Chemical Peels | PhotoFacial & Laser Skin Rejuvenation | Microdermabrasion

Chemical Peels

Men and women alike share a common desire to have healthy, youthful skin. Exposure to the sun, to the elements, and detrimental living habits, all contribute to the appearance of our skin today. Chemical peels have become very popular with those who are unhappy with acne scarring, sun-damaged skin, age spots, freckles, fine lines, rough skin and uneven pigmentation. Unlike laser resurfacing procedures, chemical peels are not limited to the face and can be performed on the neck, chest, hands, arms, shoulders, and legs - just about anywhere!

What is a chemical peel?
Chemical peels are topically applied acids that aid in the restoration and rejuvenation of the skin’s surface. They create an even and controlled shedding of several layers of the skin. Depending on the type and depth of the peel, few or many layers can be shed allowing new layers to be exposed and creating a fresh new appearance. In addition, chemical peels stimulate the production of new cells, tightens and tones the skin, and decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Enjoy fresh smooth skin!

What will my skin look and feel like immediately following?
The condition of the skin and healing times vary depending upon the strength of the peel performed. Chemical peels are classified as superficial, medium and deep peels.

Superficial Peel
This peel is designed to help smooth rough, dry skin, improve the texture of sun-damaged skin, and even out skin tone. The recovery is generally rapid, and usually consists of minor flaking. A series of treatments is generally recommended to obtain the desired result over a period of time. Typically there is no down time and with appropriate sun protection, you can resume regular activities immediately.

Medium Peel
Medium peels often contain higher levels or strong acids. The best candidate for a medium peel is an individual with fair skin. Medium Peels target the epidermis and upper dermis and cause the skin to slough within 5 to 7 days. Immediately after treatment the skin has a red appearance and is occasionally accompanied by swelling. Within a day, the skin turns brown in color and after 3 or 4 days, the skin begins the peeling process.

Deep Peels
Deep peels produce the most dramatic results. This peel is recommended for treating wrinkles, scars and blemishes and in some cases, precancerous skin lesions. A deep peel targets the dermis. In some cases, anesthesia is required during the procedure to reduce the warm to hot stinging sensation. There is little or no discomfort following the peel. After a deep peel, the area is swollen and red and can result in some swelling and blistering. A crust may form and the skin will turn brown just prior to peeling. Many layers of the skin will peel over a period of one to two weeks. An ointment may be given to keep the area moist. The new skin will have the color and sensation of significant sunburn, which will gradually fade to your normal skin color.

What are the side effects?
Chemicals peels have become very popular because of their ease and relative lack of complications. Most people are usually very pleased with their results. Side effects are rare and usually temporary. Some side effects include uneven pigmentation, redness, and even more rarely, scarring. Proper sun protection greatly minimizes the risk of side effects. A regular program of sunscreens, sun blocks and sun protection will greatly help your skin maintain the result of the peel. You can minimize side effects by carefully following the instructions of your physician, aesthetician and staff.

What are the benefits of a chemical peel?
Patients benefit from chemical peels by greatly reducing blotchy and uneven pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, freckling, age spots, sun-damaged skin, and acne scars in a relatively short period of time and without going to a hospital.

PhotoFacial & Laser Skin Rejuvenation

What is PhotoFacial?
PhotoFacial is a procedure developed by Dermatologist, Patrick H. Bitter Sr. to correct the appearance of Rosacea, Flushing Rosacea and sun damaged skin. Dr. Laura Connelly personally trained with Dr. Bitter on a one-to-one basis and is certified by him to offer this amazing treatment protocol. Treatment is performed with Intense Pulsed Light technology. Intense Pulsed Light therapy is the only known treatment available today that addresses and corrects the flushing of Rosacea. Treatment also improves age spots, skin texture, acne scars, reduces large pores, corrects dark circles around the eyes, and reduces fine lines. Treatments are especially effective for improving the appearance of the face, neck, chest, and hands. This exciting treatment involves little or no "down time." You can resume regular activities immediately.

What is Laser Skin Rejuvenation?
Laser Skin Rejuvenation is a series of treatments performed by a laser that improve the appearance of broken capillaries, sun damaged skin, age spots, skin texture, and photo aging. Treatment also improves mild acne scars, reduces large pores, corrects dark circles around the eyes, and reduces fine lines.

How does the treatment work?
Both PhotoFacial and Laser Skin rejuvenation treatment consists of a series of gentle pulses of light over the desired area. Without damaging the skin, the light penetrates through the skin and is absorbed by the abnormally dilated vessels or pigmentation. The heat causes damage to the vessel or lesion, and the body begins its natural healing process. The lesion will darken before it flakes off or the body absorbs it. Treatment can be given as frequently as every three weeks.

Are there any possible side effects?
Side effects are rare. Immediately following treatment, the skin may appear flushed, brown-pigmented spots may appear darker, and capillaries may be more visible. In rare instances, temporary swelling and/or blistering can occur. Limiting sun exposure for several weeks before and after treatment will greatly minimize the risk of complications. During your consultation, it will be determined which treatment is better for your skin type.

What improvement will I see?
In both treatments, patients have a high degree of satisfaction with their results. Many have seen 70% to 90% improvement. After each treatment, the skin will feel smoother and appear to have a more even tone. How many treatments will I need? For optimal results, a series of 5 treatments are recommended. Some patients see significant improvement in 2 to 3 treatments; others require more. Follow-up treatments may be desired once a year to maintain results.

What is a treatment like?
Treatment may vary from 15 to 45 minutes. First, the treated area is cleansed and a cool gel is applied. When the pulse of light is delivered, the sensation is similar to a snap of a rubber band. After treatment, the gel is removed, the skin cleansed, and a sunscreen is applied. Pain is minimal; however, topical anesthesia can be used for maximum comfort. For sensitive skin, a cool compress is applied following treatment. Schedule your consultation and discover how these treatment can benefit you!

Microdermabrasion

What results can I expect?By speeding up the cellular turnover process, Microdermabrasion brings you closer to healthier, younger-looking skin. It allows you to gradually resurface your skin without the risks, side effects, and down time of more aggressive alternatives. In as little as twenty minutes, this gentle, abrasive technique efficiently produces satisfying results.  Further improvements in appearance and texture will occur with each treatment.

How many treatments will I need?
To achieve a good result, several treatments are recommended. Treatments are typically scheduled one to two weeks apart. You will experience a progressive improvement throughout your treatment program.  Ask to schedule a consultation to determine the approximate number of treatments recommended for achieving fantastic results.

How does my skin look immediately after treatment?
Microdermabrasion leaves your skin feeling soft and silky with a healthy glow. You leave the office with only a mild, temporary pinkness on the treated area. Best of all there is no "down time."  Resume regular activities immediately!

What is treatment like?
Microdermabrasion is performed with a jet of fine crystals, which are propelled and then vacuumed across the skin's surface, removing the dead and damaged cells. Relax while your skin is restored to a more youthful appearance.