BIOMEDIC AND LACTIC ACID PEELS

Serving Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Grimsby and surrounding areas.

Who can benefit from a Biomedic or Lactic Peel?

Everyone - men and women of any skin type or colour. Skin that is aging, congested, flaky, dry, devitalized, thickened, blemished, dull and sun damaged can be rejuvenated and refreshed. Blotchiness, uneven skin tones and texture will also be improved. Lactic acid peels are used more for skin problems with increased pigmentation and sun damage whereas Biomedic peels are used more for acne.

What areas can be treated?

The most common areas that are treated are the face and neck. In addition we can treat the chest, shoulders, back, hands, knees and elbows. Any body area can be treated.

Why does the skin benefit from Biomedic or Lactic Treatment?

Approximately every 28 days we create a new layer of skin. As new cells form they push their way to the surface and then dead cells settle on the surface. This can cause enlarged pores, clogged pores, a bumpy uneven texture, and a dull appearance. As we age this process slows down leading to the appearance of older skin with less radiance.

How does it work?

The gentle exfoliation is performed with a cotton pad applicator which has been dabbed into the exfoliation medication. The Biomedic or lactic products loosen any dead skin cells and gently exfoliate approximately 20-25 microns of dead skin cells of the outermost layer (stratum corneum). Once removed it reveals one’s own fresher, younger looking skin beneath.

How many treatments do you need?

This treatment is meant to be progressive not aggressive. Generally results are more noticeable after the third treatment. After the first session the skin will appear fresher, cleaner, smoother and softer for some clients. Usually treatments are performed every 4 weeks, but can be done more frequently. A typical course of treatment is a series of six sessions. Maintenance treatments are suggested once every one to one and a half months.

How long does it take?

The actual treatment usually takes 30-40 minutes, depending on the body area.

What are the possible side effects?

There is tingling or stinging when the medication is applied.
The skin may be pink for up to 24 hours after the therapy, this is normal.
Rarely a patient may develop blisters, crusting, scabbing or increased skin sensitivity. In very rare cases a person may develop increased or decreased pigmentation or scarring.

Cautions:

If you suffer with cold sores, you should be cold sore free prior to a treatment to avoid the risk of them spreading.
You need to discuss with the technician if you have any of these conditions: rosacea, dermatitis, skin cancers, easy bruising, Hepatitis C, AIDS, or are on blood thinners or Accutane.
If you use Retin A products or any skin care products that irritate the skin you should stop them for at least 2-3 days before and do not restart until 2-3 days after a treatment.
Even though there is no danger if you are pregnant, we do not treat pregnant women. There is no danger if you are nursing.
For One week before and after your treatment please STOP using the following treatments and products:

- Electrolysis, waxing, depilatories, masks, other Biomedic or Lactic Treatments or Dermabrasion.
- Hair dyes, permanent wave or straightening treatments.
- Tretinoin (Vitamin A Acid creams) and Biomedic Acids.
- Loofa or other types of sponges.
Be sure to inform your doctor of:

- Allergies.
- History of sensitive skin, eczema, lupus or other autoimmune disease.
- Current medications.
- History of cold sores.
- History of sun sensitivity.
If you are planning to have Botox, laser hair removal, it is recommended to have those 24 hours apart from a Biomedic, Lactic or Treatment.

What happens during a Biomedic or Lactic Therapy treatment?

