Cosmetic Dermatology

Cosmetic peels are a skin rejuvenation treatment to reduce the appearance of aging or to treat certain skin conditions.

Cosmetic peels can make a dramatic improvement in the way you look. For relatively little effort, you could take years off of your appearance.

You can discuss the cosmetic treatments we offer and learn if they are right for you with your dermatologist at Camelback Dermatology & Skin Surgery.

What are Cosmetic Peels Used For?

Cosmetic peels are used to enhance the appearance and texture of the skin.

Skin responds to the chemical ingredients used in the various types of cosmetic peels. When a layer of skin is removed, the skin rejuvenates itself and builds a fresh new layer of skin cells. This results in a more youthful appearance that is devoid of the skin imperfections that were targeted.

Among other uses, cosmetic peels are used for:

• Acne
• Wrinkles
• Discoloration
• Dryness
• Uneven skin tone
• Scars

Types of Chemical Peels

Cosmetic peels fall under three categories; light, medium, and deep. The variations designate how deeply the ingredients in the peel formulation penetrate the skin.

• Light cosmetic peel. Light cosmetic peels remove only the outermost layer of the skin, called the epidermis. This type of cosmetic peel treats dryness, fine lines and wrinkles, acne, and uneven skin tone. Most dermatologists recommend repeat treatments no more than once every two to five weeks.
• Medium cosmetic peel. Medium cosmetic peels penetrate to the depth of the upper layer of the dermis. Medium cosmetic peels are used to treat things like acne scars, average wrinkles, and uneven skin pigmentation brought about by sun damage or other reasons. More than one treatment may be needed to reach full effect.
• Deep cosmetic peel. Even with a deep cosmetic peel, the formulation will only reach a safe depth of the skin. Deep cosmetic peels may be recommended to treat older, deeper wrinkles, certain benign skin growths, or scars. Typically, only one session of a deep cosmetic peel is needed to obtain results.

Am I a Candidate for Cosmetic Peels?

Young adults and older adults are good candidates for cosmetic peels, as long as there are no underlying skin conditions that could be negatively impacted by the process. For instance, open, blistering acne breakouts would not respond well to a cosmetic peel.

Others who may not be a good candidate include anyone who:

• Has a history of overdevelopment of scar tissue
• Is pregnant
• Has chronic cold sore breakouts
• Takes certain prescription medication

Cosmetic peels are done in your dermatologist’s office. They do require some healing time, so this is not a treatment that would be appropriate to have done during your work lunch hour.

After a cosmetic peel, the skin will be red, swollen, and tender to the touch. Your dermatologist will provide after-care instructions with details.

There is typically a recovery time of up to two weeks, depending upon what type of peel you received. If you are getting a cosmetic peel to improve your appearance for a certain event, such as a wedding, you should schedule your cosmetic peel well in advance so that your skin has enough time to heal properly.

Cosmetic peels are straightforward treatments and are available at Camelback Dermatology & Skin Surgery.

Skin resurfacing works by increasing cellular energy and encouraging healthy regeneration.

Skin resurfacing has been used in dermatology for at least decades. Recent advances have not only increased the efficacy, but broadened its scope of usefulness. Skin resurfacing is used for everything from hair removal to the destruction of cancerous skin growths.

The benefits include the fact that it is non-invasive and virtually painless. Although sometimes minimal side effects can occur, like temporary pain or discomfort or blistering, most would agree that laser therapy is certainly worth considering.

Your dermatologist at Camelback Dermatology & Skin Surgery can let you know if laser therapy might be right for your condition.

What is Skin Resurfacing Used For?

We offer a wide variety of treatments and many conditions respond very well to skin resurfacing, such as:

• Acne scars
• Skin lesions, warts or scars
• Wrinkles or fine lines
• Sagging skin/jowls

There are even more skin conditions that may warrant consideration of skin resurfacing. Talk to your dermatologist at Camelback Dermatology & Skin Surgery to see if this is the right treatment for you.

Am I a Candidate?

Skin resurfacing is effective for many conditions, including those brought about by lifestyles and habits.

If you regularly sunbathe or have a history of drinking or smoking, you may need treatment for sun damage, wrinkles, and broken capillaries. Skin resurfacing is not preventative, so if you indulge in the same kind of behaviors, the initial problem will return.

The best candidates for skin resurfacing are those who are willing to do more to protect their skin. That way, the results will be lasting.

There are others who might not respond well to skin resurfacing. This includes those who:

• Are currently taking certain acne medications
• Are vulnerable to excess scarring
• Are pregnant
• Are taking blood-thinning medication or aspirin daily
• Have certain skin resurfacing disorders
• Are prone to sunburns or who currently have a tan or sunburn
• Have active acne breakouts
• Are dark-skinned

Your dermatologist will advise you as to whether or not you are a good candidate. Often, the reason someone isn’t a good candidate has to do with the potential for visible scarring after treatment. But all in all, a healthy individual with relatively good skin and no underlying conditions can expect to be a good candidate for this treatment.

What Treatments are offered at Camelback Dermatology & Skin Surgery?

• ThermiVa
• BBL (BroadBand Light)
• SkinPen Microneedling
• Vascular Laser
• The Halo Glow
• Vivace
• ThermiSmooth
• BBL (Broad Band Light)
• Contour TRL

Skin resurfacing has been shown to be highly effective over the decades. Why not see for yourself what it can do for your skin?