Who is a candidate?

The chemical peels we use at Advanced Dermatology are usually suitable for all skin types including those patients with oily, acneic, or sensitive skin.  People with tans or skin of color may participate safely in all of the peels, microdermabrasion, and medical facials that are offered.

Individuals who have sunspots, sun-damaged skin, dry, aging skin, oily skin with enlarged pores and acne scarring are good candidates.  All individuals who want to maintain skin health are also good candidates.

Women who are pregnant are not candidates for any chemical peel or medical facial, with the exception of glycolic peels.

What is Medical Facials, Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion like?

During a chemical peel the treatment area will be cleansed.  The chemical will be applied in a thin layer.  It is left on for about five minutes, during which time you may feel slight warmth and stinging in the area.  Cool air is blown to minimize any discomfort.  After the treatment, the area will be cleansed again and sunscreen will be applied.  You may apply makeup immediately after a treatment.

During a SonoPeel™ you will feel a warm, wet vibrating sensation and hear a high pitched sound, then feel a gentle scarping of your face with a metal wand.  During a SonoFacial™ you will feel a warm gel gliding over your skin.  Both of these treatments are well tolerated and leave your skin hydrated, refreshed, and glowing.  Makeup may be immediately applied after any of these services and you can go back to your daily activities without looking as though you have had a procedure.

How does Medical Facials, Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion work ?

B-Liftx^® or Beta Peel, by Bioglan Pharmaceuticals, contains salicylic acid with patented MICROSPONGE^® technology.  Salicylic acid, found in willow bark, also know as beta hydroxy acid, has been discovered to gently exfoliate the surface skin cells and promote regeneration and renewal of the skin.  The MICROSPONGE^® technology facilitates an even application of the B- Liftx^® on the skin and allows salicylic acid to reach the smallest crevices in the skin’s surface as well as being able to penetrate into the pores.  These peels are available in 20% and 30% salicylic acid concentrations.

The Gel Peel GL combines 20% glycolic and 10% lactic acids.  They work together to exfoliate the skin while reducing irritation and dryness.  Because of glycolic acid’s molecular structure, it penetrates more quickly and deeply.  Lactic acid is an effective yet gentle alpha hydroxyl acid that increases moisture levels by stimulating the production of glycosaminoglycans.  By accelerating the cell renewal process, stimulating collagen synthesis, and improving elastin fibers in the dermis, this combination of AHAs in this light chemical peel revitalizes photo-damaged skin and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The Gel Peel SM combines 20% salicylic and 10% mandelic acids.  They work synergistically to exfoliate the skin while decongesting pores and reducing irritation.  Although one of the strongest alpha hydroxyl acids, mandelic acid’s large molecular structure and even penetration help prevent inflammation and irritation that can sometimes occur with alpha hydroxyl acid use.  Salicylic acid is a lipid soluble beta hydroxyl acid that penetrates pores to dissolve sebum and cellular debris.  This light chemical peel revitalizes sensitive skin and helps improve the appearance of problematic skin.

What type of equipment is used?

B-Liftx^® chemical peels use 20% and 30% salicylic acid concentrations and a sponge.  Gel Peel GL combines 20% glycolic and 10% lactic acids and a fan brush or a sponge.  Gel Peel SM combines 20% salicylic and 10% mandelic acids and a fan brush or a sponge.

SonoPeels™ and SonoFacials™ are a part of the Pan G™ Lift program, although are commonly performed separately.  Ultrasonic cavitational energy and ultrasonic microdermabrasion delivers SonoPeel™ therapy to remove the stratum corneum and smoothen and rejuvenate the aging epidermis.  A SonoFacial™ provides a low frequency ultrasound cavitational energy used to augment delivery of medical skin care products into the dermis.  These therapies are contained within and delivered by a single, FDA cleared, physician controlled technology called the MEDUCE™, manufactured by PanGerminal Systems.

What desired results can be expected?

Chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and medical facials are most successful when they are done in a series.  We usually recommend a series of three sessions two weeks apart.  With each additional treatment, you should see incremental gains in the overall appearance of the skin.  Subsequent treatments every 4-12 weeks will help to maintain the results achieved.

Most patients report a definite improvement in the appearance, hydration, texture, and tone of their face after SonoPeels™ and SonoFacials™.

Are there any negatives?

During a chemical treatment, you may feel a burning sensation for a few minutes.  A cold air device or fan used during the treatment reduces this discomfort.  Slight redness, skin sensitivity, and a tight sensation usually last no more than a day.  Uncommonly, flaking and irritation can last up to five days.  Your skin will likely feel tighter, smoother, and softer than usual.  Some patients experience slight stinging, burning, or itching during this time.

What happens after Medical Facials, Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion?

Usually the skin is normal immediately after a mild chemical peel, microdermabrasion, or medical facial and makeup may be applied after your session.  There is no specific post-treatment care for microdermabrasion or facials.

For chemical peels, there may be slight redness or peeling which lasts for 1-2 days and very uncommonly 5 days.  Your skin usually feels tighter and smoother but may also feel a little sting or itch.  You will care for your skin by using a mild non-abrasive cleanser or other mild products for five days as well as protecting your new skin with adequate sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher with zinc oxide as an active ingredient.  In addition, it is best to avoid prolonged sun exposure.

Is there another way to get the same effect?

Alternative forms of treatment include other types of microdermabrasion, laser photorejuvenation, laser resurfacing, topical skin care products, and camouflage makeup.

How is this different than other procedures?

There is minimal downtime, flaking, peeling, and redness with these chemical peels in comparison to other chemical peels and laser peels that have potential side effects that can last up to two weeks.

A SonoPeel™ is less abrasive than other microdermabrasions but just as effective with no downtime.  A SonoFacial™ is a more intensive facial treatment that penetrates serums into the deeper skin tissues rather than a topical application.

Other treatment options include laser resurfacing and photorejuvenation.  These typically will produce better results but are more expensive and have more potential side effects.

Can this be combined with other treatments?

All of these procedures can be performed alone or in combination with other treatments we offer.

What is the cost of Medical Facials, Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion?

Treatments are available as single treatments or at a reduced fee when bought in packages.  Please call our office to schedule a consultation to determine which treatment will most benefit your specific skin concerns.