FACIAL PEELS

A skin peel is a complex procedure with certain inherent risks.  If you follow your doctor’s advice and directions, the risk of complications in this procedure is small.  Anything that you do against doctor’s advice increases the changes of your having complications.
 
You will be well informed as to what you can and cannot do during peeling.  It will be your responsibility to follow this advice since you will be caring for your skin at home.
 
There are certain conditions that may require postponement of your peel.  These include:
• accutane within the past year
• inflamed acne lesions
• open cuts or scratches on your face
• any facial surgery within three months, including a facelift or eyelid surgery
• recent or upcoming intense sun exposure

In addition, if you are under severe physical or mental stress, it is not a good time for a peel.  It is important that you can devote all of your energies to your peel and are not distracted by other physical or mental needs.

It is extremely important that you do not pick, scratch, pull or rub your skin during your peel.  If you do, you may damage the underlying new skin and cause scarring or changes in your pigmentation.

If, despite these warnings, you pick or rub your skin, you may ruin your peel.  The doctor may elect not to perform any further peels on you if there is doubt that you will follow instructions exactly.

Please realize that these warnings are for your protection. If you are not sure if you should do something or don’t understand the directions, call the office before you do anything!  We never think that any of your questions are foolish or silly.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I decide which peel is right for me?

The best thing to do is to schedule a consultation with one of our practitioners. She will be able to match your needs with the best procedure. Here are some basic guidelines:

  1. Superficial peels have less downtime but also more subtle results. Multiple peels are usually needed.
  2. If you have dark skin, you will be limited to superficial peels as the risk of skin darkening increases greatly with deeper peels.
  3. If you have rosacea or sensitive skin, you may also be limited to superficial peels.
  4. Available peels are listed below from the least to the most skin penetration and depth of peeling:
    a. Beta Peel
    b. Glycolic Acid Peel
    c. Vitalize Peel
    d. Jessners Peel
    e. Jessners/TCA Peel

How can I maximize my results?

It is important to avoid the sun and to wear sunscreen with good UVA ingredients daily. Our favorite ingredient is Zinc (“think zinc”) but Parsol 1709/Avobenzone and Titanium dioxide are good, too.

Topical treatments will typically penetrate better and be more effective after your peel. These should be resumed anywhere from 2 days to a week or so after your procedure, depending upon which peel you have. We can review your regimen with you at your peel appointment.

PREOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FACIAL PEEL PROCEDURES

  1. Wash your hair the night prior to your peel.
  2. “Early to bed!”
  3. Eat a normal meal. There is no need to skip breakfast or lunch.
  4. Wear no makeup to the office.
  5. Wear clothing with a loose, comfortable neckline.
  6. If hair is long, please pull it back in a ponytail. A headband will be provided.
  7. Bring a hat and sunglasses for the trip home.
  8. Bring someone with you to drive you home or have someone available to pick you up if needed.
  9. Photographs will be taken prior to your procedure. These are done to monitor your progress and will not be shared with others without your express written consent
  10. Be sure to tell us of any history of herpes (fever blisters, cold sores) infection or medication allergies and review all medications currently being taken or used.
  11. If you have a history of herpes simplex, you will be given a prescription for Famvir or Valtrex.
  12. If you are not allergic, take two 500mg aspirins or two 200mg ibuprofens or an extra strength Tylenol 30 minutes prior to your peel appointment.
  13. Write down any last minute questions or personal or medical history notes and bring them with you.
  14. Kindly give at least a 24 hour notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your peel or you may be charged in full for your procedure.

Our practice is committed to providing the highest quality care for our patients. We offer personalized attention in a friendly, courteous environment.


Members

230 W. Maple Rd.
Suite 200
Troy, MI 48084
248-362-3500
248-362-1941(FAX)