Chemical Peels
Chemical Peel
If You're Considering Chemical Peel...
Chemical peel uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation. Phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are used for this purpose. The precise formula used may be adjusted to meet each patient's needs. Although chemical peel may be performed in conjunction with a facelift, it is not a substitute for such surgery, nor will it prevent or slow the aging process. This brochure provides basic information about certain types of chemical peel treatments and the results you might expect. It won't answer all your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Once you and your plastic surgeon have decided on a specific peel program, be sure to ask about any details that you do not understand.
Deciding if chemical peel is right for you Chemical peel is most commonly performed for cosmetic reasons -- to enhance your appearance and your self confidence. Chemical peel may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne. In certain cases, health insurance may cover the peel procedure. Be sure to check your policy and contact your insurance company before the procedure is performed.
Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids are the mildest of the peel formulas and produce light peels. These types of peels can provide smoother, brighter-looking skin for people who can't spare the time to recover from a phenol or TCA peel. AHA peels may be used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne. Various concentrations of an AHA may be applied weekly or at longer intervals to obtain the best result. Your doctor will make this decision during your consultation and as the treatment proceeds. 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.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be used in many concentrations, but it is most commonly used for medium-depth peeling. Fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment problems are commonly treated with TCA. The results of TCA peel are usually less dramatic than and not as long-lasting as those of a phenol peel. In fact, more than one TCA peel may be needed to achieve the desired result. The recovery from a TCA peel is usually shorter than with a phenol peel.
Phenol is the strongest of the chemical solutions and produces a deep peel. It is used mainly to treat patients with coarse facial wrinkles, areas of blotchy or damaged skin caused by sun exposure, or pre-cancerous growths. Since phenol sometimes lightens the treated areas, your skin pigmentation may be a determining factor as to whether or not this is an appropriate treatment for you. Phenol is primarily used on the face; scarring may result if it's applied to the neck or other body areas.
All chemical peels carry some uncertainty and risk. Chemical peel is normally a safe procedure when it is performed by a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon. However, some unpredictability and risks such as infection and scarring, while infrequent, are possible.
AHA peels may cause stinging, redness, irritation and crusting. However, as the skin adjusts to the treatment regimen, these problems will subside.
With a TCA peel, your healed skin will be able to produce pigment as always; the peel will not bleach the skin. However, TCA-peel patients are advised to avoid sun exposure for several months after treatment to protect the newly formed layers of skin. Even though TCA is milder than phenol, it may also produce some unintended color changes in the skin.
With a phenol peel, the new skin frequently loses its ability to make pigment (that is, tan). This means that not only will the skin be lighter in color, but you'll always have to protect it from the sun. Phenol may pose a special risk for patients with a history of heart disease. It's important that you make your surgeon aware of any heart problems when your medical history is taken.
It is also possible that phenol will cause some undesired cosmetic results, such as uneven pigment changes. Certain modified phenol peels are gentler and may be preferred in some circumstances.
Find out more >>Juvederm
Juvederm
Juvedermtm is a non-animal dermal (skin) filler which is carefully injected beneath the skin surface to diminish the depth of facial folds and wrinkles and provide definition and volume to the lips. Juvedermtm injectable gel is made from a natural complex sugar. The injectable gel acts as a skin filler to gently restore structure and volume to the skin. Juvedermtm filler lasts longer because it is the only dermal filler currently available with the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid in a special formulation process.
Find out more >>Restylane and Perlane
Restylane & Perlane
About
Restylane and Perlane are dermal fillers. The popularity of such fillers is increasing as they work well, produce immediate results and there is essentially no recovery. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in your skin, providing fullness and elasticity. Over time, skin loses hyaluronic acid and as it diminishes, skin loses volume, increasing the chances for wrinkles and folds to appear. Restylanetm and Perlanetm provide rejuvenating cosmetic beauty treatments for a natural, younger-looking you. Restylanetm and Perlanetm are both composed of hyaluronic acid. Perlanetm has larger gel particles and tends to be injected deeper within the skin. These products are non-animal, biotechnology produced. Each is injected through a tiny needle to produce a long-lasting, safe and natural enhancement.
Benefits
- Instant results
- No skin test
- No animal ingredients
- Restoration of facial volume
- Reduces acne scars
- Reduces depressions in the skin
- Fuller lips
- Reduces wrinkles and fine lines
- Minor facial re-shaping
- Long-lasting up to 12 months
Alternatives
| Filler Agent | Durability |
| Fat Transfer | 1 - 2 years or more |
| Juvedermtm | 6 - 12 months |
| Perlanetm | 6 - 12 months |
| Restylanetm | 6 - 12 months |
How Does it Work?
