Medical strength chemical peels

• Jessner’s peels
• TCA peel
• AHA peel

What are Jessner’s peels?

Jessner’s solution contain 12% each of lactic acid, salicylic acid and resorcinol. Salicylic acid is lipophilic that is dissolves in oil and thus is great for removing congested pores in acneic prone patients. Jessner’s solution induces superficial peeling of the skin and is used for reducing textural irregularities, fine lines and wrinkles. In the deeper dermis layer, it encourages collagen production. The Jessner’s peel is a mild to moderate form of peeling. Its strength and therefore its peeling effects can be increased, by layering the applications. This would be dependent on the patient’s skin type, skin condition and desired outcome.

What can Jessner’s peels treat?

• Sun damage
• Acne and congested skins (pimples, blackheads and whiteheads)
• Enlarged pores
• Pigmentation (sun spots, freckles and melasma)

Patients who cannot have this peel are those with:

• Allergies to aspirin based products (salicylates), resorcinol or lactic acid
• Roaccutane use in the last 6 months
• Dermatitis or infection in the area to be treated
• Pregnancy
• Abnormal wound healing

How many sessions do I need?

We recommend a course of 2 to 6 peels, this is dependent on skin type, skin condition, peel strength and the desired outcome.

What does it feel like?

Jessner’s solution is at a low pH, so it will sting a little, though will not hurt. Throughout the peel application (10 to 20 mins) the patient holds a device, which gently blows out cool air onto their face – this helps to reduce the sting.

How does my skin look after the treatment?

• Mild to moderate redness and sensitivity (similar to a sunburn) lasting 12 to 48 hours
• Skin feels dry and tight
• Some darkened areas of skin may occur (this is skin preparing to shed)
• Varying amounts of flaking/peeling can occur for approximately 3-7 days after your treatment. It is very important not to pick or peel the skin prematurely as this can lead to prolonged healing or even scarring
• Makeup is fine to use, though just keeping the skin moist often looks better and assists in faster peeling time.
• After the skin has shed it has a healthy glow, feels softer, smoother and is more even in colour
• It is important to protect the new skin from the sun by using a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) SPF 30+ sunscreen daily

Potential complications

• If the peeling skin is removed prematurely, prolonged healing and or infection is possible and may lead to a scar
• Possible herpes simplex outbreak if prone to cold sores
• Hyperpigmentation (darker areas of pigment on the skin) lasting 1 to 12 months

Skin Preparation

Prior to having a Jessner’s peel, we recommend that the skin is primed with active ingredients for at least two weeks prior to the peel. This is to maximise peel outcomes, assist in speeding the healing time and reduces the risk of post peel complications.  A specific skin care regime will be recommended to you at your initial consultation. Patient After-Care for Superficial Peels Now that you’ve had your first peel, there are a few simple steps for after care that you will need to follow: Avoid the use of moisturisers or lotions containing active ingredients such as retinol, glycolic acids, perfumes and colours. Please use the moisturiser recommended to you for 3-7 days or until your skin is no longer sensitive. Thereafter, continue with your usual moisturisers unless advised otherwise. Your skin will be a little more sensitive to the sun so keep sun exposure to a minimum. Please wear a hat and sunscreen daily. This should be a regular routine for you anyway! Apply foundation as you wish. Slight crusting and/or scabbing in particular areas may develop. If so, please do not rub or pick the skin as this may lead to a scar. It is also recommend If you have any concerns or questions please call Medesthetics

Expected changes over the next 7 to 14 days include :

Day 1 to 3 – Tight, dry skin with moderate redness and sensitivity Day 2 to 5 – Areas of darkened skin  (this is the old skin in preparation to peel) Day 3 to 7 – Peeling or slight flaking lasting 2 to 5 days

Home care products to use for the following 5 to 7 days:

Morning: Cetaphil cleanser and moisturiser (which we will supply) and a broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 Night: Cetaphil cleanser and moisturiser

What is a TCA peel?

TCA stands for tri-chloroacetic acid and is one of the original skin rejuvenation peels. They are recommended for men and women of all ages wanting to improve moderate to severe sun damage and or signs of ageing.

What can TCA treat?

• Premature aging from the sun Photo ageing
• Pigmentation and freckles
• Fine lines
• Some types of acne scarring

Can I have a TCA peel?

You may not have a TCA peel if you have:

• Roaccutane use in the last 6 months
• Dermatitis or infection
• Pregnancy
• Abnormal wound healing

How many sessions do I need?

A course of 2 to 4 peels, 2-4 weeks apart which is dependent on skin type, skin condition, peel strength and the desired outcome.

What does it feel like?

TCA 12% peels have a burning sensation when initially applied, which subsides in a couple of minutes as it neutralises. During this time the patient holds a device over their face, which blows out cool air, significantly helping to reduce the sting.

How does my skin look after the treatment?

• Mild redness and sensitivity (similar to a sunburn) lasting 12 to 48 hours
• Skin feels dry and tight
• Some darkened areas of skin may occur (this is skin preparing to shed)
• Varying amounts of sheet peeling (like sunburn) will occur for approximately 3-7 days after your treatment.

Potential complications

• Prolonged healing and or infection is possible and may lead to a scar if skin incorrectly cared for
• Possible herpes simplex outbreak if prone to cold sores
• Hyperpigmentation (darker areas of pigment on the skin) lasting 1 to 12 months

Skin Preparation

Prior to having a TCA peel, we recommend that the skin is primed with active ingredients for at least two weeks prior. This is to maximise peel outcomes, assist in speeding the healing time and reduces the risk of post peel complications. A specific skin care regime will be recommended to you at your initial consultation.

How much does it cost?

$120 per peel

AHA Peel

What is Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) Peel?

Glycolic and lactic acids are both AHA. Glycolic acid is found in sugar cane and lactic acid is derived from milk. Lactic acid is also a good humectant (increases hydration levels in the skin). It is applied to the skin in various strengths ranging from 30-70% for varying time frames depending on the desired result and skins response.

How does it work?

It loosens the thickened surface layers that appear as dry, rough, scaly skin and stimulates the production of collagen in the deeper layers. As the uppermost layers are sloughed away, a smoother textured and healthier skin is revealed. AHA peels are used to treat mild sun damage, pigmentation and loss of elasticity

What can AHA peels treat?

Fine lines Age spots Pigmentation Acne

Who are the best candidates for glycolic/lactic peels?

All skin types showing signs of aging or acne Good for people who do not need or feel ready for deeper resurfacing or stronger peels like TCA / Jessner’s Lower strength peels are good for those people who do not want any visible peeling

How many treatments will I need?

4-6 peels at weekly intervals are recommended for noticeable improvements.

The Procedure

The procedure takes between 10-20 minutes. You will experience a tingling, itchy sensation for a few minutes when the peel is applied.

How does my skin look after the peel?

Redness after the peel Minor flaking of the skin over the next 3-7 days. The effectiveness of the peel is not determined by the extent of visible peeling.

How much does it cost?

$80 per peel

Medical strength chemical peels is suitable for treating the following concerns: