Westlake Oral and Plastic Surgery, Wayne Ozaki MD, DDS, FACS
Oral Surgery and Plastic Surgery, Laser and Medical Spa
911 Hampshire RD., #2, Westlake Village, CA
805-418-9891

Chemical Peel (Glycolic Acid)

Light chemical peels using glycolic acid removes the surface epithelial layer of skin leaving a smoother softer skin surface. Many people feel that the glycolic acid reduces mild wrinkles and gives your skin a warm glow.

Glycolic acid is a member of the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family of carboxylic acids. Glycolic acid is isolated from sugarcane and its unique properties make it ideal for a broad range of consumer applications.

One of glycolic acid's applications is in personal skin care as a chemical peel to improve the skin's appearance from wrinkles, sun-related damage, uneven pigmentation, and acne.

Glycolic Acid is generally regarded to be the most active and beneficial of the Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids (AHA) in skin care. Once applied, glycolic acid reacts with the outer layer of skin (epidermal) cells. This allows the damaged outer skin layer to "peel" off to reveal the underlying new skin cells, giving your skin an even, untarnished texture. In addition, glycolic acid can stimulate the underlying fibroblasts to generate collagen and elastic fibers that improves and strengthens the skin's condition.

Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), including glycolic acid are the mildest of the chemical peel formulas and produce light peels. These types of peels provide smoother, brighter-looking skin for people who can't spare the time to recover the harsher phenol or TCA peels.

Candidates for glycolic acid peels include individuals with:

  • Superficial wrinkles of the face and neck
  • Uneven pigmentation problems
  • Enlarged facial pores
  • Superficial acne scars of the face
  • Areas of dryness

Post Operative Instructions

  • You will cleanse your face as usual but be instructed to use a gentle-formulated cleanser.
  • You may be instructed to use a special moisturizing cream or lotion.
  • Do not apply any type if glycolic acid or exfoliation products as this can severely damage or irritate the skin during the entire time of healing or the skin will become irritated.
  • Avoid sun exposure and use a high SPF sunblock to help block harmful UV rays.
  • Do NOT peel, rub or scratch your skin at anytime. This WILL cause damage and compromise your results as well as possibly severely scar you.
  • Let your surgeon or skin care specialist know immediately if you have a herpes break out, as this can also result in permanent scarring.

You may return once a month for regular chemical peel treatments.

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