Chemical peels have been a great option for skin rejuvenation and refreshment for many years, but they’re not always convenient. Many peels require complex skin preparation, or the procedure can result in extensive healing time and recovery while the skin renews itself. Fortunately, researchers are constantly working to make facial rejuvenation as painless and convenient as possible, and skin peels are no exception. Patients at Hillelson-Whipple Clinic in Richmond now have a new alternative to traditional chemical peel therapy: Silk Peel, a revolutionary treatment that combines several techniques to reveal glowing, rejuvenated skin.
How is Silk Peel Different?
How is the Silk Peel different from a chemical peel? The Silk Peel treatment doesn’t just use chemicals to resurface the skin like other chemical peels. The procedure combines a blend of vitamins and acids with gentle wet abrasion to clear out clogged pores and suction away dead skin and dirt. The chemicals used during the treatment further enhance and rejuvenate the skin. A diamond-tipped wand is used to apply the solution and abrade the skin, and then suctions the dead skin cells from the face to allow new cells to form.
What are the Benefits?
Like many skin rejuvenation treatments, the Silk Peel can address many different skin issues related to aging, sun damage, and other factors that affect the overall health of the skin. Patients who are struggling with early signs of aging like fine lines can benefit from this gentle treatment. The Silk Peel can help improve:
- Brown spots
- Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin)
- Fine lines
- Irregular skin texture
- Dull, dry skin
The Silk Peel is a great option for busy people who want a convenient yet effective method for improving overall skin aesthetics and texture.
Who is a Good Candidate?
As a gentle, non-invasive treatment, there are very few candidacy requirements for the Silk Peel, aside from general good health. Patients who have minor signs of skin aging or poor skin tone and texture are the best candidates for the procedure. It is important for prospective patients to understand the procedure and have realistic expectations for the results before undergoing the treatment. Finishing the full treatment series and caring for the skin properly after the procedure are essential to enjoying optimal results. Pregnant women or those with skin problems like rosacea should speak to a doctor, as they may be unable to undergo Silk Peel treatments. All patients will need to discuss individual candidacy with Dr. Hillelson prior to scheduling the first Silk Peel treatment.
Your Silk Peel Consultation
Your consultation will accomplish several goals, allowing you to discuss your expectations for the procedure with Dr. Hillelson and have your candidacy evaluated. During your consultation, Dr. Hillelson will ask you questions about your medical history, medication usage, and your specific goals, and evaluate your skin to determine if the Silk Peel can help meet your expectations for facial rejuvenation. You will get an opportunity to get to know Dr. Hillelson and her staff, and you’ll be able to ask any questions you have about the procedure process, the practice, or your own skin. Come to your appointment with a list of questions, clearly defined goals, and realistic expectations. You can find many Silk Peel before and after photos and Silk Peel treatment reviews online to give you an idea of the kinds of results that can be expected from the procedure.
The Silk Peel Procedure
The Silk Peel is a gentle treatment, and most patients will not need any kind of topical or local anesthetic during the procedure to remain comfortable. Treatments are performed in the office and take about 30-40 minutes to complete. During the procedure, the SilkPeel machine will deliver the chemical solution of vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, and other ingredients while gently abrading the skin with the applicator wand. The wand will also suction off dead tissue, which will encourage new cell development. Once the treatment is complete, sunscreen will be applied to the skin to protect it from sun damage. A series of treatments will be needed to attain good results.
Recovery
Patients can return to their normal activities immediately after the treatment is complete. Skin will be softer and smoother right away, but more extensive results will become apparent gradually. There are no activity restrictions, and patients should not see any major side effects. It is important for patients to protect the skin from the dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun with diligent sunscreen use following treatment to help prevent hyperpigmentation and preserve the results of the treatments.
The Silk Peel FAQ
Are there any risks to Silk Peel Treatments?
All cosmetic treatments have some associated risks, but the Silk Peel treatment is extremely gentle and safe. Potential mild side effects may include bruising, sensitivity, peeling, or flushing. Some patients have experienced edema, pigmentation issues, and uneven correction, though these issues can be minimized by choosing an experienced specialist.
Is Silk Peel safe for all skin types?
Yes, Silk Peel uses no harsh chemicals and is safe for most skin types, including people with dark skin. Because dark skin often reacts adversely to treatments such as laser resurfacing, it’s important to discuss your goals with a plastic surgeon and get custom recommendations before moving forward.
What is “wet” abrasion?
Wet abrasion uses a combination of nutrient-rich dermaceuticals, along with crystals to abrade the skin and deliver a solution that helps enhance the results of the treatment. The Silk Peel treatment uses this technique, while simultaneously vacuuming dead skin cells from the facial skin during the procedure.
Is the Silk peel treatment painful?
No, most patients find the treatment quite comfortable. Most patients do not require anesthesia of any kind, even topical numbing agents. Individual pain tolerance varies, but the treatment is very gentle and minimally uncomfortable, with many patients describing only a light, vibrating sensation.
How many treatments will I need?
Most patients will see optimal results from four to six Silk Peel treatments. Between treatments, the skin will renew and regrow itself, allowing patients to see ongoing progress. Treatments are spaced about two weeks apart to allow this process to take place.
When will I see my Silk Peel results?
As with many minimally-invasive skin treatments, the results from Silk Peel will start to appear gradually. Though the skin will be smoother and softer immediately after treatment, improvement in fine lines, brown spots, and overall skin texture and tone will take longer to become apparent. Patients need to be committed to the treatment series and aftercare in order to achieve significant, long-lasting results. Silk Peel reviews indicate that most patients who maintain realistic expectations are very happy with the results they receive from the treatment.
Can the Silk Peel help with acne treatment?
Only a plastic surgeon can assess individual candidacy, but severe acne can make Silk Peel an unsuitable treatment for some individuals. It may be best to postpone the Silk Peel until acne treatments have begun to get the issue under control. This is for the sake of patient safety and results. There are many methods for professional acne treatment that may be able to prepare the skin for future Silk Peel acne treatments, once the severity of the problem is reduced.
What’s the difference in Silk Peel vs. microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion also gently abrades the skin with crystals but does not incorporate the solution of vitamins and acids, which help to further rejuvenate the skin.
A Silk Peel Specialist
If you’re interested in learning more about this convenient and effective skin treatment, then it’s best to turn to an expert in the procedure. Dr. Ruth Hillelson at Hillelson-Whipple Clinic in Richmond has three decades of experience in facial rejuvenation and is specially trained in Silk Peel treatments. For more information, and to schedule a consultation at Hillelson-Whipple Clinic, call 804.290.0060 today.
Related Procedures: