Skin Peels: Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of peels are offered?
Microdermabrasion
What is microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is considered a lunch-time skin resurfacing procedure. Meaning that the patient can have the procedure and return to work in one hour. Makekup may be applied afterward, if desired.
This procedure is performed by using an FDA-approved device that gently sprays aluminum oxide crystals onto the skin. This causes exfoliation or removal of the superficial “dead” skin cells. The skin is also vacuumed in this procedure so debris in pores is removed. Microdermabrasion is second to BOTOX® Cosmetic in popularity. Microdermabrasion is used to treat and improve:
- Acne
- Acne Scars
- Skin Clarity – hyperpigmentation, melasma, freckles.
- Fine-Moderate Wrinkles
- Enlarged Pores
- Skin Texture
How long does the procedure take?
It usually takes about 30 minutes to do a full face. You can return to work and apply make-up immediately after the peel.
Can you treat any skin color?
Yes, light and dark-skinned patients may be treated.
Who should not have this kind of peel?
- People with an active cold sore.
- People with spider veins of the face (glycolic peels are recommended)
- People with acne roseaca (glycolic peels recommended) or thin skin.
What does it look like afterward?
A rosy glow to the skin will be noted and it will feel softer.
How many treatments will I need?
It depends on the condition of the skin. However, on average, it takes about 4-8 treatments approximately 10-14 days apart. When the desired effect is achieved, we recommend a treatment once a month for maintenance.
What does it do?
This treatment stimulates collagen production, exfoliates, decreases oil production and unclogs pores. It removes blackheads, whiteheads and acne. Skintone and clarity will be improved, pore size will reduce, wrinkles will soften.
Do I have to use special products?
It is recommended that a daily regimen of medically supervised products is started. Together with the peel, they work synergistically to achieve a quicker, better result.
Vibradermabrasion
Vibradermabrasion is a new innovative exfoliating procedure that restores the skin’s youthful glow and texture. Vibraderm is rapidly becoming a popular treatment. Hand- held vibrating paddles with a mildly abrasive stainless steel surface are used to gently and rapidly slough off the sun-damaged outer layer of skin. Collagen production is also stimulated, so after a few treatments the skin will be smoother, the appearance of fine lines will be diminished, and pores will appear smaller.
Patients are pleased with the massage-like qualities of Vibraderm. It is more comfortable than microdermabrasion which uses sand crystals to “blast” away dead skin cells. During the treatment appropriate topicals are infused with a smooth-surfaced paddle that allows for deeper penetration into the skin. The skin will be slightly pink in color for about 15-30 minutes. There is no recovery time associated with this procedure.
Every patient receives their own paddle kit that may be used for 8-10 treatments. Because of this there is no risk of cross-contamination. Vibraderm is indicated for the treatment of photoaging, acne, acne scars, melasma, and hyperpigmentation. Areas that are commonly treated are face, neck, chest, hands, and back. Usually a series of 4-6 treatments are recommended every other week to improve the skin along with medically supervised home skincare products. The procedure fee is $150 and the paddle kit is $50.
To learn more go to www.vibraderm.com.
Glycolic Peels
Glycolic peels can be alpha-hydoxy or beta-hydoxy acids that are applied to the skin for several minutes and then neutralized. This is truly a lunch-time procedure. Patients return to work immediately. Glycolic peels are used to treat:
- Acne
- Hyperpigmentation: sunspots, freckles, melasma
- Fine-moderate wrinkles
- Skin texture
- Enlarged Pores
What can be treated?
Any areas of the skin except the upper eye lids.
What does it do?
It causes exfoliation, stimulation of new cell production and collagen production. It also evens out the skin tone. **(It treats the same conditions as microdermabrasion, in addition to patients with acne rosacea and spider veins of the face)**
How many will I need?
Depending on the skin condition, 4-8 treatments may be needed. Once skin is corrected, monthly treatments are recommended.
Can you treat any skin color?
Yes, light and dark-skinned patients may be treated.
Obagi Blue Peel
What is the Obagi Blue Peel?
It is a TCA (Trichloracetic Acid) peel in a blue-colored base. It is a deeper peel than microdermabrasion or glycolic peels.
Is it painful?
A strong stinging sensation is felt, this lasts for about 2 minutes. Fans are used for cooling during that time.
What will I look like right after?
The skin will have a slight blue color. It is recommended that the patient take 4-5 days off from work.
Is there anything I need to do before the peel?
Yes, pre-treatment of the skin with Obagi Nuderm products is required for a minimum of 6 weeks. Using the products will give you a much better result.
What does it do?
This treatment stimulates collagen production, exfoliates, decreases oil production and unclogs pores. It removes blackheads, whiteheads and acne. Skintone and clarity will be improved, pore size will reduce, wrinkles will soften. The skin will continue to improve for 6-8 weeks afterward. Occasionally the Blue Peel will be repeated to achieve full correction.
Do I have to use special products?
It is recommended that a daily regimen of medically supervised products is started. Together with the peel, they work synergistically to achieve a quicker, better result.