CHEMICAL PEEL
We now offer chemical peels. They are usually applied to the face, neck and chest in the office over the course of about 45 minutes but can also be applied to the arms or legs. The peel we use is called "apeele" and is a unique combination of salicylic acid/beta hydroxy acid, phenol, trichloracetic acid, tetracaine for numbness, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, hydroquinone for pigment and retinoic acid applied in three layers ten minutes apart. It comes in light, medium and deep treatment depths.
 The results are subtle, especially for light peels, but real. They include an exfoliation which will leave the skin younger and smoother-looking with less blotchiness. The deeper peels also help with fine lines. Other skin care products such as retinoids used nightly will also be better able to penetrate if the skin is exfoliated.
There is no down time with the light peel and more with the deeper peels. You will be able to return to work the next day with the light peel. You will be flaky between day 3 and day 10 depending on the peel but able to do normal social activities throughout your recovery, although it is not advised to do aerobic activity (sweating) until the skin is starting to flake. You may not want to attend a social function while you are flaking.
You can get a deeper effect by leaving the peel on overnight, but for the first time it is probably best to leave it on for 5 to 8 hours to see how your particular skin reacts. I also think you should start with a light peel and work your way up in case your skin is sensitive.
Regular peels are considered part of a skin maintenance program, but if you are really looking for a significant correction of either abnormal skin pigmentation or wrinkles, it is probably best to do a carbon dioxide fractionated resurfacing (MATRIX) followed by peels as needed for maintenance.
It will be a pleasure to discuss a chemical peel with you. Please call my office with any questions you may have (804) 320-8545.
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