Chemical Peels

A chemical peel is a procedure in which a chemical exfoliant (acid or base) is applied to remove damaged layers of skin. Chemical peels are graded (very superficial to deep) depending on the depth of penetration and the layer of skin that is removed with a peel. Depending on the amount and depth of photodamage, real improvement in sun spots, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation may require different depths of chemical peels.

Very Superficial to Superficial Peels

For lighter more superficial peels, glycolic acid in varying strengths (30–70%), Jessner's solution, and low strength TCA are used and are able to be performed in the office. The skin is thoroughly cleansed and degreased. The agent is applied to the face evenly. A mild stinging or burning is experienced which abates rapidly.

Medium to Deep Peels

Medium depth chemical peels are performed using TCA (30–40%). They may be performed under local anesthesia in the office or in the operating room under sedation. The agent is applied to the face evenly and the depth of penetration carefully monitored. Deep chemical peels are performed using Baker's solution under sedation and monitoring. Deep chemical peels are only appropriate for select patients.

Procedure Benefits

Chemical Peels are Effective for a broad range of problems including:

  • Sun damaged skin and age spots on the face, hands, shoulders/back, chest, and neck
  • Fine lines and wrinkles including: Crow's feet, lipstick lines, fine lines around eyes
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Acne scars (better with medium/deep peels)
  • Destruction of skin lesions
  • Lighter and spot peels require no sedation

Recovery

Very Superficial to Superficial

Immediately following the procedure, the skin may appear red. Peeling begins to occur over the next 1–3 days. The underlying skin will appear slightly pink and healthier. Sunscreen and moisturizers are recommended. Make-up can be used. Improvement can be seen after just one peel and continues with subsequent peels, which can be performed weekly.

Medium to Deep

The skin may appear red and swollen immediately following the procedure. The swelling is more pronounced with a deep chemical peel. The skin will turn brown over 48 hours and slough over the next 7–10 days. Make-up and sunscreen / moisturizer can then be used. The underlying skin will appear pinker and healthier. This pink appearance completely fades in 2–3 weeks and is easily covered with make–up. Continued improvement from these peels can be seen even up to a year following the procedure. A medium depth peel can be repeated every 6 months to 1 year. A deep chemical peel can only be done once.

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