CHEMICAL PEELS

Vistnes Plastic Surgery offers several chemical peel options to correct a variety of skin irregularities. For all peels, the essential function of the treatment is to dissolve the connection holding the dead cells together on the surface of the skin, exfoliating them to reveal the smoother healthier skin beneath. Depending upon your skin condition, we may recommend either a light or medium depth peel.

LIGHT PEELS

Light, or superficial, peels are composed of natural substances (alpha or beta hydroxy acids), often derived from sugar cane and fruits. They are available in varying strengths for different indications. These “lunch time” peels are designed to gently remove the top layer of skin. Vistnes Plastic Surgery offers two types of light peels: Glycolic and Salicylic peels.

GLYCOLIC PEELS: for skin that has become dull and needs to be refreshed. How does it work? Gycolic is a specific type of alpha hydroxy acid formulated at higher concentrations than can be sold outside of a physician’s office. Its active ingredients effectively, yet gently, exfoliate the dead skin layer revealing the clearer, fresher skin beneath. What can I expect? On application, you may feel a slight tingling of the skin, but it will subside. You may have slightly pink skin following the procedure, but it will not last long. There may be minor flaking as well over the next several days. Results Smoother, fresher, skin texture with a reduction in fine lines and superficial pigment. The doctor or nurse may recommend a series of peels to achieve the best result -- typically, six sessions at intervals of 2-4 weeks. Glycolic Peels are frequently performed in combination with microdermabrasion.

SALICYLIC PEELS: for age spots, acne, and acne prone oily skin How does it work? Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy peel. It is self-neutralizing and has limited penetration. Similar to the Glycolic peel, the Salicylic peel promotes the exfoliation of the outer surface of the skin. What can I expect? There will be a mild stinging for approximately 2-3 minutes when the peel is applied. You may have slightly pink skin following the procedure, but it will not last long. There may be minor flaking as well. Results There will be a clearing of clogged pores and exfoliation of oily areas of the face. It may also help to fade superficial age spots and areas of pigmentation. The overall texture of the skin will be improved.

MEDIUM PEELS

Medium depth peels are stronger than light peels. The outer layer of the skin and upper dermis are removed chemically with the application of the peel. For this reason, the cosmetic results are more significant but there is a 5-7 day recovery period. Vistnes Plastic Surgery offers two different medium peels: Jessner’s and Obaji Blue Peel.

JESSNER'S: for sun damage, fine lines, uneven pigmentation, shallow acne scars, age spots, and freckling. How does it work? A combination of lactic acid, salicylic acid and resorcinol, an exfoliating agent, Jessner’s is on the milder side of the medium peels. It doesn’t have the strength of the Obaji blue peel, but works in a similar manner, exfoliating and reaching into the dermis to stimulate collagen production. What can I expect? Upon application, Jessner’s stings to a varying degree, but the discomfort resolves within minutes. Following the treatment a white “frost” appears on the skin surface. The frost layer disappears in 30 minutes or so leaving skin slightly red. Within a day or so, the skin becomes tight and brownish in color and the dead upper layer of skin begins to peel off. The recovery for this treatment is approximately 5-7 days. It is recommended that you avoid sun exposure and keep the skin hydrated. While it may be tempting to “help” peel the skin, don’t pull or rub the skin, this may prolong the recovery and cause hyperpigmentation of the new skin. Results This peel evens out pigmentation, tightens and smoothes skin, minimizes pores, and improves fine lines.

Obagi Blue Peel: for more severe fine lines and wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, shallow acne scars, sun damage, and freckling. How does it work? Obagi Blue Peel uses a slow-acting trichloroacetic acid (TCA) solution. The slow action of the Obagi Blue Peel solution enables your doctor or nurse to control the peel process and its depth. Once applied, the Obagi Blue Peel produces a separation and peeling of the outer layers of the skin. Obagi has a built in dye-based safety mechanism that helps the doctor or nurse determine the peel depth and reduce the risk of complications. What can I expect? The Peel takes approximately 25-30 minutes. The doctor or nurse will apply 1 to 4 layers of the peel based on your skin type, tolerance and the desired results. There is a warm to hot sensation on application that may last about 2-3 minutes followed by a stinging sensation. The recovery for this treatment is approximately 5-7 days. It is recommended that you avoid sun exposure and keep the skin hydrated. While it may be tempting to “help” peel the skin, don’t pull or rub the skin, this may prolong the recovery and cause hyperpigmentation of the new skin. Results Tighter, less wrinkled skin with a more youthful appearance, reduction of hyperpigmentation and a pink healthy glow. Prior to getting either medium depth peel, the doctor or nurse may recommend a 4-6 week course of Retin A to prepare the skin. Retin A, derived from vitamin A, penetrates into the dermis layer of the skin, stimulating collagen production which promotes a better result and shorter recovery when deeper peels are necessary. All peels, light or medium, will produce a better result if used in a series. No peels can help, or eliminate, sagging or excess skin. >> click here to see before and after photos