Risks With Obagi

Obagi is a topical skincare system developed for visible and common adult skin conditions, such as acne, sun damage, photo damage, hyperpigmentation, acne, rosacea, soft tissue deficits and premature aging, according to the Obagi website. Obagi products contain prescription-strength formulas and therefore are only available through dermatologists and plastic surgeons, as well as medical spas and medical specialists. The Obagi skin peel is used on all skin types and skin colors, and can be done on the face, neck, hands, chest, back, arms and legs.

Medical Procedure

• The Obagi Blue Peel is a medical procedure done along with the Obagi Nu-Derm System. The Blue Peel is done in the doctor's office, but before and after the procedure your physician should recommend using the Obagi Nu-Derm System, according to the Bingham Memorial Hospital website. The physician will determine the strength of the peel based on the amount of skin damage. The procedure does not typically require sedation. Depending on the strength of the peel, some swelling may occur. The treating physician must inform the patient about medical risks.

After the Procedure

• When you're having an Obagi Blue Peel done, risks include a blue tint to the skin following the procedure; this will wash away in a day or two, according to the Medic8 website. Once the surgeon applies the special solution to the area to be treated, you may experience a mild burning sensation that will last for two to three minutes. The skin may peel for several days after the procedure. Additionally, redness can occur until the skin is completely healed. A full recovery from an Obagi treatment can take about two weeks.

Complications

• Rare complications are pigmentation problems, the development of keloids and bacterial infections. Bacterial infections usually occur only if post-procedure directions are not carefully followed. Scarring is also a possibility.

Warning

• Obagi skin peels are a medical procedure and, as with other medical procedures, results and complications may vary from one patient to another. According to the Obaging website, some individuals can return to work the same day while others may experience different results. Like other medical procedures, the risks should be weighed against the benefits.