"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." ~Anais Nin
Last Saturday I began my journey to blossom. I woke up early Saturday morning so that I could arrive at the starting line on time. To be honest, I was a little apprehensive, but still very ready to begin this journey. I wanted to watch my fellow bloomer begin her own journey. When I woke up I ate a light breakfast with coffee. I took a shower and got dressed in comfortable pants and a loose top that was easy to pull on and off. I also grabbed my floppy hat and sunglasses as instructed.
When I arrived at Feather River Plastic Surgery, I was greeted by Dr. Margaret Skiles, Dawn Mathieson, RN and our instructor, Dr. Elizebeth Lee of Artful Surgery in Berkley, Ca. I wasn't the only one who was new to this adventure. Dr. Skiles and Dawn have never performed the Obagi Blue Peel. This is what I love about my job. I trust Dr. Skiles and Dawn enough to let them train with new procedures on me, and they have not let me down! I was not prescribed ANY pain medication. I felt totally comfortable and only had slight anxiety. When you arrive you are asked to sit in the procedure room chair, music is playing and they make it really easy to become comfortable. You are questioned as to whether you were faithful with the Obagi Nu Derm system as instructed. If not, you will be asked to reschedule. The Obagi Nu Derm system with Tretinoin is what makes this Peel so successful.
While you are seated Dawn will begin to mix the Obagi Blue Peel while her assistant will prep you with a fan and ice packs. I was instructed that each layer is 3 minutes of an intense burning sensation, but assured me they would count me through it just like when you are in labor. Let me preface the rest of this paragraph by saying, however uncomfortable, it is nothing like labor. Dawn began by applying Acetone to remove any oil that my face may have produced. She immediately begins applying the first layer of the Obagi Blue Peel and is done in exactly 3 minutes. I began to feel a slight tingly feeling at 2 minutes and by 2 minutes and 40 seconds I was feeling a hot burn. During this time the assistant was counting down for me which made it easier to get through. During the 3 minutes a fan is blowing to help with the discomfort. Immediately after she finished and I applied the ice pack the pain began to subside.
I was allowed to "recover" for about 5 minutes and was anxious to get this over with. The second layer began burning within 30 seconds and felt like someone pressing on a bad sunburn. The fans and counting really helps you get through this second step. When she was finished applying the second layer and ice packs were applied, the pain immediately began to subside. Within a few minutes there was no pain AT ALL.
After I was allowed to rest for about two minutes I was instructed to wash my face. I turned really blue and a lot of the blue stayed on my face as you will see in the pictures. I was given all of my post procedure instructions and was sent home. You feel completely normal, but look really strange.
Saturday, Day 1: That first evening I felt completely normal and was free to eat a normal meal. I washed my face and applied the Tolereen and Action combination as directed.
Monday, Day 3: I kept my same post op routine while getting ready and am still really blue at this point. I headed to work. I was a little nervous because of the way I looked. I was getting drier and tighter.
Tuesday, Day 4: I kept up with the same post peel routine. I began to feel really tight to today. It was a little uncomfortable. I couldn't talk very well and was not able to eat at all. My skin did start to break around my mouth but it was so tight I couldn't open my mouth or smile.
Wednesday, Day 5: I kept with the same post-peel routine. I really started to peel today. I began the morning feeling really tight still and by lunch time I was really started to notice separation from my face. It began to peel rapidly and I was finished by the evening. At this stage it is very important to not promote or manipulate your peeling. Let it happen naturally and don't pick or peel. If you get skin that is loose you can carefully trim the excess skin.
Thursday, Day 6: I continued with the post peel routine, but added sunscreen to my face because I was returning to work and would have some sun exposure. My face felt like it was chapped or a really bad sunburn. I felt great and could immediately see a reduction in my poor size, my skin was brighter and a lot of the acne scarring was gone. I did not have a camera this day, but it pretty much looked like the mouth area in the previous picture.
2 weeks post Blue Peel: I have been really happy with my results. I am a bit shiny right now because of the sun screen I am using. I have continued use of the Obagi Nu Derm System. I can't wait until I see my full results in 4 weeks. For now I am excited to show you my pictures and they aren't too bad for no make-up. I will start wearing a mineral powder tomorrow.
I would love to invite you to our Obagi Summer Luncheon where I will be available to answer any questions you may have. It is a FREE lunch and we will be having great specials and giving out door prizes.
