Chemical Peels

At Australian Skin Clinics we offer a variety of chemical peels ranging from therapist applications to high strength doctor only peels.

Chemical peels, sometimes also called chemexfoliation or derma-peeling, are techniques that are used to improve the skin texture and tone. There are many forms if chemical peels that range in intensity from very mild to very strong.

Chemical peels do literally cause your skin to peel. The strength of the peel determines the number of layers of skin peeled, the length of the downtime and inevitably the final result. Regular mild peels such as enzymatic peels, glycolic peels, salicylic acid, lactic acid and weak jessner peels will improve your skin over time, but higher strength peels will provide a faster result. After a strong peel, the new, regenerated skin is usually smoother, more even in colour and less wrinkled than the old skin. The new skin also is temporarily more sensitive to the sun.
Below is a patient of ours before and after one Pigmentation Peel:

What Conditions Do a Chemical Peel Treat?

Chemical peels are used to:

• Reduce fine lines under the eyes and mouth area, treat wrinkles caused by sun damage, ageing, and family history.
• Improve the appearance of mild scarring.
• Treat some types of acne.
• Reduce Melasma, Chloasma, age spots, freckles and dark patches caused by birth control pills, pregnancy or other hormonal changes.
• Improve the look, feel and brightness of skin that is dull and looks tired
• Treat sun damaged skin which may contain pre-cancerous Keratosis. After a treatment, new pre-cancerous lesions are less likely to appear.

If you have very heavy sagging skin and wrinkles, there are several other options which may be of greater benefit, such as:

• laser resurfacing
• facelift
• brow lift
• eyelid lift

Who Is a Good Candidate For a Chemical Peel?

Generally, fair-skinned and light-haired patients are the ideal candidates for chemical peels.

Darker skin types may also have good results, depending upon the type of problem being treated although the risk of an uneven skin tone after the procedure is increased.

How Are Chemical Peels Performed?

A chemical peel can be performed in the clinic however we have one exception which is the Doctor only Blue Peel. This is carried out under general anaesthetic in our day surgery centre.

Pre -Treatment -

We normally ask you to prepare your skin for 2-4 weeks prior to your peel. Pre-treatment strengthens the skin, prepares it for the best possible treatment result and also firms the basis of your ongoing skin care routines. After all, once you have improved your skin you will want to maintain it as long as possible. Your pre-peel preparation may include our Skinstitut pack combination of Retinol, vitamin C, a tyrosine inhibitor and glycolic products. After the chemical peel, it is important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day.

On the day of treatment, your skin will be cleansed thoroughly to remove excess oils. The chemical peel, possibly several layers, will be applied. Depending on the peel type, your face may feel very hot. Depending on the peel, a fan or cold air will be available to make the treatment more comfortable.

The chemical peel produces a controlled wound, enabling new, regenerated skin to appear.

What To Expect After the Chemical Peel

Depending upon the type of chemical peel, you may experience a sensation similar to mild or moderate sunburn . Peeling usually involves redness, followed by scaling that lasts three to seven days. Mild peels may be repeated at one to four-week intervals until the desired effect is achieved.

Medium-depth and deep peeling may also result in swelling, as well as water blisters that may break, crust, turn brown and peel off over a period of 7 – 14 days. Medium-depth peels may be repeated in six to twelve months, if necessary.

Post treatment, it is important to avoid exposure to the sun because the new skin is fragile and more susceptible to complications.

What Are the Possible Complications of Chemical Peels?

In some skin types, there is a risk of developing a temporary or permanent colour change after a chemical peel. Subsequent pregnancy, contraceptive pills, or a family history of brownish discolouration on the face may increase the possibility of developing abnormal pigmentation.

There is a low risk of scarring although some individuals may be more prone to scarring. If scarring does occur, it can usually be treated with good results.

If you have had a cold sore in the past, there is a small risk of reactivation. This can be avoided by taking medication pre-treatment .

If you have any if the following you should let your practitioner know prior to treatment;

• history of keloid scarring
• history of abnormal scarring
• history of x-rays to the face
• previous cold sores

For more information or to book please contact 1300 303 014