1) What exactly are skin peels?

Skin peels are cosmetic treatments performed on facial skin. These involve one or more exfoliating agents being applied to the skin to remove the rough upper layer of skin, decrease wrinkles or skin sun damaged, and stimulate the rejuvenation of new skin cells.

Skin peels are used to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin, neck and hands. Using different levels of chemicals, the treatment causes the dead skin to slough off and eventually peel off. The skin peels can be light, medium or deep, according to the depth that they penetrate the skin. Light and medium peels are used for superficial wrinkles and skin discolouration, whereas deep peels are used for conditions like severe acne.

Those interested in a skin peel will need to have consultation with Dr. Zacharia, who will examine the patient’s skin and discuss the potential benefits and side effect of a skin peels for their particular skin type and condition. Bookings can be made here.

2) What areas can be treated with skin peels?

Skin peels can successfully treat many conditions, including:

• To treat Melasma or irregular skin pigmentation
• To treat sun damage
• To reduce freckles
• To treat acne scarring
• To increase skin tone
• To reduce fine lines and wrinkles
• To reduce brown spots and age spots
• To stimulated dermal collagen production
• To treat rough skin and scaly patches

3) Who can have Skin Peel?

Skin peels are for both male and female adults. Generally, fair-skinned and light-haired patients are better candidates for chemical peels. Darker skin may also experience good results, depending upon the type of problem being treated, but uneven skin tone is more likely.

4) What does skin peel treatment involve?

The procedure takes approximately 10-15 minutes to perform and is conducted by Dr. Zacharia, usually in addition to a surgery procedure.

When any type of skin peels is applied to the skin, it causes the top layer of cells to dry up and peel off over a period of several days. When the old skin has peeled off, it exposes a new layer of undamaged skin, which has a smoother texture and more even colour.

5) How many treatments are needed?

The number of treatments needed, will depend on the location and severity of pigmentation/solar damage. Quite often, one skin peel treatment on the face will improve textural and pigment changes by approximately 60-80%.

However, peeling of the chest and hands are more conservative due to the longer healing time compared to the face. One peel will reduce pigmentation by 30% in these areas. It is recommended to have a series of two-three peels for the chest or hands.

6) Is a skin peel painful?

Most patients have their skin peel done through surgery in addition to another procedure. Therefore being under anaesthesia, the patient won’t feel anything.

However, if a patient seeks a skin peel solely, the treatment will usually be associated with two-three minutes of a burning and stinging sensation. This burning is so brief that most patients choose not to use any anaesthetic cream.

7) How long is the recovery time after Skin Peel?

Patients may experience swelling, redness and discomfort for about a week after the peel. But most people take five-seven days to heal from an average skin peel.

During the healing process, the skin looks as if it has had severe sunburn. Therefore, most patients choose to stay home during this healing time. However, those not too self-conscious about their appearance may be able to work within the first week.

Anyone who has had a skin peel is more sensitive to sunlight for at least six-eight weeks after their peel. During this time, it is very important to protect the new skin with sunscreens, hats and the avoidance of strong sunlight.

8) Are there any side effects involved?

Side effects are proportional to the depth of the skin peels used. Common side effects such as redness, swelling and itchiness are seen in almost all patients undergoing higher concentration skin peels. Another risk involved is over-exposure to the sun after a skin peel, which can result in uneven skin pigmentation and blotching.

9) When will the results of a Skin Peel be visible?

Skin peels will leave the face red and peeling for about a week, but after the side effects wear off, the results are immediate.

The results of a superficial skin peel can be seen when the skin heals, generally within two-to-three weeks. Results will take longer for a medium or deep skin peel. In that case, it may take as long as three months for skin to heal and new skin to grow.

10) How much does Skin Peel cost?

The cost depends on the depth of peel and the area to have treated. This means that every treatment has a different cost, tailored to each patient. Skin peels are NOT covered under private health or Medicare.

Book a consultation or contact the staff at Dr. Zacharia’s rooms today on (02) 9192 1600.