SPA SERVICES

Chemical Peels

As skin ages, the natural exfoliation process tends to slow down.

This leads to "dull-looking" skin. Assisting this exfoliation process is beneficial to achieving and/or maintaining clear, youthful looking skin. This can be done either through mechanical exfoliation, such as microdermabrasion, or chemical exfoliation, through chemical peels.

Dr. John Stover and Cosmetic Centers of Hawaii offers a variety of light, medium, and deep peels, to meet your specific needs.

During a chemical peel, a chemical solution is used to improve the texture of the skin by removing its outer damaged layers. Chemical peels are ideal for those wanting to improve wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, facial blemishes, acne, actinic keratosis and large pores. Chemical peels are categorized as superficial, medium depth and deep peels. At Cosmetic Centers of Hawaii superficial peels are performed by our certified aestheticians and medium-depth peels are performed by Dr. Stover.For optimal results, superficial peels are recommended in a series of 6 spaced approximately 2-3 weeks apart and then continued one time every 4 to 6 weeks for maintenance.

Most chemical peels are performed for cosmetic reasons—to improve your appearance and self-confidence. As stated above, they can also be performed to treat precancerous growths such as actinic keratosis and to control acne. In some cases, health insurance may cover the peel procedure.

Planning For Your Chemical Peel

During your initial consultation, it is important that you discuss your expectations with Dr. Stover and/or aesthetician. Don't hesitate to ask any questions or express any concerns that you may have. Expect Dr. Stover and/or your aesthetician to explain the planned procedure in detail, including its risks and benefits, the recovery period and the costs. If you have a history of herpes, you should inform your physician prior to the procedure. Remember, chemical peel treatments are usually not covered by medical insurance unless they are performed for medically related problems.

Sometimes Retin A - a prescription medication derived from Vitamin A - is used to pre-treat the skin. This thins out the skin's surface layer, allowing the peel solution to penetrate more deeply and evenly. If your skin won't tolerate Retin-A pre-treatment, an AHA cream may be used instead. Hydroquinone, a bleaching agent, is sometimes used in conjunction with Retin-A or AHA pre-treatment, especially if you have blotchy skin areas or pigmentation problems. You may have to spend a month or more in the pre-treatment phase before the doctor will schedule your actual peel. This step can sometimes be bypassed if you are already using a skincare program designed by our office. Make sure to stop Retin A, Tetrinoin and Retinol 3 to 7 days prior to your peel.

The Peel

All peels start with cleansing of the skin to remove facial impurities and to remove excess oils. After cleansing, a toner, astringent or pre-treatment solution will be applied to the skin to gauge sensitivities and to inform the skin that we are getting ready to do something to it. This step is like warming up before the race. Depending on the type of peel being used, the peeling solution will be applied with a fan brush, a gauze, sponge or large cotton swab.Some peels are self-neutralizing which means that after a certain period of time they stop their effect on the skin. Most self-neutralizing peels are left on the skin and removed later that day. Other peels will be removed after 3 to 10 minutes depending on your skin's reaction.

Some peels are designed to be applied in multiple layers.Depending on your skin's reaction to the first layer, your aesthetician will guide you in deciding how may layers of solution can be applied to your skin.To finish your peel treatment, the aesthetician will apply a series of light moisturizers to promote healing and sunscreen for protection. The estimated length of treatment is 30 to 40 minutes.

After Care

If you will sign up for a series of peels, it is best to ask your aesthetician for a group of products that will maximize the healing process after each peel. These products can be used for a week or so after each treatment before returning to your regular skincare program.

Rejuvenate and improve your skin's appearance with a series of Chemical Peels!

Spa Services are available in Hawaii through Dr. John D. Stover's Cosmetic Centers of Hawaii. Dr. Stover is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon and a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with offices in Kona, Hilo and Waimea on the Big Island of Hawaii. He is a fellow of both the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Dr. Stover continually updates his knowledge, skills and practice in the latest surgical and non-surgical procedures, which has made him one of Hawaii's top-performing cosmetic surgeons

SPA SERVICES

Chemical Peels

Planning For Your Chemical Peel

The Peel

After Care

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