Peels and Microdermabrasion

Many fine wrinkles and acne scars can be improved using chemical peels such as glycolic acid and trichloracetic acid (TCA) or microdermabrasion. Repeated sessions of glycolic acid or microdermabrasion are needed as opposed to 1-2 sessions of trichloroacetic acid. These acids or aluminum particles, in the case of microdermabrasion, exfoliate the top layers of the skin and allow the improvement of "dull skin", wrinkles, sunspots, roughness, and large pores.

The recovery period for microdermabrasion and glycolic peels is limited to a few hours in which the face appears red. Makeup can be applied immediately after the procedure to cover this up. TCA peels are more extensive and therefore require healing time up to a week. During this time, the skin resembles a severe sunburn. Because TCA peels are so much stronger, these are performed by a physician.

 

Endpoint of glycolic acid peels. Patient had a series of treatments. Results are maintained with Vitamin C serum, glycolic acid and Retin-A cream daily.