Cosmetic Surgery, Oral Surgery, Medical Spa, Laser Centers, Hilo, Kona, Hawaii
Medical Spa Services Hawaii

Chemical Peels

Ideal for patients wanting more noticeable results than those observed with a facial

We are very pleased to offer the largest selection  of chemical peels on the Big Island of Hawaii and probably the largest in the state.  Because Hawaii is a true melting pot of nationalities, we have carefully selected chemical peels to treat every possible patient and most skin conditions.

Obagi

  • Obagi Blu Peel

SkinCeuticals

  • SkinCeuticals Glycolic 20 % and Lactic Acid 10%
  • SkinCeuticals Salicylic 20% and Mandelic 10%

 Glymed Plus

  • Glymed Plus Lactic Action Exfoliator 30%
  • Glymed Plus Lactic Action Exfoliator 50%
  • Glymed Plus Active Exfoliator 30% Glycolic  and 20% Lactic
  • Glymed Plus Physician's Elite Active Exfoliator 50% Glycolic and 20% Lactic
  • Glymed Plus SalEx 20% Salicylic Acid Peel
  • Glymed Plus SalEx 30% Salicylic Acid Peel
  • Glymed Plus Jessner Solution Salicylic Acid 14% / Resorcinol 14% / Lactic Acid 14%

Physician's Choice of Arizona

  •  PCA Peel Exfoliating Treatments 3 Formulations
    • 14% Lactic / 14% Salicylic / Citric Acid / Kojic Acid
    • 14% Lactic / 14% Salicylic / Citric Acid / Kojic Acid / Hydroquinone
    • 14% Lactic /14% Salicylic / 14% Resorcinol / Citric Acid /Kojic Acid / Hydroquinone
  •  Ultra Peel Forte Exfoliating Treatment    20% TCA and 10% Lactic
  • Ultra Peel I Exfoliating Treatment     10% TCA and 10% Lactic
  • Sensi Peel Exfoliating Treatment       6% TCA and 12% Lactic
  • Ultra Peel II Exfoliating Treatment       20% Retinol
  • Esthetique Peel     20% Lactic and 10% Retinol
  • Clarifying Masque  20% Salicylic Acid
  • Pumpkin Peel Beta-C Masque Treatment     Comparable to a 30% Salicylic Acid Peel
  • Oxygenating Trio
  • Detox Gel Deep Pore Treatment   Glycolic / Lactic / Salycilic 

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 North Hawaii Medical Spa, 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 wil 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 aply a series of light moisturizers to promote healing and sunscreen for protection.  The estimateted length of treatment is 30 to 40 minutes.

After Care

General Post Peel Treatment Instructions 

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.

Recommendations:

SkinCeuticals (www.skinceuticals.com): Phyto Corrective, Hydrating B5, and SPF 30 Physical Sunblock

PCA: Phaze 17 Rebalance, Phaze 11 Apres Peel (0.5% hydrocortisone), Phaze 6+ Hydrator plus SPF 25 for the morning and Phaze 20 Silkcoat Balm for night time mosturizers.

Glymed Plus: Purifying Cleanser, Repair Cream, Ultra Hydrogel, Photoage Protection Gel 30+

Obagi NuDerm (www.obagi.com):  Action,Tolereen and SP 32 Sunblock

  • I f you have just had a superficial chemical peel, you should not necessarily expect to "peel".  However, you may have light flaking in a few localized areas for a couple of days.  Most patients who undergo this treatments have only residual redness for anywhere from one to twelve hours. Although you may not actually "peel", it is likely that you will experience a light exfolliation. Everyone responds differently and most patients look quite normal the day after their treatment.
  • It is recommended that you do not apply makeup the day of treatment.  It is ideal to allow the skin to stabilize and rest overnight.  However, makeup MAY be applied, if necessary.  Tonight your skin will feel tight and "pulled".
  • Unless recommended by your aesthetician, do not apply other medications or AHA products to your skin, as they may be irritating.
  • Avoid direct sun exposure and excessive heat.
  • Use a sunscreen daily.
  • Do not pick or pull on any loosening or exfoliating skin.  This could potentially cause scaring.
  • Discontinue use of Retin A/ Renova/ Retinol for 7 days post treatment.

For the Next Two-Day Period

  • Do not apply ice or ice water to the treated areas
  • Do not put the face directly into a hot shower spray
  • Do not use hot tubs, steam rooms or saunas
  • Do not go swimming
  • Do not participate in activities that would cause excessive perspiration (sweating)
  • Do not use loofahs or other means of mechanical exfolliation
  • Do not direct a hair dryer onto the treated areas
  • Stay Cool!!! Getting heated internally can cause hyperpigmentation (discoloration)