MORE ABOUT CHEMICAL PEELS IN JACKSONVILLE

AT FIRST COAST PLASTIC SURGERY

LIGHT CHEMICAL PEELS

Alphahydroxy acids, (AHAs) such as glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids are the mildest of the peel formulas and produce light peels. These types of chemical peels in Jacksonville, FL at First Coast Plastic Surgery can provide smoother, brighter-looking skin for people who can’t spare the time to recover from a TCA peel. AHA peels may be used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne. Our skin specialist will make the appropriate recommendation for safely achieving your goals during your consultation and throughout your treatment program. Alphahydroxy chemical peels make use of water based organic acids such as citric acid from various citrus fruits, lactic acid from milk, glycolic acid from sugar cane, malic acid from apples, and tartaric acid from grapes. An alphahydroxy acid, such as glycolic acid, can also be mixed with a facial wash or cream in lesser concentrations as part of a daily skin-care regimen to improve the skin’s texture.

Betahydroxy acids, (BHAs) are also organic. But this chemical peel is oil based and uses an acid derived from willow tree bark. This type of acid is clinically know as “salicylic acid which is effective in reducing age and sun spots, and to diminish dark spots, (hyperpigmentation).

AHA and BHA peels may cause stinging, redness, irritation and crusting for patients who have never had these types of chemical peels. However, as skin adjusts to the treatment regimen, these reactions will likely subside.

MODERATE CHEMICAL PEELS

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be prepared in many concentrations or strengths. However, it is most commonly prepared for moderate chemical peels or medium-depth peeling. TCA peels are well suited to treat fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and to help the skin produce pigment. And TCA peels do not bleach the skin. More than one moderate TCA peel is usually needed to achieve optimal skin condition.

After a TCA peel, patients should expect redness and some peeling for about a week. And in some cases patients may experience minimal swelling. TCA peel patients are advised to avoid sun exposure for several months after treatment to protect and allow the newly formed layers of skin to fully develop.

DEEP CHEMICAL PEELS

Generally speaking, the TCA peel referenced above can be prepared to achieve results similar to peels performed using phenol acid. For this reason we prefer to use the TCA peel for our deep chemical peels. The following information about phenol acid peels is provided for reference.

Phenol acid also know as carbolic acid peels are the strongest chemical peels. Because they are the strongest type of chemical peels, they are capable of producing the most dramatic improvements to skin texture and color consistency. Phenol is an organic molecule derived from petroleum byproducts. And when blended as a chemical peel has proven to be an effective treatment to improve deep wrinkles, sun exposure and age related discoloration and scars.

The recovery period for Phenol Acid Peels are dependent on the strength of the blended peel and can range from one to three weeks. For the strongest phenol acid peels full recovery can take several months. However, they can also produce dramatic improvements to the condition and appearance of your skin.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A CHEMICAL PEEL

AT FIRST COAST PLASTIC SURGERY

To help assure that your upcoming chemical peel goes smoothly, we recommend that you follow a few guidelines to assure that your skin is ready and properly prepared for your chemical peel.

We recommend wearing a SPF 30 or greater sunblock for 4 to 6 weeks prior to your chemical peel to avoid any level of sunburn or even “sun-kiss”.

We also recommend using an over the counter or prescription retinoid, (retinol) for 4 to 6 weeks prior to your chemical peel. This will help prepare your skin and remove some of the dead skin build up allowing the chemical peel to be more effective. When scheduling your chemical peel, do so by planning to be out of direct sunlight for the week before and at least 2 weeks after your chemical peel to prevent blistering, and darkening of the skin. It’s ok to go about your daily activities but remember, direct sunlight through the windows of your home or your car is the same as being outside in direct sunlight. It is important to protect your skin from the sun as much as possible.

If you have a cold sore or fever blister, it is best to reschedule your chemical peel for a later date when your skin is clear of any burns or blisters. If you have a history of cold sores or fever blisters, let us know when you schedule your chemical peel. Dr. Csikai can prescribe medications that will prevent them.

If you shave your face, do not shave the day of the peel. Shaving the morning of your chemical peel can cause you to feel a higher degree of stinging and burning.

If you are of a darker skin type and have an tendency to tan easily, we recommend pre-treating your skin for 1 to 2 weeks prior to your peel with Skinuva Brite. You can purchase Skinuva Brite. You can purchase Skinuva Brite at our office for $80.00. Skinuva Brite contains tranexamic acid, kojic acid, arbutin, hydroquinone and vitamin C and will help prevent hyperpigmentation after your chemical peel.

RECOVERY AFTER YOUR
CHEMICAL PEEL IN JACKSONVILLE, FL

The following information applies to light and moderate chemical peels. After your chemical peel in Jacksonville, FL at First Coast Plastic Surgery, expect to experience some redness and dryness. Most are comfortable going back to their daily activities. The peeling process usually begins 4-5 days after the day the chemical peel was applied. Your skin will go through a dying process. This will include tightening, wrinkling and cracking before it can start to flake away. The whole rejuvenation process usually takes 7 to 8 days. Once the peeling process is complete, your skin will be fresh, new baby skin. And it must be protected. It is worth noting that the peel chosen for your concerns, skin type, and downtime may not cause you to flake and peel at all. But this does not mean the peel didn’t work. Not all chemical peels cause skin to flake and peel.

After your chemical peel, some spots may appear darker but the new skin underneath will not be. Do not pick, peel or pull off any of the skin that is in the peeling process. The peeling process must happen at its own pace. rubbing or peeling skin that has not peeled by itself can result in pigmentation problems and scarring because the new skin underneath is not ready for the environment yet. New skin is ready when it sheds the old layer above it.

If you develop any sensitive or raw areas, feel free to apply Vaseline or Aquaphor to the area a couple of times a day to avoid complications.

If you have darker pigmented skin, you may need a specific post-treatment product such as Skinuva Brite to assist in avoiding hyper-pigmentation after the peel. Our recommending this product will be based on the type of peel you receive and the darkness of your skin.

Lastly, only use gentle cleansers and gentle moisturizers. Remember your skin is brand new and will need to be pampered. And brand new skin must be protected from the sun. Your new skin will burn easily so use SPF 30 sunblock products or higher for the first week after the treatment and SPF 15 products should be made a part of your daily routine.