Palo Alto Medical Foundation Department of Cosmetic Surgery

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Non-surgical Procedures

  • BOTOX® Cosmetic
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Chemical Skin Peel

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Who is a candidate?

People with:

  • Superficial wrinkles of the face, neck, upper chest or arms
  • Deep facial wrinkling
  • Uneven pigmentation problems caused by sun exposure, prescription drugs or disease
  • Enlarged facial pores
  • Superficial acne scars of the face
  • Age spots
What is the intended result?

Smoother, more youthful appearing skin that is more uniform in color.

What is the procedure?

These procedures are done on an outpatient basis under sedation and local or general anesthesia. Light peels may be done without any anesthesia. Light and medium depth peels do not require any anesthesia. After preparing the skin, a series of solutions may be applied. Light, moderate or deep peels are available. A consultation is required to determine which type of peel (if any) will be most suitable for you.

What is the healing process?

You will be sent home with specific written instructions. The treated areas are washed, and medicated lotions are usually applied several times daily. After light peels, the treated skin turns red or pink and heals without crusting. After medium or deep peels, a superficial crust or membrane usually forms and peels off three to seven days later like a sunburn blister -- revealing a new skin surface that is smoother. The skin redness after deeper peels fades in a month or two.

Insurance Guidelines

This procedure is considered cosmetic and therefore is not covered by insurance. The patient is responsible for payment.

Note: The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.

Last reviewed: October 2007


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