Aesthetics

Chemical Peels

Chemical Peels Ormond Beach Chemical peels remove damaged outer layers of skin on the face to smooth texture, reduce scarring, and remove blemishes to produce healthy, glowing skin. There are three types of chemical peels, ranging from mild to strong – alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and phenol – and formula strengths are tailored to each patient. Peels can be combined with other procedures such as facelifts for a younger look.

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Types of Chemical Peels

AHAs are the gentlest of the three types of chemical peel. They consist of a group of glycolic, lactic and fruit acids that smooth and brighten skin by treating fine wrinkles, dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne. Treatment takes 10 minutes or less. Patients may choose AHAs if they do not want the lengthy recovery time of a phenol or TCA peel. Occasionally AHAs, Retin-A (a prescription medication containing Vitamin A) or hydroquinone (a bleach solution) are used to thin the skin and even its tone as a pre-treatment for TCA peels.

TCAs are commonly used for medium-depth peeling (though depth is adjustable) to treat fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment problems, sometimes in combination with AHAs. TCAs are the preferred chemical solution for darker-skinned patients and may be used on the neck and other areas of the body. Results are often less impressive and do not last as long as with phenol peels, and multiple treatments may be required, but treatments only last 10-15 minutes and recovery time is shorter.

The Procedure

Chemical peels may be performed in a our office. Anesthesia is not required because phenol and TCAs act as an anesthetic while AHAs produces only a slight stinging, though you may be given a sedative.

In an AHA peel, the skin is cleaned and the solution applied; there is no need for “after-peel” ointment or covering. During TCA and phenol peels, the skin is cleansed and solution is applied, which may cause a brief stinging sensation. Petroleum jelly or a waterproof adhesive tape may be put on the skin following a phenol treatment.

After the Procedure

AHA peels can cause temporary stinging, redness, irritation and flaking or crusting. Phenol and TCA peels can result in tingling or throbbing, reddened skin, a crust or scab, and significant swelling which lasts about a week, depending on the strength of the peel used. With phenol, your eyes may even be swollen shut at first and you may be put on a liquid diet and advised not to talk very much. Any tape used is removed after a day or two. All procedures require adequate sun protection for your new skin.

All three treatment types carry potential risks such as infection and scarring. In addition to the after-effects listed above, TCA peels may produce some unintended color changes in the skin, while phenol peels may reduce or eliminate the new skin’s ability to make pigment evenly or at all, thus causing a lighter or uneven skin tone that must be protected from sunlight.

Melanage Skin Lightening Peel

The Melanage Skin Lightening Peel is an effective treatment option for patients with uneven skin tone, pigmentation or melasma. This procedure is performed in your doctor’s office, and involves applying a masque to the affected area for several hours. Patients can go home once the mask is applied, and then wash it off later at the designated time.

After the Melanage Skin Lightening procedure, patients often notice a significant appearance in the pigmented areas of their skin. Results may vary depending on each individual patient, but most are satisfied with the results of the procedure. Patients often experience peeling after treatment, although this usually goes away on its own within a few days.

This treatment can be used safely by many patients, but should not be performed on patients with active cold sores, open wounds, sunburn or excessively sensitive skin. Patients who have taken Accutane® within the last year should also not undergo this procedure. Your doctor will decide whether or not this treatment is right for you after a thorough evaluation of your condition.

Sapphire 3® Photo Abrasion

Sapphire 3® Photo Abrasion Ormond Beach Sapphire 3 Photo Abrasion is a cosmetic skin care treatment similar to microdermabrasion that rejuvenates the skin with blue and red LED light therapy. This system stimulates fibroblast production in the skin and promotes collagen growth as well, allowing patients to enjoy a youthful and refreshed appearance.

Unlike microdermabrasion which uses crystals, the Sapphire 3 system uses sapphire granules to cover the tip of the machine and painlessly ablate the top layers of the skin as it is moved across the surface. This system can be used to treat a wide range of skin conditions and is safe for nearly any skin type.

The Sapphire 3 treatments can be used to treat:

Wrinkles
Fine Lines

Acne
Scars

Hyperpigmentation
Other effects of aging

In addition to improving the outside appearance of the skin, the Sapphire 3 system also helps drain fluid from the lymphatic system, clearing toxins, metals and other waste from the body that may not be otherwise removed. This can help improve the patient’s overall health and can therefore assist in the effectiveness of other Sapphire 3 uses.

Sapphire 3 treatments take about 45 minutes to perform, and most patients achieve desired results after a series of six to ten consecutive treatments spaced two weeks apart. After the initial series of treatments, patients may benefit from a monthly session in order to maintain the results of the Sapphire 3 system.

Many patients experience a smoother skin texture and improved overall appearance. Most patients do not experience any redness or other side effects after treatment, and instead can enjoy a smooth and glowing appearance immediately after Sapphire 3 Photo Abrasion. There is no downtime from this procedure, so patients can return to their regular activities immediately.