Restylanetm and Perlanetm are cosmetic dermal fillers that add volume within the skin. They consist of non-animal, stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA). In the human body, natural hyaluronic acid provides volume and fullness to the skin. After treatment with Restylanetm and Perlanetm, the hydrophilic (or "water loving") nature of the hyaluronic acid molecules allows them to bind many times their own weight in water as they slowly break down. This process helps maintain volume for many months. As the gel breaks down, water takes its place. Consequently, the less concentrated the gel becomes, the more water is able to bind. When totally absorbed, the gel disappears unnoticed from the body.
Who is a Candidate?
No allergy testing is required before use.
What Can I Expect?
Results are immediate following treatment and can last for six months or longer depending on the area treated. As Perlanetm is a larger molecule than Restylanetm, it can result in even more enhancement for a longer time duration.
Safety and Side-Effects
Restylanetm is the world's most studied cosmetic dermal filler, with more than a decade of use. Restylanetm and Perlanetm have well-defined profiles and are approved for the treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth (naso-labial folds). Restylanetm has been used in over 1.4 million treatments in the United States and is available in more than seventy countries, with numerous studies published in the medical literature. Clinical studies have shown no significant differences in the safety of Restylanetm and Perlanetm. Restylanetm and Perlanetm contain no animal ingredients. After the treatment, some common injection-related reactions may occur, such as swelling, redness, pain, itching, discoloration and tenderness at the implant site. These typically resolve spontaneously within one to two days after injection into the skin, and within a week after injection into the lips. One in two thousand treated patients have experienced localized reactions thought to be of a hypersensitivity nature. These have usually consisted of swelling at the implant site, sometimes affecting the surrounding tissues. Redness, tenderness and (rarely) acne-like formations have also been reported. These reactions have either started a few days after injection, or after a delay of 2 - 4 weeks, and have generally been described as mild to moderate and self-limiting with an average duration of two weeks. Both products contain trace amounts of gram positive bacterial proteins and are contra-indicated for patients with a history of allergies to such material. The product should not be used by people with a known allergy to Lignocaine.
Recovery Time
Down-time is minimal for most patients. Others may be over-corrected for the first couple of days. One is usually able to return to normal activities the same day as the treatment.
Does it Hurt?
Restylanetm Lidocaine, Perlanetm Lidocaine were introduced at the beginning of 2009. Lidocaine is an effective local anaesthetic. In more than 90% of patients treated with Restylanetm and PerlanetmLidocaine this was more pleasant compared with the injection without Lidocaine.
Before Treatment Instructions
If possible, it is advisable to stop Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories seven days prior to injection, and avoid alochol for twenty-four hours prior to injection.
After Treatment Instructions
None
Who Performs the Treatments?
All treatments are performed by Dr McKerrow, specialist dermatologist. Dr McKerrow believes that this product should be administered by a qualified healthcare professional and this is the standard of care that every patient should always seek. Dermatologists have an in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy and are versed in all different injectable products available. Following consultation with you, Dr McKerrow will determine the best injectable product to meet your concerns, and administer the injections as well. His medical experience and knowledge will benefit you, so you can be assured of the best possible outcome.
Find out more >>Fat Transfer
Fat Transfer
About
Fat transfer involves transferring fat from one body area to another and is beneficial for reconstructive and cosmetic purposes. The procedure is used to replace fat loss which occurs beneath the skin, in association with the ageing process. The duration of response where the fat is transferred varies from patient to patient. In most cases, it is long-lasting and permanent. Follow-up injections may be necessary.
Benefits
• No allergic reactions.
• One’s own fat – it is natural
• Long-term and even permanent results
• Ability to correct large defects
• Atrophy of the temples, lateral jawline, malar and buccal cheek, chin and pre-maxillary, and upper lip respond very well to this procedure
Alternatives
| Filler Agent | Durability |
| Fat Transfer | 1 - 2 years or more |
| Juvedermtm | 6 - 12 months |
| Perlanetm | 6 - 12 months |
| Restylanetm | 6 - 12 months |
How does it Work?
Fat is extracted through a small incision, usually from the abdomen, buttocks or thigh areas, which have been anaesthetized. Syringes of fat are then placed on a sterile field to allow the fat to separate from the fluid. The purified fat is injected into the involved area.
Who is a Candidate?
No allergy testing is required and anybody can undergo this procedure.
What can I Expect?
Immediate results which can last for one to two years, or longer.
Safety and Side-Effects
Fat transfer is a safe and effective procedure, as one’s own fat is used.
Recovery Time
The patient can resume normal activity two days following the procedure. Occasionally patients will have minor swelling, depending on the amount of fat transferred.
Does it Hurt?
Bruising, soreness and swelling are possible.
Before Treatment Instructions
Avoid blood-thinning medications such as Cartia (Aspirin), non-steroidal anti-inflammatories for two weeks before the procedure.
After Treatment Instructions
Continue to avoid blood-thinning medication for one week following the procedure.
Who Performs the Treatments?
Dr McKerrow
Find out more >>