What is Blue Peel?
Blue Peel is a chemical solution which includes blue glycerine and trichloracetic acid. When applied to the skin, whether in a single coat or multiple layers, it removes skin damage at the surface level.
How does Blue Peel work?
Blue Peel works at the cellular level like a non-surgical face lift. When the application of chemicals is removed from the face, a layer of dead skin cells are also removed allowing new, healthy tissue to grow. This process removes blemishes and improves the overall texture and appearance of the skin.
What areas of the body does Blue Peel treat?
Blue Peel is not just for facial resurfacing, it can also be used on the neck, shoulders, and back, as well as the arms, hands, and legs.
What are the advantages of Blue Peel over other similar treatments?
Blue Peel is easy to apply, taking less than thirty minutes for most treatments. Unlike other chemical peels, it has built in color control to alert doctors to the depth of chemical penetration. This is an excellent safety precaution. Compared to traditional face lifts, Blue Peel requires no sedation, is less painful, and the recovery time is shorter. It is also a cost effective treatment for most patients.
Who is a candidate for Blue Peel?
Blue Peel can be used on all skin types and on all races of people. It is appropriate for people searching for an effective solution to signs of aging.
How is Blue Peel performed?
The doctor will clean the face with a topical solution and then apply the first coat of Blue Peel. During this process, the patient may feel the skin begin to warm or burn for a bit. The doctor will continue to apply coats of Blue Peel, as many as four, based on the severity of the problem being treated. Even after the peel is removed and the face cleaned, a blue tint usually remains for a day or two.
What is the recovery like?
Following the Blue Peel process, the face may be slightly red and swollen. Within thirty-six to seventy-two hours, the skin will begin to slough off and peel. This may continue for several days, but healing should be complete within two weeks. Makeup should not be used until the healing process is completely finished, and sun exposure should be avoided.
What will the results be like?
The skin, after a Blue Peel, will look healthier and more vibrant. The skin tone will be smooth and even. Fine lines will be eliminated, but deep lines and crow’s feet may still be evident. Improvements will continue to increase for a month or two. Most doctors repeat the Blue Peel treatments at monthly intervals until the desired results have been achieved. Then, maintenance treatments can be done once a year.
What are the risks?
With any chemical application to the skin, there is a slight risk of burns and scarring, but when used by a trained provider, Blue Peel is a safe method of skin renewal. Skin discoloration may also occur, but this is rare.
Is Blue Peel approved for use in the U.S.?
Blue Peel is approved for use in the U.S. as a method of skin rejuvenation.
Is Blue Peel covered by insurance companies?
Blue Peel is only for aesthetic use and is, therefore, not covered by insurance companies or Medicare. Though costs differ from one doctor to another and in different regions, a Blue Peel may run from $1500 to $3500. Some doctors will provide a payment plan for patients to help spread the cost over a longer period of time.
Disclaimer: This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician.
By SkinCareGuide.com Staff
Updated: November 24, 2009
