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What Is a Micropeel Procedure?

A micropeel procedure can restore the look of aged or damaged skin. Here's more information on what happens during a micropeel procedure.

Transcript: What Is a Micropeel Procedure?

Healthy Skin

The skin is the largest organ of the body. It serves many important functions, including protecting the body from infection, and regulating body temperature and fluids.

Reasons to Have a Micropeel

Despite its resiliency, skin can be damaged by hormonal changes, exposure to environmental elements, and aging. If the appearance and texture of the skin have been affected by these factors, a 15 to 20 minute, three-step procedure called a micropeel may be of help.

What Happens During a Micropeel?

During the first step of the micropeel process, either physical scraping or an enzyme solution is used to remove dead skin cells and other debris from the surface of the skin.

Next, a 15- to 30-percent glycolic or lactic acid solution is applied to the skin and is left on for anywhere from 15 seconds to 2 minutes. This solution helps to further clean the skin and to remove debris lodged within the pores.

Finally, the skin is treated with cryogenic therapy in which a carbon dioxide ball (dry ice) is moved over the skin in even, circular motions. The ice ball freezes and removes a micro-thin layer of cells from the surface of the skin.

Results of a Micropeel

A micropeel may generally improve the overall look and feel of the skin, even out the color and texture, and soften fine lines and wrinkles. However, several treatments may be needed to achieve the desired results.

Risks of Micropeel Procedures

There are several potential complications associated with this procedure that should be discussed with a doctor prior to the procedure.

Copyrighted animations provided by Blausen Medical.

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