The Process

Your visit to The Hadleigh Clinic

Your initial visit to The Hadleigh Clinic begins with a FREE, no obligation consultation
On arrival at the clinic you will be asked to complete a confidential patient registration/medical records form and a skin typing form
Your free consultation appointment typically lasts for around 30 minutes and is carried out by one of our Specialist Aesthetic Doctors or Nurses

At The Hadleigh Clinic we can assure you that you are in safe hands. You will only be seen by suitably qualified medical professionals with a vast experience in medical aesthetic treatments. We do not believe in sales representatives at any of our clinics.

Your Consultation

Your consultation will begin by listening to and understanding your concerns and requirements and discussing how best we can meet and exceed your expectations
We will clearly outline the treatment procedure, together with the benefits and any potential risks of the treatment
Any questions you have about the process or treatment will be answered honestly so together we can decide on the most appropriate treatment for you
Any necessary pre and post treatment care will also be explained in detail
There is no obligation to book the treatment with us after your consultation, however, if you do wish to book a treatment this can be done for you after your consultation or at a later date via phone or e-mail

We appreciate that many of our patients have very busy schedules or travel a significant distance to attend our clinics, however unfortunately we cannot carry out the consultation and procedure on the same day. We feel it is better practice for you to have time to reflect on the information provided at the consultation and decide if this treatment is right for you.

Pre Treatment Advice

Before your treatment you will be provided with a detailed consent form which you will be asked to read and sign
You will have the opportunity to ask any other questions you have regarding the treatment
You will also be provided with written pre and post treatment advice
It is important that you inform us if there has been any change in your medical history or medication you are taking since your last visit
Prior to your peel you may be advised to use pre-treatment creams, depending on your skin's condition. These creams are generally applied to the face at night for several weeks prior to the peel. By exfoliating the skin and reducing pigmentation themselves, they improve the results seen from chemical peeling. They may also reduce the time needed for healing. The creams usually include one or more of the following: Tretinoin, AHA or Hydroquinone (for tanned or dark skinned patients)
Patients having a medium depth chemical peel who suffer frequently from cold sores may be advised to take anti-viral medication 2 days prior to their treatment and for 3 days after the treatment
All make-up and moisturisers should be removed from the area to be treated prior to your appointment time
Jewellery near the area to be treated should be removed

The Treatment Experience

First the face is thoroughly cleansed to remove any surface oil
The peeling agent is then applied for several minutes. With glycolic peels a warm, mild prickling sensation is experienced; with a TCA peel this sensation is much more intense however the solution is only left on the skin for a few minutes before the skin is cooled with cold compresses
During the process your face will be cooled with a special 'Cryo' machine to ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible

Post Treatment Advice

Superficial peels result in mild facial redness and occasional swelling which usually resolve within 48 hours. The peeling is similar to sunburn. Most people can continue their normal activities. Make-up can be applied a few hours after the procedure
Moderate depth TCA peels result in a more intense redness immediately after the treatment and some mild swelling. Your face will feel tight and the skin will go darker for a day or two after the peel. Peeling typically begins on day 3 after the procedure and can last 3-5 days. Most people take a week off from work after a moderate depth peel

Looking after your skin after the peel

Cold compresses can be used after the treatment to cool any initial discomfort
Cleanse your face twice a day with a sensitive/mild cleanser and pat dry with a soft towel
You will be provided with a special moisturiser to encourage skin repair. This moisturiser can be applied as often as needed
Do not pick! Picking delays healing and causes scarring
Make-up can be applied when peeling is complete
Avoid/Protect your skin from the sun. You will be provided with a special broad spectrum sunscreen for use after your peel
Do not use saunas, steam rooms or have hot baths or hot showers for 48 hours after the treatment. You may have a sensitivity to heat for up to 2 days after the treatment