Keep your skin healthy with our advanced chemical peel treatments! As we age, our skin cells don’t replenish themselves as rapidly as they once did when we were younger. This slower cell-turnover rate can cause our skin to appear dull, dry, and aged. At our practice, we offer a variety of chemical peels that can leave your skin glowing, radiant, and more youthful in appearance.
What are chemical peels?
Chemical peels are used to improve the appearance and texture of the skin on the face, neck, and hands. Using a chemical solution, the damaged outer layers of your skin are exfoliated breaking up dead and damaged skin cells. These skin cells will eventually peel off to reveal fresh new skin underneath that is softer, healthier, and younger in appearance.
Chemical peels are suitable for all skin types and tones as their chemical solution can be customized to suit your individual needs.
Chemical peels can improve sun damage, uneven skin tones, acne or acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, irregular pigmentation, and rough skin. These peels are also known for stimulating the production of collagen and unclogging pores to help prevent future breakouts.
It is important to note that chemical peels are not the same as a facelift and will not significantly tighten loose or sagging skin. Certain deep scars, lines, or wrinkles may not be treated with chemical peels alone. Discuss your expectations with your doctor honestly, so that they can recommend the right treatment for your needs.
Types of chemical peels
There are a variety of chemical peels available, each with different levels of exfoliation and peeling time that can be customized to suit your needs. However, chemical peels are broken down into three types: light, medium, and deep.
- Light Chemical Peels – Light chemical peels offer subtle improvements but a lasting glow that will continue to improve with proper post-care and subsequent treatments. These chemical peels are ideal for patients with uneven pigmentation, acne, fine lines and wrinkles, as well as dryness.
- Medium Chemical Peels – Medium chemical peels work to make your skin noticeably smoother and more youthful in appearance. These peels are beneficial for patients who have acne scars, deeper wrinkles and age lines, as well as uneven skin texture and tone.
- Deep Chemical Peels – Deep chemical peels offer dramatic results but have the longest recovery time. We recommend deep chemical peels for patients with sun damage, significant facial lines and wrinkles, scars, and blotchy patches.
Risks
As with all procedures, chemical peels though minimally invasive can carry some associated risks. Infection, scarring, and temporary or permanent pigment changes in the skin can occur but are uncommon.
Pre-treatment
Depending on the type of peel you select, you may need to be placed on a pre-treatment program. During this program you may be asked to apply certain ointments before your appointment for a few weeks to prepare your skin. We may recommend that patients who smoke refrain from smoking at least six weeks prior to their scheduled appointment to promote better healing. Avoid taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication that can cause an increase in bleeding.
Regardless of which chemical peel you choose, hydration is important for all cases before and after treatment to ensure a safe and successful recovery.
Procedure
During your initial consultation, we will discuss your goals for treatment to determine which chemical peel is best for your skin’s condition and goals.
At your scheduled appointment, our staff will cleanse your skin and if necessary, administer a numbing ointment or injection to the area for your comfort during the procedure. Once the area is cleansed and numb, your custom chemical solution will be brushed onto your skin and left to dry for the recommended period of time. This stage can take from 20 minutes to an hour depending on the type of peel and area being treated. Afterward, the chemical peel is then washed off and neutralized. For patients who receive a deep chemical peel, an ointment will then be applied afterward to prevent dryness and pain during recovery.
Patients may experience mild stinging, tightness, or burning during the procedure.
Recovery
Your recovery will vary depending on the type of chemical peel you selected for treatment. Follow your doctor’s recommended post-care routine for optimum results. With all chemical peels, it is important to avoid direct sunlight as your skin will be more sensitive during recovery.
Patients who receive light chemical peels often experience minor redness, stinging, and skin flaking. There is no downtime and you can return to your normal activities immediately following treatment.
Medium chemical peels can cause mild redness, stinging, and flaking similar to that of a deep sunburn after treatment. The peeling process typically begins within 48 hours and can last up to a week. It is important during this recovery period to keep your skin hydrated and avoid peeling or pulling at the flaking skin. You may need to apply ointments to your skin and avoid shaving the treated area for some time.
Most patients who undergo deep chemical peels can return to work two weeks after their treatment. Peeling, crusting, skin flaking, redness, and discomfort are expected during recovery to last several days. Your doctor will provide medication to keep you comfortable and your skin hydrated during recovery.
Results
It can take a few months before for patients to experience full results though many report improvements within the first few days. Changes in the skin will continue to improve in the weeks afterward.
The number of treatments recommended will vary depending on your goals and skin condition. Your skin will continue to age, and some wrinkles will eventually reappear. However, once the desired results are achieved, less potent peels can be repeated periodically as maintenance.
For more information on how to revitalize your skin with chemical peels or to schedule a consultation, please contact our office today.