AHA

• What is AHA treatment?

AHA treatment is the gentlest chemical peeling. We use AHA, which is a kind of fruit acids, to exfoliate the outermost layers of your skin. This will gently peel off the superficial skin and also promotes the growth of new skin to improve its appearances. Your skin becomes brighter and smoother. By using AHA, you can refresh your skin within 15 minutes.

• Who is a good candidate?

Patients whose skin starts to develop early signs of photo-damage such as freckles, sun spots, and actinic keratoses. This treatment also works with melasma, fine lines, and mild acne.

• What will happen at the consultation?
• Patient will receive thorough examination by our doctor to identified skin problems.
• Treatment options will be discussed. You will be notified numbers of treatments needed to achieve optimal result.
• At least three photographs of you will be taken for comparison on next follow-up visit; front, left side, right side, and closed-up (for specific lesions) if needed.

*Every patient must provide their complete medical history at the consultation.

• What are the risks or potential complications?

AHA peeling is quite safe although rarely minor irritation of the skin can occur. Major complication such as blistering, scarring, or infection are rare in superficial peeling like AHA.

• What should I do before the operation day?
• Patients should avoid direct and prolonged sun exposure a few days prior to the operation.
• Prescribed Retin A or hydroquinone should be discontinued about a week prior to the procedure.
• Smoking cessation is suggested for better skin healing.
• On the operation day.

Patient should wear protective clothing to prevent you post-treated skin from direct UV exposure. An umbrella, a hat or a pair of sunglasses are always good options.

Patient must not have skin infection or open wound at the area to be treated.

• What kind of anesthesia will be used?

Anesthesia is not necessary for any of the superficial peel including AHA treatment. Most patients are able to tolerate mild stinging without oral analgesics or topical anesthesia.

•  What will happen during the procedure?

After your skin is cleansed and dried, AHA solution will be applied to your skin. Patient might experience slight burning or stinging sensation during the application. This step takes approximately 10 – 15 minutes; depend on your skin reaction. Then the solution will be removed and the procedure is finish by rinsing with cold water.

1. What should the patient expect post-operatively?

Redness, dryness and peeling might presents for a few days up to one week. Then, your skin will be brighter and smoother, less blotchy, and more even in color.

1. When can patient get back to normal?

Usually within one week. However, regular sunscreen application is required to maintain the result of treatment.

• How often should the procedure be repeated?

AHA treatment can be repeated as soon as required, but not more often than every 2 weeks.

1. Can patient have other treatments done at the same visit?

Of course, you can. Superficial peeling like AHA peel removes dead skin cell, thus enhances skin absorption. Recommended treatment is iontophoresis, phonophoresis, electroporation, hydrojet or facial mask.