At your first visit a Biomedic or Lactic Therapy technician will provide a free consultation. During the consultation she will discuss the benefits of Biomedic or Lactic Therapy, explain the procedure and benefits to you and answer any questions that you may have. She will also explain the number of treatments that you will require and will provide you with a price quote.
The technician will also ask you a series of questions to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure and to determine your skin type and sensitivity.
After your FREE consultation the technician will call in Dr. Vignjevic. He will assess your skin type and whether Biomedic or Lactic Therapy would be suitable for you. In addition, he will answer any further questions that you may have. You cannot be treated by the technician unless you are assessed by Dr. Vignjevic first.
If you decide to be treated, photographs of the treatment area will be taken. These photographs are strictly for your chart and will not be released or used without your permission. Your privacy if of utmost importance to us.
You will be asked to wash your face and to remove any makeup. It is not necessary to remove mascara, lip stick or lip liner.
You will lie down on a treatment bed. A surgical cap will be used to cover your hair and ears to protect them from the Biomedic or lactic products.
Makeup and oils are removed with an alcohol solution in the office.
The Biomedic or lactic agent is applied and is left on for 1 to 5 minutes.
The Biomedic or lactic agent tingles or stings while it remains on the skin.
The medication is neutralized and then a special neutralizing lotion is applied to the skin for up to five minutes.
The lotion is wiped off and replaced with a layer of Anthelios 60 sunscreen.
You will be provided with a booklet of after-care instructions and the technician will recommend specific products to take care of your skin after the treatment.

For the FIRST 72 HOURS after your treatment Dr. Vignjevic recommends the following:

Morning

Wash with:
- Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel if you have acne or oily skin
- Effaclar Foaming Cream if you have normal or combination skin
- Toleriane cleanser if you have dry or sensitive skin
Mist with Eau Thermale on the treated area
- The antioxidant and anti-irritant properties of the water will help calm redness and promote healing
Apply Anthelios 60 sunscreen
Apply Glo-Mineral foundation/makeup

Evening

Wash your face with:
- Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel if you have acne or oily skin
- Effaclar Foaming Cream if you have combination or normal skin
- Toleriane cleanser if you have dry, normal or sensitive skin
Mist with Eau Thermale
Apply:
- Toleriane moisturizer for normal skin types
- Toleriane Riche for dry skin
- Nutritic for severely dry skin

Other Important Points for the first 3 days:

You may apply makeup 3 to 4 hours after the peel
Avoid abrasive sponges for 1 week after the peel
Avoid sun exposure
DO NOT pick, peel, scrape, scratch or wax your skin
If your skin is dry use Toleriane moisturizer as many times a day as you like
If you develop a cold sore, let Dr. Vignjevic know this immediately as it could spread into the area of the glycolic acid peel
It is very important NOT to EXERCISE for 24 hours after a treatment. Perspiration will produce a stinging sensation on newly treated skin which can take several hours to dissipate.

72 HOURS AFTER your treatment Dr. Vignjevic recommends the following:

Morning

Wash with:
- Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel if you have acne or oily skin
- Effaclar Foaming Cream if you have normal or combination skin
- Toleriane cleanser if you have dry, normal or sensitive skin
Mist with Eau Thermale
Apply:
- Reversa 8% toner if you have acne-prone or oily skin
- Rosaliac if you have rosacea
- Reversa 8% cream if you have mature skin, sun damage or melasma (excess pigmentation)
- Apply prescription product (if prescribed)
- Apply Anthelios 60 sunscreen
- Apply Glo-Mineral makeup (if desired)

Evening

Wash with:
- Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel if you have acne or oily skin
- Effaclar Foaming Cream if you have normal or combination skin
- Toleriane cleanser if you have dry, normal or sensitive skin
Mist with Eau Thermale
Apply prescription (if given)
Apply:
- Effaclar K moisturizer if you have acne
- Redermic if you have sensitive skin, melasma or sun damage

What other techniques can be used to make Peels even more effective?

Lactic Treatment can be combined with a new treatment called IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) - also known as Fotofacials. IPL treats broken blood vessels, background red skin tones, brown freckling, shrinks pores, improves sun damage and increases collagen in the skin. All of these lead to smoother, younger looking skin and reduced redness at the same time. To learn more about IPL click here.

What is the cost?

The usual cost is $75 per treatment.

Do I need to get a doctor's referral to set up an appointment?

No, a referral is not necessary. You can phone the office directly to set up a free consultation with one of our staff members. Book now to take advantage of our current promotional prices!

For your convenience, many of these products and services are available in my office, or in the on-line store section of this website.

If you would like to learn more, please click on the underlined links in the text above.