Microdermabrasion Washington D.C.
Sun damage and the loss of skin elasticity due to aging cause most wrinkles. As we age, the elastic fibers in the deeper layers of the dermis (the second layer of the skin) lose their strength, allowing the skin to sag and wrinkle. When fine skin wrinkles cannot be corrected by a facelift or by blepharoplasty, we recommend skin peel or microdermabrasion to improve, or in some cases, eliminate these wrinkles.
WHAT TYPES OF PEELS ARE AVAILABLE?
Northern Virginia skin care patients can choose from a number of different types of peels. Micropeels are very light and are repeated several times to obtain the final result. These light peels allow you to wear makeup immediately following treatment and to maintain your normal daily routine. Deep peels penetrate skin to a deeper level, though they do not require repeated applications. Deep peels do produce crusting and peeling, which will take 3-14 days to heal. Some patients find their skin will heal slightly lighter or darker after a deep peel. Makeup covers this easily.
Types of peels we offer include:
- Obagi Blue Peel
- Physicians Choice Peel
- TCA Peel
- VI Peel
MICRODERMABRASION
At the Center for Plastic Surgery in Washington DC, we use a microdermabrasion technique called Power Peel. It is a non-surgical procedure that removes the damaged outer layer of skin and encourages rejuvenation through the use of micro-crystals and a unique polishing tool.
WASHINGTON DC OBAGI BLUE PEEL FAQ
What Is the Obagi Blue Peel? Obagi Blue Peel is a one- to four-step application of blue solution mixed with TCA (Thrichloroacetic Acid) leading to the removal of thin surface layers of aged and damaged skin. Layers of dead skin cells exfoliate and are replaced by healthier ones allowing the skin’s own clarity and tightness to resurface.
How Is the Blue Peel Different from the Alpha Hydroxy Products Used by Doctors and Aestheticians Today? The Blue Peel uses slow-acting TCA, instead of glycolic acid. This enables the physician to control the peel process and its depth. The process is tailored to the nature of the problem to be corrected: wrinkles, scars, laxity or pigmentation problems.
Will the Obagi Blue Peel Procedure Damage My Skin? No. Peeling the skin lightly in a controlled manner will not cause any damage to the skin. There are no internal toxic effects (TCA is not absorbed through the skin).
How Many Blue Peels Can Be Done? Your doctor will determine how many peels are necessary to achieve the desired result. In most cases each procedure takes 25 to 30 minutes.
What Can I Expect? Depending upon the condition of your skin, one to four coats of the Obagi Blue Peel solution will be applied. Most people will not require sedation. If the physician indicates sedation, you will need someone to drive you home. With the application of each coat, you will experience a mild burning sensation that lasts two to three minutes. The physician may use an electric fan to minimize this sensation. A light bluish tint remains on your skin, but it will wash off in 12 to 24 hours. Your skin will begin to peel within two to three days and should be healed in seven to ten days. This peeling should not disrupt your regular lifestyle.
Can the Obagi Blue Peel Procedure Be Used to Treat Other Parts of the Body? Yes. The Obagi Blue Peel can be performed on the neck, chest, hands, back, arms and legs using the same technique as for the face.
How Often Should the Obagi Blue Peel Procedure Be Performed? Obagi Blue Peel treatments can be performed at four-week intervals until the desired correction is achieved. Annual Blue Peels assist in the long-term maintenance of skin health and fitness. Deep scars and hyper-pigmentation may need deeper peels or other treatment procedures.
Can I Apply Makeup After an Obagi Blue Peel? Generally, makeup is not recommended for the first seven to ten days or until the skin has completely peeled.
Fine lines and other skin defects can also be improved with a procedure called laser skin resurfacing. For further information on this procedure, please see Fraxel and Ultra Pulse Laser Skin Resurfacing.
