Facial Peels

Pre-Operative Instructions
PREPARATION FOR YOUR "PALM SPRINGS FACIAL PEEL"

In order to ensure the very best possible result from your upcoming peel, the following suggestions will help to prepare your skin for the procedure.

STOP THE FOLLOWING 2 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR PEEL

1. Stop all sunbathing and tanning beds. Use a good sunscreen (BioMedic or SPF #30) to protect against any unavoidable exposure.
    
2. Stop all facials.
    
3. Stop all abrasives or exfoliating scrubs.
    
4. Stop all new facial treatments, make-up, skin fragrances, etc.
    
5. Stop all use of soap. Substitute Cetaphil or BioMedic Gentle Cleansing Gelee and use as you would soap. You may continue with your own moisturizer and make-up.
    
6. Do not use kleenex facial tissues or old wash cloths on your skin as these can cause low grade irritations.
    
7. Stop or markedly decrease your smoking.
    
8. Stop all estrogen supplementations such as Premarin for one week before and after your peel. You may continue your birth control pills if they contain a low dosage of estrogen. Check with your gynecologist.
    
9. Stop all aspirin and aspirin-containing pills. (See attached list of medications to avoid.)
    
10. Stop all generic tetracycline. Erythromycin can be substituted.
     
11. Notify our office if you are taking any other medication (prescription or over-the-counter.) Certain medications make the skin more sensitive to pigmentation formation.

PLEASE START THE FOLLOWING AT THIS TIME

1. As soon as possible start Retin-A 0.05% cream. Apply it to your face (and any other areas that will be treated) every night after washing and drying the skin. Rub it in well. Keep it out of your eyes, nose, and mouth. It is important that you do experience slight irritation, dryness and pinkness. This is normal. You should follow the application of Retin-A with your normal moisturizer or BioMedic Extra Mild Protection or Antibac.
   
   If too much dryness or irritation develops, cut back to every other night and apply 1/2% hydrocortisone cream to your face twice a day until you minimize the irritation.
    
2. Two weeks before your peel, start Eldoquine Forte 4% to minimize possible blotchiness. Apply all over your face every morning after washing and drying the face. If you tend to have an increase of pigmentation on your skin, you may also apply it every night after your Retin-A but before your moisturizer. You will resume using this when our office instructs you, usually ten to fourteen days after your peel while your skin is healing.
    
3. Have your hair colored no more than one week before your peel.
    
4. Please inform us if the following situations exist:
   1. If you suffer from cold sores (herpes lesions) around your face or mouth. We will want to start you on preventative Zovirax capsules and watch the area where you might break out.
   2. If you have active acne breakouts, it may be best to delay your peel until your condition improves.
   3. If you are taking Accutane, we may want to adjust your dosage or program or delay your peel.
       
5. Review your postoperative "disguise." It is very important that you protect your skin from exposure to the sun for six to twelve weeks following your peel, or until you receive clearance from the office.

ON THE DAY OF YOUR PEEL

Wash your face with Cetaphil or BioMedic Gentle Cleansing Gelee and pat dry. DO NOT apply moisturizer, sunscreen, or make-up of any kind. Bring your "disguise" (hat and scarf) with you to the office. An adult must be available to drive you home and stay with you the first night.

You cannot have any food or drink for six hours before your peel.

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