What kind of chemical peel should I get?

A series of in-office superficial chemical peels is often quite helpful as an adjunct to at-home use of prescription anti-acne topical medications. Common peeling agents used for acne include maximal strength salicylic acid, various concentrations of glycolic acid, Jessner's solution or low concentrations of TCA. Your doctor will be best able to determine which peeling agent bests suits your particular needs and complements your at-home regimen. Superficial peels, particularly maximum strength glycolic acid and TCA 10-25% can also be helpful for smoothing mildly crepey skin and very fine lines. Make sure to seek consultation and treatment by a board certified aesthetic physician. Best of luck.

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

Hello Princess.Comprehensive skin care is better than an isolated chemical peel. I would suggest a formal evaluation of your concerns with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon and possible a package of chemical peels later.Best wishes, Dr. ALDO :)

Hello Princessc932,
The combination of a good skincare line such as SkinMedica, chemical peels (SkinMedica) and a series of DermaSweep microdermabrasions will correct, as well as, prevent damage to the surface. Starting at age 23 is recommended as long as you are adamant about applying SPF and adhering to the pre/post treatment instructions. For optimal results treatments should be continuous and increase in strength.

A chemical peel in isolation is not a good idea. A chemical peel is part of a broader comprehensive plan to rejuvenate the skin. I would suggest seeing a cosmetic dermatologist that can put you on a comprehensive skincare program. Then I would suggest a ZO 3 step peel. I am not a huge fan of largely outdated peels such as glycolic acid and jessner's. The 3 step peel is an excellent option for you. And it is safe in all skin colors and skin types.