A chemical peel involves the application of a chemical that destroys skin cells. Many different chemicals can be used, but they all destroy skin cells. Chemical peels can be classified by how many cells are destroyed, i.e. the depth of the chemical peel.
Glycolic acid peels result in superficial skin injury and are therefore well tolerated. They help to improve skin texture and reduce irregular pigmentation. Four to six Glycolic acid peels of increasing strength are needed to effect a significant improvement. Because these peels cause superficial epidermal skin injury only, it is well tolerated and there are no downtime.
I have a few flat freckles on the side of my nose. What treatment, can I have.
Dear Lorraine. Laser pigment removal is one option.
I have a ‘coffee-coloured’ complexion. I suffer from depigmentation on my cheeks, which I assume resulted from using Retin-A for acne about 15 yrs ago. The acne has since mostly cleared up, but the depigmentation remains.
1)What can be done for the depigmentation (which is not as severe as vitiligo lesions, but still looks pale nonetheless)?
2)Is there something that could even stimulate erythema? As my clinique-bought blush that I use daily to cover it hides the paleness very well.
Dear Rabia. This is a tricky problem…. There are some options that have been described in the literature, like dermal needling etc, but you will have to come and show me.
Dear Dr Jeanne,
I was wondering what sort of treatment options are available for stretchmarks that have turned silver and are rather old. What sort of lasers are available? Also, I’ve heard of retin A and 10 % glycolic acid peels being effective? what are your thoughts?
Best Regards,
Ambrosia
Dear Ambrosia. There is no way, except excision, to remove these type of stretch marks completely. Fraxel laser might improve stretch marks. Retin A and GA peels in general does not help much for these type of stretch marks.
Hi Dr.,
I’ve had Erbium laser a few years ago. At first it improved my pigmentation (from pregnancy and sun exposure) but after a year or so (and my third child), my pigmentation actually darkened — especially on my right lower cheek and neck. Will Fraxel help for this? I’ve heard that a second round of Yag/Erbium will not help.
Could you tell me what are the differences between Erbium and Fraxel, please?
Thank you.
Dear Laura. I presume you mean an Er: YAG (Erbium:Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) laser. The Er: YAG laser emits a wavelength of 2940nm that is absorbed by water. The FRAXEL 1550 SYSTEM emits a wavelength of 1550nm that is also absorbed by water, but in a fraxionated way. That means only a percentage of the skin under the head of the laser is affected by the laser. It is a more “gentle” laser that the Er : Yag. Melasma is a condition that will tend to recur over time, no matter what treatment you choose. The goal of treatment is to keep the Melasma controlled, not to cure it permanently, although the latter can happen on occasion.
Dr. Jeanne. I have been having a bad breakout on my face and was wondering if a chemical peel will get rid of pimples and if so how much would it cost?
Dear Kelly. A chemical peel is not a good treatment option for Acne. I make the assumption that the diagnosis is Acne…
Hi Dr.
Im 17 and have had very bad acne that has left me with deep scars on my cheeks and temples and light scaring on my forhead. I also have dark spots around my mouth where the pimples were. Please can you advise me on what i should do – Chemical peel or anything els. Thank you.
Dear Skye. Pigmentation changes will resolve spontaneously over time. There are also certain pigment lightening creams, besides sun block, that will hasten the process. Actual scarring will also improve over time, but indented scars will generally not resolve completely. These scars can be improved with certain surgical techniques (subsicion) and certain lasers.
Hi.
Would like to find out if Chemical peel would work on my skin.
I had a bad break out and it left quite alot of marks on my cheeks and chin.
would the chemical peel be the best option to get rid of the marks?
thanks
Dear Janice. It depends…. on the type of mark, your type of skin and the type of peel. If possible, rather come and show me.
Hi Dr Louw – I am 26 years old and have a few ‘pock mars’ from squeezing in the past on my cheecks. My skin is also looking ‘old’ and dry – I have used exfoliators and great products but Im uncomfortable with the texture and colour and obviously the scars – what would you suggest for this? ANd if you can please indicate when your practise will be open in the new year – thank you!
Dear Kerry. We opened again this week. If possible, rather come and show me. I will be able to advise you better then.
Dear Dr Louw
I live in the Middle East, and I am very skeptical about the quality of cosmetic procedures here. I would like to look into having a procedure done in Cape Town to improve my facial skin – but there are so many options out there that I am confused about which would be the best. I am in my mid-forties, have mild wrinkling (although quite bad around the eyes) but a fair amount of pigmentation and sun damage. I am also concerned about the healing process, as I take 10 mgs wafarin daily for a blood disorder. In your view, what would be the best treatment to consider – fraxel, standard laser resurfacing, IPL, Thermage, photodynamic therapy or any other option? I have had frequent mild peels and microdermabrasian in the past and have not been impressed with the results. Many thanks for your reply.
