Clearing your complexion with Chemical Peels

Medium depth peels

• Skin rejuvenation – creating tighter smoother skin with fewer wrinkles.
• Removal of pigmentation.

The procedure involves light sedation. It’s recommended to have a friend pick you up after the procedure.

You will need 5-7 days off work for the procedure to heal. During the time you’ll be required to apply an ointment to keep the skin moist. You’ll also need to sleep on your back and wash the face very gently to prevent premature removal of the scab.

Time – 1 hour

What chemical is used for a Medium Depth Chemical Peel?

Medium depth chemical peels can be achieved with a variety of chemicals. TCA (trichloro acetic acid) is the most commonly used product and is what is used at Cosmos for medium depth peels.

How does it work?

Medium depth chemical peels involve the removal of the top layer and half of the second layer of skin. This allows the skin to regenerate forming new healthier looking skin.

What are chemical peels used for?

• Skin rejuvenation – tighter smoother skin with fewer wrinkles.
• Removal of pigmentation such as freckles, age spots and melasma.

How do I prepare for a Medium Chemical Peel?

Preparing your skin prior to a medium depth chemical peel will result in deeper penetration, faster recovery, lower risk of discoloration and a better overall result. Skin preparation may be achieved by applying Retin-A for four to six weeks prior to the peel. Retin-A will help shed any dead superficial layers of skin and will allow the chemical peel agent to penetrate more deeply. Retin-A will also stimulate your skin to regenerate and heal more quickly.

What can you expect during the recovery period?

There will be no discomfort following the procedure however your skin will feel tight. You should wash your face twice daily with a soap free cleanser and water. Gently dry your face with a towel. Wash your hair over a basin and avoid a shower head near your face.

Apply an ointment (1% hydrocortisone) as required to avoid dry itchy skin.

Your face will initially appear red. Within a few days, the superficial layers of skin will turn dark, become stiff, and resemble leather. It will then crack, flake, and peel. Flaking is usually complete in four to seven days. Once your old skin has sloughed, your new skin will be bright and flushed. Once your skin has finished peeling, you may begin wearing makeup.

You will physically be able to return to work immediately, however, you may wish to have a few days off because of the skin pealing from your face. Most people are able to comfortably return to normal activities within seven days. You can resume normal skin care three weeks after the procedure. Your flushed appearance will fade slowly over several weeks.

How often do I need a peel?

Medium chemical peels can be repeated every six months to two years.

The skin rejuvenation effects of a medium chemical peel may dissipate over six months to a year, but improvement will persist if you adhere to a skin care program including use of a sun block, vitamin A cream and an antioxidant cream.

The removal of pigmentation will persist as a long as a sun block containing Zinc is applied every morning.

Most women who choose medium chemical peels as the mainstay of their facial rejuvenation have a repeat peel every six to twelve months.

Are there any complications?

The risk of pigment changes and scarring is minimal with an appropriately trained doctor. Pigment changes occur mostly in dark skin types. These patients are not suitable for a medium depth peel. The risk of infection is reduced by taking antibiotics for five days after the treatment.

Exfoliation with Peels

The principal function of the skin is to act as a two-way protective barrier. The epidermis is the outermost laser of skin, constantly producing new cells which are gradually shed at the skins outer surface. This non-living outer layer (stratum corneum) is the skins first line of defense and can thicken with advancing age, disease, or exposure to sunlight, giving the skin a dull, thickened, “leathery” appearance, often with clogged pores and fine wrinkling. Exfoliation is the process of reducing excess non-living skin cells, which lets the natural beauty of the skin show through, unblock pores, and reduce the barrier function of the skin just enough to allow better penetration of topical preparations. Increased skin cell turnover stimulates collagen production, increases skin thickness and improves skin tone. Exfoliation can be chemical, mechanical, or a combination of both.

For more information please call 1300 138 797 or e-mail info@cosmosclinic.com.au

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