Chemical Peels

A chemical peel is actually a second degree chemical burn that causes the outer layers of the skin to slough off revealing the smooth fresh pink skin beneath. It is quite like a burn on your finger that forms a blister. When the blister comes off, the skin underneath is pink and smooth. In two or three months it looks normal leaving no scar at all.

A Chemical Peel is used for treating the skin in a variety of ways. The chemical is a dilute acid used for the purpose of refreshing the skin. There are perhaps 20 different versions used in different strengths and combinations for customized treatment of the skin. The weaker acids like glycolic merely accelerate the normal sloughing of the skin. Stronger acids (TCA) with 30% to 60% concentration are used for removing superficial skin blemishes, even though it usually does not tighten loose skin.

Dr. Foster says that effective tightening of the skin can be done with a deeper second-degree burn. For this purpose, he has been using the phenol peel that was developed nearly 30 years ago by Dr. Baker. In his experience, Dr. Foster finds that a chemical peel gives the same results for the patient as the laser peel, costs way less, and produces more reliable and faster results for the patient. Most senior plastic surgeons have gotten rid of their lasers and gone back to the more reliable, more effective and way cheaper phenol peel. Imagine painting a wall with a camel's hair brush (laser) or with a roller (phenol). Which would be smoother, more even and quicker? The fiber-optic bundle in a laser has to be replaced every year or so at $10,000+. The expense is borne by the patients. Phenol peel uses giant Q Tips. Patients have to wear eye protection when using a laser. I know of a plastic surgeon who was forced to retire because of blindness caused by a laser reflecting off a shiny instrument straight into his eye. I know of a patient who died of inhalation burns (at UCLA) when a crack in the fiber-optic laser bundle ingnited oxygen in the drape sheets. Nuff said?

Dr. Foster finds the results of a phenol peel to be more smooth and uniform than laser, which is essential for achieving good cosmetic results. With the laser burn, the same process is more difficult and time consuming. Laser treatment is not only more expensive and cumbersome, but it is fraught with risks of accidents, as well.

The methodology of using Chemical Peels Dr. Foster learned nearly three decades ago from Dr. Baker. Experience has shown that it is still the safest, the cheapest and most predictable way to achieve the best results. You must avoid the sun for 2-3 months afterward. It is best done in the fall or winter.

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