The Peel Solution

If you've taken a good look at your skin or even had a skin analysis done you might be shocked at some of the damage due to acne, aging or too much sun exposure. Products can only do so much and maybe you're not quite ready for laser skin resufacing. So what other remedy could give you some moderate to dramatic results fairly quickly?

You could try one of the oldest cosmetic procedures in the world the chemical facial peel...Apparently they were even being performed in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome to help people achieve smoother, more beautiful skin.

According to board certified facial and reconstructive plastic surgeon Dr. Suzanne Kim Doud Galli, www.restonfacialplastics.com peels are an excellent way to treat hyperpigmentation, fine lines and acne scars as well as improve the skins texture.


At her offices in Reston and Washington Circle in the District she offers a range of peels from what is commonly referred to as the "Lunchtime" peel to the gold standard of peels, the Obagi Blue Peel which might require a few days of downtime (every woman seems to remember the scene from Sex and the City with Samantha and the bee keeper hat and veil after her peel experience!)

Glycolic peels are more superficial peels that could be done at lunch and will eliminate fine lines by consistently removing the top layer of skin. The strengh of the peels can be increased to suit the needs of the client and can be done in a series for optimal results. The peel can be done on the hands too which tend to be one of the first places to show aging.

The next level would be the 10% Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) peel which will have stronger results and a bit more down time.

The most intense peel with more obvious results is the one that we hear about so much--the Obagi Blue Peel. The peel uses TCA as the active ingredient mixed with the patented Blue Base from Obagi. It shouldn't require sedation and you should have only a few minutes of a burning sensation. Afterwards you may have some light swelling for 2 to 3 days followed by a few days of peeling. Within 7 to 10 days the process is complete , your fine lines should be gone and you should have improved tightening of the skin. Dr. Doud Galli says this peel works extremely well on the eyelids if that's a problem area for you.

Prices for the peels can range from $100 for the glycolic peels, $150 for the 10% TCA peel. The higher strength TCA Obagi Blue Peel costs $800.

Women who have had the peels swear by them as a fairly quick fix for those common skin problems associated with acne, sun damage or aging. A peel could be the answer if you feel like you would like more than a facial but aren't quite ready for other alternatives.

Dr. Suzanne Kim Doud Galli
www.restonfacialplastics.com
1860 Town Center Drive, Suite 260 Reston, VA 20190
Phone: 703-787-0199

or

3 Washington Circle NW Washington, DC 20037
Phone: 202-828-8383