WEEKEND OR "FLASH" PEEL

This peel is a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)are used for this purpose. The precise formula used may be adjusted to meet each patient's needs.
This peel is most commonly performed for cosmetic reasons -- to enhance your appearance and your self confidence. It may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be used in many concentrations, but it is most commonly used for medium-depth peeling. Fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment problems are commonly treated with TCA. More than one TCA peel may be needed to achieve the desired result.
With a TCA peel, your healed skin will be able to produce pigment as always; the peel will not bleach the skin. However, TCA-peel patients are advised to avoid sun exposure for several months after treatment to protect the newly formed layers of skin.
•Smooths out fine surface wrinkles
•Removes superficial blemishes
•Corrects pigment problems
•Can be used on neck or other body areas
•May require pre-treatment with Retin-A or AHA creams
•Treatment takes only 5 - 15 minutes
•May be used for darker-skinned patients
•Peel depth can be adjusted
•Repeat treatment may be needed to maintain results
•Sunblock must be used for several months
PREPARING FOR YOUR CHEMICAL PEEL
Sometimes Retin A - a prescription medication derived from Vitamin A - is used to pre-treat the skin. This thins out the skin's surface layer, allowing the TCA solution to penetrate more deeply and evenly. If your skin won't tolerate Retin-A pre-treatment, an AHA cream may be used instead. Hydroquinone, a bleaching agent, is sometimes used in conjunction with Retin-A or AHA pre-treatment, especially if you have blotchy skin areas or pigmentation problems.

THE PEEL
Sherry will apply the solution to your cleansed facial skin, a process that usually takes no more than 10 minutes. No "after-peel" ointment or covering is required. Depending on the strength of the peel, periodic treatmentsmay be necessary until the desired effects are achieved.
For some patients, the application of an AHA-based face wash or cream once or twice a day at home will be sufficient to accomplish the desired goal or you may add Retin-A or a bleaching agent to your at-home treatment schedule. After several weeks of at-home use, Sherry will examine your skin to determine if your regimen needs adjustment.

AFTER YOUR TREATMENT
After an this peel, it is common to experience some temporary flaking or scaling, redness and dryness of the skin. However, these conditions will disappear as the skin adjusts to treatment.
GETTING BACK TO NORMAL
The temporary redness, flaking and dryness that you experience will not prevent you from working or engaging in your normal activities. A fresher and improved skin texture will result with continued medical skincare. Remember, protecting your skin from the sun is also important following these mild acid peels. A sunblock with adequate UVA and UVB protection should be used every day.