What is the best prep to maximize chemical peel absorption?

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture. Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.

Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Prepping skin for a chemical peel can be accomplished a number of ways.Microdermabrasion alone can remove a lot of dead cell buildup. Just remember to keep your skin moisturized so your skin can function better. Microdermabrasion blasts tiny crystal particles to "sand" the skin, with a vacuum system to pulls away dead cells and helps clear pores.Silkpeel is a "wet" microdermabrasion that exfoliates and infuses serums at the same time. That's also a very useful maintenance treatment that can be repeated often with a wide array of benefits. Silkpeel uses a diamond tip want and does not "blast" so it's a kinder sensation. The added serums can benefit the skin and help control oil production.Hydrafacial is another option and super saturates dry skin while decongesting skin with peel and suction.You can also use manual exfoliants, many you can find in the drug store; just don't go overboard with the harsh ones or use any that contain ground shells.A topical exfoliant like low percentage glycolic acid, salicylic acid or lactic acid can help prevent dead cell build up as well.

The best preparation for peel is hydrofacial or microdermabrasion. It's best to do this a couple of days in advance to allow any irritation to settle down. At the time of the peel your clinician should decrease the skin with both alcohol and acetone to remove any residual oil.

Hello! Thank you for your question. The best prep for a chemical peel depends on the type of peel you are receiving. It also varies for each patient. In general, we recommend a protocol using SkinCeuticals products to prep the skin. We like to incorporate cleansers, toners, retinols and a good SPF. The duration of the prep varies but a good start is about 4-6 weeks long. We advise our patients to stop using retinol products a week prior to the peel. Please visit our website to learn more about our SkinCeuticals line and services we offer! 

Sun damaged skin will likely require a combination of treatments that can address your main concerns, in conjunction with a good quality retinol and moisturizer. Of course sun screen is a given. At the Anti-Aging clinic we offer facials that would help to propel your results. If you have sunspots then we would add the IPL treatments to your prescription. A complete facial with a Hollywood Facial - which included RadioFrequency would enable you to see the best results quicker.The NanoFractional Radiofrequency™ delivers energy through the epidermis, to the dermis, to generate heat and initiate skin change, rebuilding collagen and stimulating fibroblasts, all resulting in tissue remodelling.