Obagi Blue Peel

Treatment theory

Obagi Blue Peel is a safe, effective way of enhancing and rejuvenating the surface of the skin. Like most peelings, this is based on an application of acid that removes the uppermost layers of skin and initiates a regeneration process. The active acid in Obagi Blue Peel is trichloroacetic acid that is applied in concentrations of 15 or 20%. The trichloroacetic acid with the substrate of Obagi makes it possible to precisely control the depth of penetration; it turns the peeling into a safe procedure with reproducible results.

This treatment is suitable in cases of pigment anomalies, skin with coarse pores and fine lines or excessive cornation. For the deep peeling to be successful, the skin must be well prepared. To this end, the skin is treated for at least 6 weeks with products from the Obagi Nuderm line essentially containing the active substances vitamin A (tretinoin acid) and hydroquinone. The tretinoin acid activates the cells of the outermost layer of skin (epidermis), which thus regenerates faster and is also shed faster as scaly skin. Hydroquinone slows the formation of melanin and prevents a pigment reaction after a peeling. This pre-treatment already gives the skin a certain freshness; some pigment spots have already disappeared by the time the pre-treatment has been completed.


Treatment duration

30-60 minutes.


Anaesthetic

Light sedation (half-sleep).


Hospitalization

Out-patient.


Post-op

The blue discolouration from the Obagi Blue Peel remains for 2-3 days; after a couple of days, a crust forms occasionally with small weeping areas. After 5-8 days, the outermost layer of skin is shed as a crust, under which the fresh, rosy skin appears. The shedding skin should not be touched. The post-operative treatment plan comprises a moisturizing cream and an antibacterial lotion that should be applied until healing is complete. Make-up may be worn again as soon as the skin has healed. The freshly peeled skin must be systematically protected from sunlight.


Risks

Irritations like reddened skin, sensation of heat, scaling, burning sensation and itching can occur at the start of the pre-treatment. These reactions reflect the activation of the outermost layer of skin. They generally decline after 1-2 weeks, as the skin becomes accustomed to the pre-treatment. Minor pain, weeping wounds, pigment shifts, slow wound healing and the formation of scars may occur in rare cases after the deep peeling.


Recovery time

Depending on the depth of the peeling: 7-14 days. Avoiding exposure to strong sunlight or extreme cold: 6-8 weeks or as long as the skin is still discoloured.


Outcome

The improvement to the surface and texture of the skin is lasting by practising good skin care and avoiding damaging external influences (sun, nicotine). The success of the treatment for pigment spots depends on the depth of the pigment deposits.


before / after


Your doctor
Dr. med. Andreas Tschopp
Dr. med. Andreas Tschopp
T: 031 970 30 70
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Dr. med. Hyunju Kim Haemmig
Dr. med. Hyunju Kim Haemmig
T: 031 970 30 84
Contact form