Chemical Peel

Overview

An Orange County chemical peel is a skin resurfacing procedure that reduces the appearance of blemishes, fine surface wrinkles, and uneven pigmentation by removing the damaged outermost layers of skin with a chemical solution. The procedure can be performed alone or in conjunction with other facial rejuvenation procedures such as eyelid surgery or facelift. Depending on your skin type or individual indications, your cosmetic & reconstructive surgeon may require a pretreatment regimen including Retin-A, Hyrdoquinone, or a combination of the two.
In preparation for your procedure, you will need to arrange for someone to bring you to your appointment and take you home. During the procedure, a chemical solution (usually containing trichloroacetic acid) is applied to the skin for approximately 15 minutes. The peel will be adjusted in strength, allowing a superficial to deep peel, depending on your needs. The solution has anesthetic properties and therefore no anesthesia is necessary. After the procedure, an ointment will be applied to your skin to help keep it moist and protected. Depending on the depth of the peel, you will likely experience moderate discomfort and mild swelling that will subside within the first week. You will rinse your face twice a day with tepid water and reapply the ointment. If you develop a sensitivity to the ointment (itching or rash) switch to pure petroleum jelly. In approximately 7-10 days, your skin will have healed enough for you to resume many of your normal activities. Until your skin has healed, it is important to avoid sun exposure. For several months, you will need to continue to avoid sun exposure unless your skin is adequately protected using a sunscreen (minimum SPF 30). Your final result will be skin that is smoother, tighter, and healthier. A chemical peel may be repeated after several months if additional correction is desired.

The Consultation

Your consultation with the doctor is complimentary and there will never be any charges for office visits. During your initial consultation, you will be asked to give information about your medical history, prior procedures, medications, allergies, and your motivations for seeking plastic surgery. It is very important that you be thorough when providing your medical history, as this information helps to prevent complications during your care. When asked about medications, be sure to include any vitamin or herbal supplements, as these can affect your blood pressure and clotting ability. You also need to let the doctor know if you use of tobacco, alcohol, steroids, or street drugs, as these may have a profound impact on your recovery period and your ability to heal following your procedure. After reviewing your medical history, Dr. Nguyen will discuss your desired results, your concerns, and your priorities. He will then explain the options that are available to you and explain the advantages and disadvantages of those options. In the end, he will present a surgical plan to help you achieve the appearance you desire.
After your consultation with the doctor, your patient coordinator will provide you with a written quotation for the cost of your procedure. At this time, you will also have the option to schedule your procedure if you so choose. We understand how important this decision is to you and you will not be pressured to make a decision. You are also encouraged to bring your spouse, significant other, family member, or a friend to your consultation.
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Patient Testimonial "Little did I know that I would meet and fall in love with a man 20 years younger. I have a lifestyle of a 50 something, but my face did not reflect my lifestyle. The aging process was continuing while my life remained younger. I made a decision to have a facelift, browlift, and a chemical peel to turn back the hand of time. I felt this would increase my self-confidence in my new relationship as well. I called Dr. Thomas Nguyen and staff a the Institute of Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery. and found them professional, caring, and qualified to take care of my cosmetic surgery needs. The surgery was a 100% sucess. I am happy to look in the mirror once again. I enjoy my life more, and have a new confidence with the man I love!" -- Sheri

Preparing For Surgery

On the day of your consultation, you will receive instructions on how to optimize your health before surgery. This will include what medications to stop and what testing will be required before surgery. If you will be undergoing general anesthesia and are 45 years of age or older -or- have any health problems, you will need to see your primary care physician to have bloodwork, an EKG, and obtain surgical clearance stating that there are no counterindications for you having surgery. You should not take aspirin containing products or smoke for two weeks before surgery. If you have health problems or a history of health problems, you may require additional testing or clearance.
For full details on our pre-operative requirements, Click Here To Download "Optimizing Your Health Before Your Cosmetic Surgery." If you do not have a primary care physician, we recommend Dr. Chi Phan, located at 4050 Barranca Pkwy Suite 210; Irvine, Ca 92604 Phone: 949-654-7833. Dr. Phan accepts most insurance. For those who do not have insurance, Dr. Phan charges approximately $120 for surgical clearance, including EKG & bloodwork.
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The Procedure

The procedure is normally performed as an outpatient surgery under local anesthesia and takes approximately 20-45 minutes. After the procedure, you will recover in the recovery area for a short time. After the procedure, an antibiotic ointment will be placed on the skin to keep it moist and help reduce your discomfort.
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The Day of Surgery

While you're making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home and be with you overnight. Your surgery will be performed in our outpatient surgery center at 11190 Warner Avenue, Suite 400; Fountain Valley, CA. If done alone, under local anesthesia, you may eat and drink as normal. If you are having the procedure under general anesthesia, you may not have solid foods after 9pm or water after midnight, the night before surgery. You should have clean, dry hair. Wear no makeup or moisturizers on your face. You should not bring jewelry, contact lenses, or valuables on the day of surgery. Wear loose, comfortable clothing with a shirt that buttons or zips in the front (we don't want to put anything on over your head when you get out of surgery). You will need someone to bring you and take you home on the day of your procedure. If you are having local anesthesia, arrive one hour prior to surgery. If you are having general anesthesia, arrive two hours prior to surgery.
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After Surgery

Immediately, your face will be red and swollen and you will likely experience some tingling, burning, or aching sensations. You will be given pain medication to help control the amount of discomfort you feel. You may use ice packs wrapped in a clean cloth to soothe your skin. You will keep a layer of ointment on your skin for two weeks, until it is healed. You should rinse your face with tepid water two times per day and reapply the ointment. Some people may develop irritation from the antibiotic ointment. If you develop severe itching or a rash, discontinue the antibiotic ointment and use pure petroleum jelly instead.
The swelling will begin to lessen in a few days to a week. You will likely be able to return to work in approximately two weeks. Your skin will continue to be slightly swollen and pink for several weeks as you begin to resume your normal activities. Strenuous activities should be avoided for six weeks. It is especially important to avoid the sun during the healing process while normal pigmentation returns, as long as six to twelve months. Several months following the procedure, your normal pigmentation will return and your skin will be much smoother than before.
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Your Results

You can expect to enjoy a fresher, revitalized, and more youthful appearance with minimized fine lines and pigmentation. Although you will continue the normal aging process, you will do so beginning with your new, fresh appearance. The procedure may be repeated after 6 months if desired. The results are long-lasting and you will enjoy your new refreshed look for years to come.
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The Cost

These fees are approximate and are only to give you an idea of what you can expect. Fees may change without notice. An official binding quote (valid for 30 days) will be given on the day of your consultation. These fees include Surgeon’s Fee, OR Fee, Anesthesia Fee, Surgical Garment (if required), and Follow-Up Visits. Full Face Chemical Peek $1,500
Chemical Peel of the Lower Eyes $800
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