Dr. Gary Horn - Norwich, Norfolk

Chemical Peels

A chemical peel is a resurfacing treatment of the skin, using a chemical
It can be used on different parts of the body ( such as the back of your hands), but it is mostly used on the face

A chemical peel is more effective when the skin has been treated before with vitamin A acid cream (tretinoin) for 5 weeks

There are different types of chemical peels:

• Some are superficial , such as the fruit acid peels. Their action is limited , erasing the very superficial layer of the skin. They don’t require any sort of anesthesia and they can be repeated several times a year

• Some have a medium depth action. In our clinic, we preferably use TCA peels. TCA (trichloracetic acid) exists in different strengths. With a low strength, or even a medium strength , you don’t need any sort of anesthesia before. With a high strength , the treatment has to performed with a sedation, in a surgical theatre.

• Some have a deep penetration: In our clinic we have a long experience of the croton oil peel.
This treatment is particularly effective to get rid of most fine lines, but needs to be performed
with a sedation in a surgical theatre.

The down time of all these treatments depends on the type of peels, and varies between 1 to 6 weeks.
The aftercare is very important and requires the use of different face creams and sun block

Deep Peels

In our clinic, we are specialized in deep peel, and particularly in croton oil peel

What is a croton oil peel?

A croton oil peel is a modified phenol peel that penetrates the deeper layers of the skin. This treatment provides superior facial skin rejuvenation for long lasting results

The main difference between other phenol peels and the croton oil peel is that the amount of croton oil is increased and the phenol is decreased

The key ingredient in effective chemical peel is the croton oil and not the phenol

What are the benefits of a croton oil peel?

Croton oil peel results are :

Significantly improved complexion
Diminished sun spots and discoloration
20 to 25 % facial skin tightening
-Dramatic reduction of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes , lips , forehead and cheeks
Less downtime than a traditional deep phenol peel

Is there a skin preparation before a croton oil peel?

Yes a pre peel preparation is mandatory, which is the best way to prevent complications such as pigmentary changes

Four weeks prior to treatment ,

you are advised to apply:

Once a day :tretinoin 0.1%( 1g)
Twice a day :hydroquinone 4%
Once a day , glycollic acid 8% or phytic acid 2%

For best results

Croton oil peel is a versatile deep peel

A croton oil peel don’t need to be applied to the entire face , but we believe that it s still better to do the whole face to avoid irregularities of complexion on your face

However specific areas can be isolated and targeted

How is this different from typical chemical peel?

The other peels on the market can only treat upper layers of skin , making them superficial

The croton oil peel provides deep treatment and because of this, may require a sedation or general anesthesia

You will therefore have to do a blood test/ecg a week before the peel

What areas of the face can be treated by a croton oil peel?

Peri oral area( smoker lines)

Forehead

Cheeks

Eyelids

We don’t recommend to use the croton oil peel on the neck

Also, croton oil peel can be done as a stand alone procedure or in conjunction with other procedures such as fat injections , face lift or blepharoplasty

What is the post peel care?

Once the peel is completed , your face is covered with an antibiotic/anesthetic cream

You will be discharged from the hospital 3 hours after your treatment

At home, you will have the same type of cream all over your face twice a day for 10 days

You will also use a sun screen every day

If you had cold sores in the past , you will be advised to take a preventive oral treatment for herpes

Your first post treatment review is generally a week later

What is the recovery time after the peel?

The early recovery phase lasts 7 to 10 days , sometimes 2 weeks:the face can be quite swollen but not unconfortable

During this period the skin is moist and oozing serous fluid.Constant application of the ointment is necessary to prevent drying and crusting.

Do not pick or dislodge the crusts to prevent scar formation

The second phase of recovery lasts 8 to 10 weeks and the skin is quite red;you will be advised to use a medical grade camouflage make up

What are the side effects of the croton oil peel?

Redness of the skin (maximum 10 weeks)

Swelling ( 10 days)

Crusting ( 10 days)

Changes of pigmentation ( hypopigmentation:preventable by limitating the depth of the peel)( hyperpigmentation:transient and treated by hydroquinone + tretinoin)

Scarring( avoidable b limitating the depth of the peel)

Herpes ( preventable by anti viral therapy)

Milia( treated by tretinoin)