Chemical Peels (Medium-depth Peels)
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Medium-depth peels penetrate deeper into the skin than superficial peels, damaging the whole epidermis (outermost layer of skin) as well as the papillary...

Medium-depth peels penetrate deeper into the skin than superficial peels, damaging the whole epidermis (outermost layer of skin) as well as the papillary dermis (the top part of the dermis, just below the epidermis). When chemical peels are applied on the skin, a controlled wound healing process occurs that may stimulate the skin to produce more collagen and elastin, thus improving the appearance of acne scars.

This procedure is normally repeated multiple times (3 or more) in 3-week intervals, and you should see gradual results with each session. And after your last session, your skin should continue to improve.

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January 23, 2009

Pros:

Removes some light scarring and brown spots

Cons:

Does nothing for large pores and potential additional scarring from scratching, self-peeling, or excessive burning from the chemicals

I just did the Vi Peel and like many people have said, you CAN end up looking pretty ugly. If a zombie can be resurected, that's what I look like for the past 4 days and I finally had to pay my dermatologist a visit. He prescribed 2 oral medications to stop the swelling and itching and a topical cream that softened the peeling as well reduce the redness so the new exposed skin wasn't burning anymore, plus he gave me a shot on the spot. I haven't read a testimonial that said you can look and feel this bad. I can survive with redness and peeling but the big burnt cheeks and everything between it that has now turned into brown scabs aren't worth the teeny results. I would have done 2-3 lighter treatments than one Vi Peel and suffer.
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January 4, 2009

Pros:

Less cystic acne

Cons:

Glycolic 70 % left me with scars on my nose and temples that were not there before! This peel was done by a Dermatologist. Do NOT go to a dermatologist to get a strong chemical peel... go to a plastic surgeon!!!!

It is not worth it.
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November 30, 2008

Pros:

Worked for persistent PIH from acne scars treated with IPL

Cons:

Painful. 1-week downtime. Pricey-- although worth it for the results.

I have adult-onset cystic acne. I had a pigmented scar treated with IPL-- which made it worse. Literally I walked around always trying to cover up a scar shaped like a dark circle. I had this area treated again with IPL- then with Alexandrite-- needless to say it persisted. Then I tried Obagi Nu-Derm which was really the first thing that really worked for my skin. It made me skin look great and even lightened the scar. However-- it never completely disappeared. So I underwent an Obagi Blue Peel-- and my scar is gone. I also had some boxcar scars which were lightened. I would definitely try Obagi for pigmented scars/PIH. I would start with NuDerm and then follow with the Obagi Peel. I am so happy with the results!! I went to a plastic surgeon to have this done and highly recommend someone who is familiar with the Obagi system and peels.
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October 21, 2008

Pros:

non it is a terible product if purchased online it should always be done at a clinic !!!!!!!!!!

Cons:

scared my skin for several weeks looked likea huge birthmark over the whole left side of my face. i would definatley never recommend it to anyone. it is a very dangerous product. it also made a dip in my skin and made my skin look very unhealthy

please do not use this product i woulde recommend laser co2 resurfacing i found this the best
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October 12, 2008

Pros:

don't know yet

Cons:

face and eyes all swollen up

Just had the Vi Peel on Thursday, it burned in the office but it was okay. Didn't wash my face that night, but did the face towel package thing they gave me, and on 2nd day, was really swollen and red, washed my face in morning with soap they gave me and did the 2nd face towel package thing they gave me. On Sat, I woke up really early,, my face is still burning and my eyes are so swollen up I can hardly open them. Washed face and put moisturizer on it. I look like a monster. Hope it is better tomorrow.
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September 27, 2008

Pros:

softer skin, lighter scars, and finally gaining my confidence back :)

Cons:

peeled for about a week, and I thought that the procedure hurt.

Hello, I have had acne for about 6 years (I am 21). I have tried everything it feels like but than I got a medium peel done ($50) and I noticed how much softer and clearer my skin is... The nurse did tell me to take my oral medication twice a day like it is recommended and I have'nt broken out really bad. But I have noticed my scars are a little less red and my skin looks more fresh and healthy.(After one peel) I believe that this procedure can help me feel better about myself where I feel like I dont need to put a mask of make-up on everyday. I am actually going for my second peel tomorrow :) I am so excited I cant wait till I see the results after this peel :) after this peel if I have no more active breakouts than I am gonna start microdermabrasions. Good Luck!
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August 13, 2008

Pros:

IT'S A CHEAP PRODUCT THAT DELIVERS VERY GOOD RESULTS TO THE OVERALL TEXTURE OF THE SKIN I MAINLY DID IT FOR ACNE SCARS WHICH I DID SEE IMPROVED.

Cons:

THERE IS A DOWNTIME OF APPROXIMATELY A WEEK DEPENDING ON SKIN TYPE.

I REALLY LIKED THE RESULTS MY SUN SPOTS GOT LIGHTER AND I'M PLEASED WITH THE OUTCOME ALTHOUGH IT MIGHT BE SCARY TO DO IT YOURSELF BECAUSE OF THE UNCERTAINTY BUT FOR ME IT WAS WORTHWHILE.
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August 10, 2008

Pros:

Light chemical peels work great for lighter acne scars, once your acne is under control. Obagi Blue peel works great if you have more layers done.

Cons:

Make sure you stay out of the sun, but you shouldn't be tanning anyways. :P For the Obagi Blue Peel your face is blue for up to a week and it takes to weeks to completely peel. Don't want to be seen out in public!

I am an Esthetician myself. I give my self light chemical peels with resorcinol which help some but I need to constantly be doing them. For the Obagi Blue Peel, I recommend finding someone who will give you anesthesia so they are able to penetrate deeper. There is no way someone can stand the pain with 4 or more layers if you are awake. I had great results except my acne wasn't under control. So now I have to start all over again. If you are not given anesthesia and only get 1-2 layers done don't expect good results. Light chemicals peels cost from $80-300 depending on where you go. For the obagi it was about $900 with anesthesia.
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June 30, 2008

Pros:

Not quite sure yet, since it's only been three days. But my skin is soft to the touch where it's peeled and a few spots have lightened.

Cons:

Harsher than it's described. I wasn't told my face would stay red. I'm afraid it'll be worse than before.

I got a Vi Peel. After a few seconds, there is a numbing effect. About 30 minutes later it started to burn and burned for the rest of the night. I had a big audition two days later. Part of my face was brown, part red and part peeling. I was told I could wear makeup. It looked weird so I started to peel the flaky areas. Big mistake. I hope I didn't ruin the results. The area wasn't ready yet and became super red and sensitive. I numbed the area and put on makeup. I hope I don't break out or scar now. I tried to remove all the makeup, but who knows. The peeled areas still hurt. I can't use the moisturizer they gave me because it burns. The sunscreen burns. Aloe burns. Water burns. If you get it done, be okay with looking weird for a week. It's a lot more potent than they make it out to be.
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June 9, 2008

Pros:

Vi Peel: Can't say just yet....

Cons:

Vi Peel: It burned my face! Was it the esthetician at Skin Deep Htg Beach? I have 5 red blisters in different areas of my face, one is even swollen & puffy just under my eye. No one said I would look like a freak and couldn't leave the house!

The Vi Peel was MUCH more severe than (1) I could tell from their website or (2) was told by the esthetician. It is/was painful and it sure better turn out looking good in a few days!
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website