Obagi Blue Peel

Accelerate the Transformation

Begin your remarkable skin transformation in less than an hour with the Obagi Blue Peel. Based on your particular skin needs, the experts at Myrtle Beach Plastic Surgery determine the strength and depth of Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) peels and the number of coats applied. A blue mixing base with built-in safeguards helps ensure consistent results with every patient. 

Selecting Patients for the Obagi Blue Peel System

The Obagi Blue Peel System is best for patients who want a fast procedure with dramatic results. In less than an hour, an in-office procedure, Obagi Blue Peel is effective for:

• Many skin conditions, including laxity, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, large pores, comedones, and more.
• For all skin colors and thicknesses.
• For use on the neck, chest, hands, and arms.
• For patients who want a strong solution, that's fast and permanent.

What to Expect

The Obagi Blue Peel does not typically require sedation. At Myrtle Beach Plastic Surgery, you are fortunate to have a full-time, board-certified anesthesiologist who will provide sedation at an additional fee. The application typically to the face and neck takes about 20 minutes, depending on the number of coats applied. You can expect a burning sensation that lasts only a few minutes and a bluish tint to your skin that usually washes off in 12 to 24 hours. 

Following the procedure, you will experience light swelling. Within two to three days, your skin will begin to peel. This peeling continues over the next several days. By the seventh to tenth day, your skin should be healed and start looking younger and healthier. 

Once your skin has completely recovered and is finished peeling, you will notice a visible improvement in your complexion. Your skin's appearance will continue to improve for the next four to six weeks, becoming firmer, clearer, smoother, healthier, and more youthful-looking. 

Pre/Post-Obagi Blue Peel

The Obagi Blue Peel is used in conjunction with the Obagi Nu-Derm System to enhance the effects of the peel and to sustain healthier, younger-looking skin. 

For best results, patients should use the Obagi Nu-Derm System for a minimum of 12 weeks before the procedure and then continue back on the Obagi Nu-Derm System once the skin is healed after the procedure.

• Do NOT ever pick or pull at the flaking or peeling skin, it can cause scarring or an infection which can spread all over your skin and cause scarring. Also moisturizing will lessen the benefits of the peel. Although extensive cracking and bleeding will not help. Moisturize these areas or apply a calming serum such as Aquaphor This will heal these areas and lessen cracking and bleeding which can scar your newly uncovered skin. Peeling or exfoliating your sensitive skin at this time can significantly scar your skin. This peel may be reapplied at 2-3 week intervals.
• The Obagi Blue Peel: In order to have the Blue Peel you usually have to go through one cycle of Obagi Nu-Derm to prep the skin. This will help prevent hyperpigmentations from forming from the peel. This type of peel is relatively new. Also developed by Dr. Zein E. Obagi, this peel is an in-office trichloracetic acid (TCA) peel to correct fine lines, superficial scars, minimal laxity, and pigmentation problems. It is performed in 1 to 4 steps and is very beneficial to persons of all skin types. Usually, more invasive peels are unfortunately suitable to only those of European Caucasian descent. With the Blue peel, persons of ethnic skin tones such as Asian, African-America, Italian, and other darker skin tones can safely undergo beneficial resurfacing.
• The solution is applied in 1 to 4 layers and left on the skin for 25 to 30 minutes. You may feel a slight burning or stinging sensation as each layer is applied which may last from 2 to 5 minutes. A fan will help you tolerate the stinging sensation -- so request if this is used. The blue tint will darken and advise the skin technician when the peel is complete. The blue tinge that you get from this peel may last for up to 3 or 10 days, depending. So prepare to take off a few days for this one as well. This peel may be reapplied at 4-week intervals.

Are You a Candidate for a Chemical Peel?
Depending upon the peel, you may be a candidate for a chemical peel if you have slight wrinkles, hyperpigmentations, splotchiness, unevenness, acne, acne scars, blackheads, or sun-damaged skin. You may not be a candidate if you have oral herpes, as this can spread to your healing skin and cause great, weeping sores which will damage and scar your skin. For deeper peels that require sedation or extensive recovery, first and foremost, you must be in good health, not have any active diseases or pre-existing medical conditions, and must have realistic expectations of the outcome of your procedure. Communication is crucial in reaching one's goals.

Please do not hesitate to address any concerns that you may have during this time and even after your pre-operative appointment. If you remember something when you get home or the next day or even the day of surgery -- don't be afraid to ask.

Preparing for Your Chemical Peel
You will more than likely be asked to closely follow a skincare regimen which includes the use of AHAs, Retin A, and Hydroquinone to prepare your skin and even out the skin tone itself. This makes the peel more effective as well as lessens the pigment and fades a tan by bleaching and skin cell turn over. This way you are less likely to hyper pigment after the procedure.

You will be instructed or given a high-quality moisturizer, skin preparation lotions, and sunblock which you will use as you heal afterward to protect the newly uncovered skin from the harmful UV rays. The skin will crack and depending upon your instructions, peel, and skin type you will either be asked to cover it with a thin layer of lotion or antibacterial ointment or allow it to dry, crack and fall away NATURALLY. So please adhere to your own physician's or skincare specialist's instructions. These steps are very important.

The Road to Recovery
You will feel as though your skin has a windburn or sunburn and will find that your skin is tight. Do not make excessive or widely exaggerated facial expressions. This can tear the skin and bleed, hence -- scarring. Just let your skin heal naturally and do not peel or tug on ANY skin that may peel from the face. You can cause excessive damage resulting in severe scarring if you do this. Below is a typical aftercare instruction sheet, please ask your physician or skin care specialist for your own specific instruction sheet.

1. You will cleanse your face as usual but be instructed to use a gentle-formulated cleanser.
2. You may be instructed to use a special moisturizing cream or lotion.
3. Do not apply any type of 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.
4. Avoid sun exposure if you can. Use a high SPF sunblock to help block the harmful UV rays.
5. Do NOT peel, rub, or scratch your skin at any time, whatsoever. This WILL cause damage and compromise your results as well as possibly severely scar you.
6. Let your surgeon or skincare specialist know immediately if you have a herpes break out. This can also result in severe and permanent scarring.

Important Contraindication of Chemical Peels

You should not have a chemical peel if you will continue to have excessive sun exposure. Active herpes simplex, warts, history of keloidal scarring (excessive ropey scarring where the collagen forms outside of the incision or cut area, Any type of recent facial surgical procedures. You should not have a chemical peel if you've used Accutane in the last year (which increases your chances of excessive scarring). If you are pregnant or lactating (although simple, superficial fruit acids may be acceptable, ask your physician). If you have any autoimmune diseases, have had any recent radioactive or chemotherapy treatments -- have sunburn, windburn, or broken skin or have recently waxed or have recently used a depilatory such as "Nair®" or used "Vaniqua®."