| Dr. Michael Kaminer is a member of American Academy of Dermatology. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about Cosmetic Dermatology - Chemical peels.
Q. How does Chemical peels help reduce the appearance of facial folds, wrinkles and crow’s feet?
A. Superficial chemical peels such as glycolic acid are excellent for treating brown spots and fine lines. To eliminate deeper wrinkles such as crow’s feet, medium or deep depth chemical peels are needed such as trichloracetic acid (TCA) or phenol. Many physicians now use lasers to achieve similar results, usually with more predictable results.
Q. What determines the best type of chemical peel suitable for individual clients?
A. Patients with a modest amount of sun damage and primarily pigment (color) changes are treated with superficial chemical peels. Those with deeper wrinkles or more sun damage need deeper peels, or preferably laser skin resurfacing options.
Q. Who are the best candidates for Chemical peels treatment?
A. Those with mild to moderate amounts of sun damage.
Q. How effective are the results of Chemical peels? Are the results permanent?
A. All peels are effective, and the results often long lasting. However, most patients will continue to accumulate sun damage over time, so permanent results from chemical peels are elusive. Most results are noticeable but temporary, lasting anywhere from 6 to 60 months.
Q. What is the Glycolic peel?
A. Glycolic Acid peels are often referred to as fruit acid or alpha hydroxyl acid peels. They are light, superficial peels that are best for fine lines, mild texture changes, and light to moderate pigmentation. They are likely the most common type of medical peel performed in the United States, and are highly effective at improving tone and texture of the skin.
Q. What can the Glycolic peel be used to treat?
A. Fine lines, mild textural changes, and mild to moderate brown pigmentation. They can also be extremely effective in helping to control acne. Young adults, as well as adult women with persistent, difficult to control acne often find Glycolic acid peels a life saver!
Q. How effective is the Glycolic peel and are the results permanent?
A. Glycolic acid peels are predictably effective, but the results are not permanent. Patients often require maintenance treatments at 1 to 2 month intervals.
Q. Are multiple sessions required for Glycolic peel treatment?
A. Yes, multiple glycolic acid peels are need to obtain optimal results for most patients. As few as 2 to 3, or as many as 8 to 10 peels can be needed, usually at monthly intervals.
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