and water blisters. These blisters may break, crust, turn brown, and peel off. Patients can receive medium-depth peels 6-12 months apart (if needed).
As your new skin emerges it is very delicate and can be subject to complications, so it is very important to avoid over-exposure to the sun and to wear sunscreen when exposed. Your doctor will recommend any follow-up care needed.
Are there any risks associated with Medical Peels?
The risks involved are low but do include the development of temporary or permanent color change in certain skin types. There is also a low risk of scarring for individuals who scar easily (in the unlikely event that this does occur it can be treated very effectively). There is also a slight risk of the reactivation of cold sores for patients with a history of herpes outbreaks.
It is important to inform your doctor of your medical history, including a history of keloids (scar tissue overgrowth), prior to having a medical peel. Your doctor can better inform you of the risks and treatments available.
