LIGHT CHEMICAL PEELS

A light chemical peel is a safe and effective procedure to rejuvenate skin and improve facial irregularities (including brown spots, uneven pigmentation, fine wrinkling, sun damaged, and pre-cancers), leaving smoother, younger looking skin. It can also be used to improve some cases of acne.

Procedure: A chemical agent (usually trichloracetic acid or glycolic acid) is applied to the skin. During the treatment, some stinging or a mild burning sensation may be felt. One or more days after the peel the skin will become somewhat red and flaky (similar to a sunburn). This usually lasts for several days to a week. About one in ten patients will have some brown patches, which peel off within 7-10 days.

Risks: With a light peel, only the top layers of skin are removed, therefore the risk of scarring is extremely unlikely. Other risks, which can occur, but are also unlikely, are infection, darkening or lightening of the skin and persistent redness. With deeper peels (not performed in this office), scarring and color changes in the skin become a greater risk.

Length of treatment: A series of several light peels can achieve the results of a deeper peel, but without the risks of a deeper peel. Each treatment takes approximately 15 minutes. The more severe the facial irregularities, the more treatments are usually necessary. Peels are usually performed approximately every other week. The results are cumulative. Usually a series of four to six light peels are necessary to achieve the best cosmetic results.

Preparation: Make sure that no make-up or moisturizers at all are worn to the office on the day of treatment. Your face should be cleaned well with soap and water just prior to your visit. Retin-A or glycolic acid may be prescribed to be used at least two weeks prior to the first peel. This enhances the effects of the peel.

After Care: Cool compresses and moisturizers can be used, if necessary, to relieve mild discomfort. Sun protection, including daily use of sunscreens, is absolutely necessary for 6 months following treatment. If you are using Retin-A, or glycolic acid this should be avoided after the peel, until your face is completely healed (approximately one week). These may continue after the peels to maintain the rejuvenation process.

Payment Policy: Because this procedure is usually done for cosmetic purposes, your insurance may not cover it. We therefore require payment at the time of service. A four-peel series costs $600 (if paid at the time of the first peel). Individual peels are $175 each.

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