Dear Amanda. Excellent question. The general idea is to choose the safest option that will address the primary problem. If you have sun damage, in the sense of pre cancerous lesions, then photodynamic therapy is the treatment of choice. If pigmentation is the primary problem, then IPL is a good option. Fraxel will also work, but is more expensive and more invasive. If skin texture is the primary problem then Fraxel is a good option. I hope this answers your question.
Hi Dr. Jeanne Louw,
Does the products repair minor ance scarings? Thank you
Dear Terry. If it is actual scarring then only very deep (dermal) peels will have any affect. Glycolic acid peels, will not have any effect on dermal scarring.
Can I come in for a consultation about the best method of treating wrinkles and sagging? What is the cost of a consultation? And does your clinic offer photoregeneration?
Shona
Dear Shona. Consultation fee is R475. I do offer photoregeneration.
Do you have a clinic in the southern surburbs
Dear Lebo. No, I do not.
Hi there
Will the Laser Pigment removal treatment help for oily skin with enlarged pores prone to white and blackheads?
Dear Kirstee. No, it will not.
Thank you Doctor
One more question.
Would one need to use other treatment products (face wash and moisturizers) after the session as would after chemical peel sessions?
Thanks
Dear Kirstee. The products that you need to use, depends on the skin problem that you have….. I will only be able to tell you that once I see you.
I went for a face peel yesterday (not with yourselves), and he used a 50% peel, but it doesn’t seem to have had much effect at all. I’m only 30 and just have a bit of discolouration that I would like to even out (sun damage and brownish marks from scars). My skin hasn’t actually ‘peeled’ at all, it does feel a little bit tighter, but that’s about it. Is this realistic for a peel, or should I consider trying again? Please could you advise me of the price range for your peels? Thanks!
Dear Sara. I very rarely use peels for pigmentation, mostly pigment targeting lasers. The cost for whole face laser for Solar Lentigos are around R1500 to R1800.
Hi,
The Neostrata Chemical peel, how much will it cost? I have moderate acne scars, and would like to do peels myself at home
Dear Cleo. High strength Glycolic Acid peels are not available for home use.
I have dark patches on my face (upper lip and forehead). I assume it is from sun damage. I’m interested in having a skin peel done but need to know the price of the procedure and also if any of the cost can be covered by a medical aid. Thank you
Dear May. You probably have melasma, in which case a chemical peel is not the treatment of choice. If possible come and show me so that I can make a diagnosis first and we can then decide on the best treatment option.
I cronic milia i have tried a fruit acid peel but it was very light with extraction, but this was extremly painful. could you please tell me would a stronger chemical peel improve the appearence of the milia? i also have them on my eyelids but i believe i cannot have the chemical peel on this area
Dear Sam. If the diagnosis of milia is correct, a chemical peel will never work for it, because milia are situated in the dermis. Light chemical peels only affect the top 20% of the epidermis. There are other ways to treat milia, depending on the number of milia that you have.
Does a chemical peel prevent the outbreak of further acne or is it just recommmended for acne scaring?
Dear Olivia. A chemical peel does not influence the course of Acne, because it does not change the cause of the Acne, which is due to the effect of a hormone called Testosterone on the oil gland. The type of chemical peel must be matched to the type of scarring. If it is mostly pigmentation and not scarring, superficial chemical peels will have some effect. If it is real scarring with changes to the dermis, superficial chemical peels will not help.
Good day, I have gone for 6 of these peel ended up on 50%. I didnt see any results, my scars on my face and arms us still there as well as the pigmentation. What other treatments it there that works?
Dear Mariska. Please look here.
Good day
My name is Kim Mohamed and I have a problem with my skin. I have bad acne and scars. I have tried everything and I dont know what else to do. Can you please advise me what to do. I would like to know what suitable treatment can work and what are the cost involved.
Thank you
Kind Regards
Kim Mohamed
Hi
Could you please give me an indicative price for a Chemical Peel for the face.
Thanks
Gary
Dear Dr Jeanne. Will chemical peel work for sun pigmentation on v of the neck?
Dear Tia. Only if the pigmentation is very superficial, which most often, it is not. Pigment removal lasers tend to work better. Sometimes certain creams can also improve the appearance.
How much does it cost? and will i have a red/blotchy/ sensitive face afterwards??? how long do i need to stay out of the sun for??