Facial Peeling

Peeling is a technique that allows for “new skin”!

A solution applied to the skin will destroy the superficial layers of the skin, destroying both the epidermis and part of the dermis. It is one of the most used techniques in medical aesthetics. This regeneration treatment is suitable for skin damaged by age and the sun. The destroyed cells will be replaced by young cells, which will make the skin clearer and more toned. This technique helps to partially slow down the skin aging process.

What are the results of a peel?

Peeling is intended to give the skin a glow, remove certain pigment spots, tighten dilated pores, and smooth out fine lines.

What are the different types of peels?

There are superficial, medium, or deep peels depending on the type of product used or its concentration. These parameters determine the depth of action of the product and its suitability for certain problems such as loss of skin elasticity, photoaging (related to sun exposure), wrinkles, spots, scars (acne).

We know:

• alpha-hydroxy acids (“fruit acids”, lactic acid, glycolic acid, etc.);
• TCA (trichloroacetic acid), phenol;
• thermal peels with a laser can be performed; this is called skin resurfacing;
• mechanical peels can be performed; this is called dermabrasion.

How does a chemical peel work?

The peel works by burning the epidermis and, possibly, the upper dermis of the skin. Then, after peeling (the scabs fall off spontaneously after a few days), the skin appears pink, smooth, and visibly younger. The complexion is refreshed by skin regeneration. Different parts of the body (face, neck, décolleté, hands, and arms) can be treated in one or more sessions. An improvement in blood circulation is observed as well as the synthesis of new collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis.

Is this treatment painful?

Some peels are painful, others are not; this is why in some cases anesthesia is unnecessary, while in others it can be local or even general.

What about sun exposure?

For three months after the procedure, it is necessary to protect this newly regenerated skin from the sun with a high SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+).

What about fruit acid peels?

These are gentler peels that primarily give a “glow.” They can be repeated.

When is dermabrasion performed?

Today, this relatively imprecise and dangerous technique is rarely used. However, there is a less invasive technique: microdermabrasion, which is performed with a device that projects aluminum hydroxide microcrystals to remove the most superficial layer of the epidermis, taking the dead skin cells with the crystals. It is used to clean the skin (pores). The skin reddens but appears smoother to the eye and touch the next day. This treatment can be repeated like a skin cleansing.

Some special cases:

Rosacea, couperose, spider angiomas, and brown spots are some of the unsightly skin lesions. Prolonged sun exposure, sudden temperature changes, a lack of vitamins, or a hereditary predisposition can cause the dilation of small blood vessels, mainly on the cheeks and nose. More precise than peeling, the laser is particularly suitable for treating rosacea (small blood vessels) and pigment spots, which it can treat without damaging the surrounding tissues. In most cases, these imperfections fade or disappear permanently after one or a few treatments. A slight swelling is possible after the treatment, and scabs may form: applying a greasy cream reduces healing time. Some brown spots can be caused by prolonged sun exposure, aging, or hereditary predispositions. They can be removed or significantly reduced by laser treatments or peels after a precise diagnosis of their nature. Here too, small scabs may form after the procedure and fall off after a week, revealing small pink spots. Sun protection is essential (SPF 50+ sunscreen).

Is skin preparation necessary?

In some cases, skin preparation is recommended before the peel.

What are the drawbacks of peels?

In the days following the peel, redness, itching, and a feeling of tightness of the skin are logical and predictable consequences. The progression will occur through the desquamation of the treated skin within the week following the procedure.

Are there any risks?

Those inherent to burns: persistent redness, postoperative hyperpigmentation (brown spots), and scarring have been described in the literature.

PHOTOS

Photos of treatment results can be found on many websites, but their presence is now condemned by the Medical Order and Belgian law. This is why we do not show them here. However, it is legitimate for you to obtain personalized information on the topics that concern you. During your consultation, many photos will be shown to you so that you can judge and appreciate the results.

If you wish for explanations and details about your specific case, come meet us for a consultation.