Chemical Peels FAQ's

Q: What Is a Chemical Peel?

A: This procedure can restore sun-damaged, wrinkled, blemished, acne scarred or blotchy skin to its original youthful appearance. The results are normally a smoother more even toned textured skin. The skin will look younger, tighter and fresher than before although it cannot remove all facial flaws. Deeper lines, wrinkles and other flaws may require additional peels, treatments or techniques. The chemicals normally used are Trichloracetic acid (TCA, for more superficial lines and blemishes) or Phenol (a much deeper and more serious peel) for deeper wrinkles, flaws or discolorations. Regardless, the down time is considerable so be prepared to take time off for recovery.

Q: What is the procedure?

A: The skin is prepared over a four week period with a pre peel kit. The solution can be applied to the face, neck, hands or decollage and monitored. Adding successive layers to the skin controls the depth or level of the peel. During a peel an even layer of the solution is applied and allowed to dry without neutralising. The LA Peel is self limiting and is left on the skin, after the initial layer is dry, a second layer can be applied to achieve deeper penetration. White milky frosting occurs and signifys the end point for layers added. Even frosting signifies a unifrom, even peel.

Q: What does it contain?

A: The LA Peel solution contains (essentially) 14% each of resorcinol (an antiseptic often used to treat chronic skin conditions such as acne and eczema). Lactic acid, or alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) is a member of a well-known family of exfoliants. As such, it improves skin's overall texture by moisturizing, sloughing off dead surface cells and promoting collagen growth. Consequently, lactic acid often works well as a wrinkle and line reducer and helps to even out skin tone and diminish acne scars. Salicylic acid (encourages skin shedding). Each ingredient performs an important function in the peeling process.
 
Q: Is this a superficial, medium or deep peel?

A: The LA Peel is classified as a superficial peel, but the peel can be layered by an experienced practitioner for a deeper peel.
 
Q: What skin problems does it claim to treat?

A: The peel is used to treat mild to moderate wrinkles, sun damaged skin, melasma and mild to moderate acne.
 
The range is suitable for all skin types; however ethnic and darker skin types may be treated with a series of light peels in order to exercise extra caution against possible risks of skin pigment damage.

Q: What should I expect post-operatively?

A: You will feel as though your skin has a windburn or sunburn and will find that your skin is tight. Do not make excessive or widely exaggerated facial expressions. This can tearing of the skin and bleeding, hence -- scarring. Just let your skin heal naturally and do not peel or tug on ANY skin that may peel from the face. You can cause excessive damage resulting in severe scarring if you do this!.

Q: Will it hurt?

A: You may experience a hot or tingling sensation and depending upon the strength of the peel -- a stinging sensation. Your practitioner may place a fan on low speed to help with any type of discomfort.

Q: When will I be able to see the results?

A: You will start noticing pink, fresh skin emerging from under the peeling, damaged skin. Remember not to help the peel along by pulling or rubbing this old skin off. Within a few weeks the pinkness will fade for most, light peels. Depending upon the depth of the peel you may have lingering pinkness which may look like a mild sunburn or flushed appearance. Your practitioner will go over what to expect for the depth of the peel you undergo.

Q: What are the risks of a Chemical Peel?

A: Scarring can occur with strong acids, but is unusual with weaker ones. The most common causes of scarring are infection and pulling of the skin before it is ready to peel. Both of these are avoidable. Increased pigmentation may occur and resolves with time, it can be largely prevented by religious use of sun screen for 3 months after the peel.

If you have oral herpes. You MUST gain the approval of your primary physician and seek a prescription for oral acyclovir - one brand name is Zovirax®. This is very important! Zovirax® can significantly decrease your chances of a break out. If you have a break out during your healing period, it can spread to your entire face and result in severe and permanent scarring.

Scarring is a problem if the above is experienced so please adhere to your post-peel instructions to decrease your chances of long term or permanent, visible signs of damage.

Q: Are the results permanent?

A: The results are as permanent as you intend on taking care of your skin thereafter. If you continue to sunbathe, smoke, not take care of your skin, etc. - your skin will become damaged again. Although you will. of course, continue to age - your wrinkles will be softened and your appearance made fresher depending upon the depth of the peel. Taking care of your skin and using quality maintenance and prevention products like a high SPF sun block will most certainly help you retain the rejuvenated, more youthful appearance.

Q: Who is it not suitable for?

A: Anyone who is pregnant or lactating. Ethnic and darker skin types should exercise caution and may only be suitable for a series of light peels.