.--Glycolic Acid Peels

Consultation  Day Of Your Acid Peel  Post-Acid Peel Instructions  Risks  Follow-up Visit



Background On Glycolic Acid Peels
Glycolic is a naturally occurring, nontoxic acid found in sugar cane that has been used for centuries as an ingredient in cosmetic preparations. Glycolic acid falls into a larger category of acids called alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA). Preparations of these acids have demonstrated to provide effective treatment of skin surface roughness, dyspigmentation and mild wrinkling secondary to the effects of sun exposure. Improvement in skin texture and pigmentary changes is the result of the acid producing a controlled, partial thickness wound to the skin. The damaged superficial layers of skin are exfoliated or "peeled off." Once the skin heals, it takes on a more refreshed and normalized appearance.

Virtually all adult patients with evidence of sun damaged skin are candidates for glycolic acid peels as part of a greater skin care regimen. The peels, which are performed at six-week intervals, are used in combination with a daily skin care regime that includes a less concentrated alpha-hydroxy acid. The combination of a more powerful peel with a daily skin care regimen makes each more effective. In addition to the face, it can be effectively used on all parts of the body that show signs of photoaging: the arms; back; chest and legs.

Glycolic acid peels are versatile and can be used in combination with Renova, Lac Hydrin and hydroquinone treatment as part of complete facial rejuvenation regimen.

Complications from the peels are few. The treatments require a short visit to the office and patients are ready to return to their daily activities immediately.

back to top


Glycolic Acid Peel Consultation
At your initial visit with Dr. Capella, he will perform a directed physical examination and take a medical history with attention to current medications, allergies, previous plastic surgery and skin care regimen. He will examine you in front of the mirror and discuss your skin concerns. If Dr. Capella feels that other modalities such as laser resurfacing, Botox, microdermabrasion, collagen or surgery may be more beneficial to you, he may make these suggestions. Individuals most likely to benefit from glycolic acid peels are those with mild pigmentary changes and fine wrinkles secondary to the effects of the sun, although virtually every adult will benefit to some degree from the peels.

If Dr. Capella feels you are a candidate for glycolic acid peels, he will suggest you first begin a daily skin care regimen. Dr. Capella recommends the Refinity Home Care Skin products. This skin care regimen consists of a cleanser, protective toner and rejuvenating lotion. The three-part treatment is to be applied in the morning and at night. Dr. Capella will review in detail how the products are applied. The home care regimen includes a 15% lactic acid, which serves to precondition your skin for the stronger peel.

Photographs will be taken of the areas to be treated and you will be provided with a home care skin regimen travel pack. This should provide you with several months of product. An appointment will be made for your first peel in two weeks time. Informational materials regarding the peels will be provided.

back to top


Day Of Your Glycolic Acid Peel
Prior to commencing the peel, Dr. Capella will answer any questions you may have. We will ask you to review and sign a consent form at that point.
You will first be asked you gently wash your face with a soft towel and nonsoap cleanser. A headband will be placed to keep your hair out of your face. The peel involves five steps including the cleanser, the toner, the Refinity 70% glycolic acid peel, the neutralizer and finally water. The critical step in the process is the acid. The amount of time the acid is left on your skin without neutralization determines the depth of the peel. Depending on the changes visible in your skin, Dr. Capella will allow the peel to work from 3-5 minutes.

During the peel you will experience a "tingling" sensation but not pain. Immediately following the procedure, you may notice some areas of redness in the skin treated. Following receiving you post-peel instructions you may return to work or whatever your responsibilities are.

back to top


Post-Glycolic Acid Peel Instructions
You will be supplied with a post-peel moisturizer, which should be applied to the areas treated twice a day for 48 hours. Particularly while you have any evidence of redness in the areas treated, you should apply a sun block with a rating of 15 or greater. Dr. Capella will advise that you apply sun block whenever you are using any skin care regimen. Make-up can be used as desired. You should avoid sun exposure and/or tanning beds after the treatment. Alpha-hydroxy acid products, masks, scrubs, facial waxing, or any other exfoliating products or treatments should not be used for 48 hours following the peel.

In the absence of irritation, you may begin using the Refinity home products or other alpha-hydroxy acids two days after the treatment.

back to top


Risks Associated With Glycolic Acid Peels
Complications from glycolic acid peels are rare. The most common side effects include persistent redness, irritation, increased sun sensitivity and rarely hyperpigmentation. Other potential complications include infections from improper postpeel care at home, from herpes outbreaks or from picking at the face during the healing period.

To prevent infections, you should not manipulate the treated areas. Occasionally crusting of skin occurs. These areas will be treated with a topical antibiotic.
Contraindications to glycolic acid peels are few but include a history of dermatologic disorders that manifest skin sensitivity (such as eczema) and a known sensitivity to any of the components of the peel preparation.

back to top


Glycolic Acid Peel Follow-up Visit
Your next scheduled visit to the office will be 6 weeks following your first peel. During that time, as described above, you should continue to apply the Refinity Home Care products twice a day along with a sun block of 15 or greater. If prior to this visit you develop persistent redness, irritation, scab formation, hyperpigmentation or increased sensitivity to the sun, contact the office. Dr. Capella may make changes or additions to your skin care regimen. The home products may be used indefinitely as long as you think you are receiving benefit. Generally, six glycolic acid peels are performed, each six weeks apart. Thereafter, the peels may be performed once or twice a year to maintain the results achieved.

back to top


Next: Arm Lift