Whilst many patients will think of a facelift being the mainstay of facial rejuvenation, it is crucial also to consider treating the skin. Modern facial peels are a world away from the peels of yesterday, with far fewer side effects and little (if any) downtime. At Mr Pacifico’s clinic, Purity Bridge, his team offer courses of both superficial peels and medium depth TCA peels. The skin peel systems used have a long track record in producing consistent and reliable results, with excellent safety records.
Superficial Depth Peels
The superficial peels used are provided by a complex AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) formula, which is ideal to treat the effects of skin ageing, sun damage and skin laxity. The superficial peels are particularly designed to treat the skin of those under 35. A course of 6-8 sessions is recommended, each 1-week apart.
Medium Depth Peels
A TCA (trichloroacetic acid) solution is used for medium depth peels. The TCA penetrates to a deeper than the superficial peels to allow a faster action, resulting in mild skin peeling about 3-days after the procedure. The peeling can last for 2-3 days, and the skin is ready for a further procedure 1-week later. For maximum effect it is best to undergo a course of at least 4 peels. Medium peels are recommended for more sun damaged skin, those with pigment blotches and fine lines, enlarged pores and if you want to improve the overall skin quality.
Appointments for peels can be done within an hour and most people are able to return to work after their treatment, making it a true “lunchtime” procedure. Results will be seen after the first treatment, but are best appreciated after the full course of treatments.
What does a peel involve?
A facial peel is undertaken in the clinic without the need for any numbing cream or anaesthetic. The procedure is performed in the clinic treatment room by one of Mr Pacifico’s experienced specialist nurses. The peel is applied with cotton buds or swabs with light pressure. “Frosting” (white crystals on the skin) is indicates the peel has reached the correct depth in the skin. If no frosting has occurred, further peel solution may be applied.
You will normally feel a light burning similar to mild sunburn, which is rapidly eased by the a post-peel cream. It is important to apply sun protection before to leaving the clinic, especially in summer months.
It is also important to tell the team if you have recently exfoliated, as this can make your skin more sensitive to the peel and may require a more gentle approach.
What should I do when I get home?
The most important things to consider after your peel are sun-protection and the application of the post-peel cream that will be provided.
Sun protection should be performed regularly and you should avoid direct sunlight for a week after the peel. Ideally wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat as well as using high protection sun cream.
When can I apply make-up?
Do not apply make-up when your skin is actually peel, but you can use make-up before the peeling begins after applying suncream and post-peel cream.
What are the possible complications?
Facial skin peels have a low complication rate, however, complications result from over-treatment in areas. If this happens, further treatment to blend in any differences may be advised. If too much peel solution is applied to an area it can create the loss of skin pigmentation in that area. Further treatments may be required to address this in the unlikely event this happens.
Should the peel solution get into the eyes, they must be washed immediately to prevent eye injury.