Exfoliation
(chemical peels)
As time passes, age and environmental factors can have a negative impact on skin, causing imperfections such as dull, uneven skin tone to appear.
Chemical peels using acid-based products are applied to the skin, causing the upper layers of the skin to peel, thus accelerating cellular renewal. The depth of the peel depends on the degree of repair desired.
The doctor will make the choice as to what type of exfoliation is best suited to the patient, taking into account skin type and the strength of the substance used.
Types of exfoliation
Mild peels are performed using
fruit acids and aim at “brightening” the complexion.
Glycolic acid dosed at 30% to 80%.
Treatment involves 3 to 6 sessions with a 2-week interval between each session.
Redness for an hour or so after treatment is normal. Skin should be protected with sun block for two months following treatment.
Deep peels are performed using phenol-based products.
This is an aggressive treatment that must be performed by a qualified dermatologist who has knowledge of the procedure. The results of a phenol peel are immediate and dramatic. This peel is performed in one single session.
Skin peels massively for 1 to 2 weeks following the treatment and no normal activity can be resumed during the first two weeks. Post-treatment care is intense (even more intense than for a facelift, or any other facial surgery procedure) and regular visits to the doctor are essential during this time. Dr Raspaldo does not perform deep peels.
Medium peels are performed using trichloroacetic acid (TCA), at varying strengths (going from 10% to 35%).
The skin will peel for between 5 and 10 days following treatment, after which it will look rejuvenated and renewed. This peel is performed under local anaesthetic in one single session (and under general anaesthetic if TCA is dosed at 30%). The patient will experience an intense burning sensation for around 10 minutes after treatment. After the peel, a cream is applied to the treated area to promote healing. Redness will persist for around one month and we advise patients to refrain from normal activities and stay at home for the first week, as scabs will form on the treated area. Skin should be protected with sun block for at least three months following treatment.