The Aesthetic Skin Clinic: Obagi Blue Peel

Cosmetic dermatology, cosmetic surgery, and plastic surgery in a safe medical environment

Return to: Home Page

Obagi Blue Peel

Our skin is exposed to numerous stresses which can cause abnormal pigmentation, wrinkling and scars. The obagi blue peel is an effective method of reducing and correcting skin imperfections to give a healthier, smoother and younger looking appearance.

What is a blue peel?

The blue peel is a procedure designed to significantly improve the appearance and health of your skin. Trichloroacetic acid mixed with a special blue base is used to peel the skin to a carefully controlled level. The peel can be tailored to suit each individuals needs because the depth of the peel can be tailored to the extent of the problem.

Is It Safe?

It is essential that the procedure is performed exclusively by experienced and specially trained doctors, as the acid applied to the skin could cause scarring if not applied by the correct technique. The skin has to be prepared with specific products for six weeks prior to peeling to ensure the success of the treatment and uncomplicated healing.

How Does It Work?

The acid is mixed with a special blue base which enables the doctor to precisely control the depth of the peel. The peel depth can be increased by repeating the application. The skin cells do not peel immediately, but as the acid breaks down the bonds connecting the layers of skin cells, so it begins to peel over a period of 5 to 10 days.

Does It Hurt?

The procedure is uncomfortable so analgesia and mild sedation can be administered prior to peeling. As the acid is applied to the skin it will become hot for 2 to 3 minutes until it is neutralised. A fan is used on the skin during this time for cooling and comfort. The treatment and healing is well tolerated by patients and the results exceed the mild discomfort.

Which Areas Can Be Treated?

The blue peel is usually performed on the face, but can also be used on the hands, arms, neck and chest

How will the treatment be carried out?

A mild sedative can be administered if the patient is anxious. The doctor will proceed to apply several layers of blue peel solution to the area of skin being treated. Once the desired depth of peel is achieved the skin is washed with a special cleaning lotion. The skin is left with a blue tinge immediately after treatment, which will disappear within 12 to 24 hours. Once the treatment is complete you will able to leave and resume normal activity.

What will happen after the treatment?

After the treatment you will experience slight swelling and your skin will begin to peel after two or three days. It is important not to pull off any loose skin or crusts as this will seriously affect the healing process. Depending on the depth of the peel the peeling may last for up to 10 days. The new skin will appear pink, and will need to be protected. It will feel immediately improved following completion of the peeling phase, but will continue to improve over 4 to 6 weeks.

Possible Side Effects

The skin will be slightly swollen after treatment and will look red. Infection is rare during healing but the new exposed skin has to be cared for to avoid complications. As the skin peels it may become weepy in areas, and if the skin becomes tight and cracked there may be soreness and mild bleeding. This can be avoided by using the specific recovery creams. The peel can trigger the Herpes Simplex virus, so medication will be given prior to treatment if you are prone to this.

Care Following Treatment

Although normal activity can be resumed immediately, the skin treated needs to be protected. Sunbathing, visits to the sauna, pronounced facial gestures, sporting activities and irritation caused by strong jets of water or rubbing must be avoided. After a facial treatment you will need to sleep on your back during the healing phase.

Make up should not be applied before the dead skin cells have peeled off.


Copyright © 2006 Aesthetic Skin Clinic
All Rights Reserved.