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Non Surgical Solutions : Chemical Peels
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During your consultation with your doctor you will want to know what kind of skin you have (thick, thin, oily, dry, sensitive or fragile or tolerant and most importantly how it reacts to sun: does it burn easily such as white skin or does it tan such as olive color skin. Once the dermatologist has classified your skin he or she would then determine what the cosmetic imperfections you want to address are. If the problem is that of large pores chemical peels would make things worse. ND:YAG laser treatments may be better. On the other hand if the problem is caused by dark spots and pigmentation an Amelan peel using Aziatic acid is the most appropriate and requires very little down time. Should the problem be that of a leathery and wrinkled sun damaged skin, a deep chemical peel using a strong acid with sedation such as the TCA peel is the most effective provided your dermatologist is experienced in such a peel.
I have been privileged to work in his Beverly Hills for several years with Dr. Obagi, one of the world leaders in TCA chemical peels. We published in the International Journal of esthetic surgery a review of how those tricky peels can be performed safely. The dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon should explain the level of skin improvement you hope to achieve. Your doctor will then review your medical history and examine your skin type and pigmentation to determine if you are a good candidate for a chemical peel and what kind is most appropriate for your skin type, skin condition, and budget and available down time. Together you can evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of chemical peels, discuss your options, your expectations and determine the best treatment for you.
There are many different peels and they are all not alike in terms of their effectiveness or side effects. Fruit acid peels are the mildest but least effective. For best results the skin is prepared with a skin-conditioning program using special creams for one to two months before the procedure.
Medium and deep peels can result in swelling and blisters that break open forming a crust and turning brown, followed by peeling which can last up to two weeks. Ointments and creams will be applied to keep the skin moist. At first the new skin will have the color of severe sunburn. This will gradually fade to pink over the next several weeks. Cosmetics can be applied after about one to two weeks. Following a chemical peel, your new skin will be tighter, smoother and slightly lighter color than it was before surgery.
Following any skin peel, it is important that you avoid any exposure to the sun. Your new skin is very sensitive and susceptible to injury. Always apply a wide spectrum (UVA and UVB blocking) broad-spectrum sun block of at least SPF 15 twenty minutes before you go outside. Safesun Z (SPF 30) from skinusa is my favorite as it is a physical sunscreen based on transparent zinc oxide and titanium.
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