Light Chemical Peel

Light peels remove the outer layer of skin cells, termed the epidermis.  These peels will result in a light exfoliation and healthy glow to the skin.  Light chemical peels can also be used to improve uneven pigmentation, acne, or fine skin wrinkling.

Medium Chemical Peel

Medium chemical peels remove the outer layer of skin cells, the epidermis, and a portion of the middle skin layer, termed the dermis.  Medium chemical peels address uneven pigmentation, acne, and moderate skin wrinkling. This depth of peel allows for the creation of new, orderly collagen that improves skin tone and quality, while producing skin tightening.

Deep Chemical Peel

Deep chemical peels remove skin layers down to the lowest levels of the middle skin, and are used for deep facial wrinkles, significant sun damage, and even some precancerous lesions.

Light Chemical Peel

The skin is washed clean and degreased with alcohol or acetone.  A mild acid solution, such as glycolic acid is then applied to the skin surface.  The solution is left on for a few minutes, before the face is washed clean and cool compressed applied.  Mild stinging is common, but no anesthesia is needed with a light chemical peel.

Medium Chemical Peel

The skin is washed clean and degreased with alcohol or acetone.  In our practice, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is then serially applied to the facial skin, until the development of clinically derived endpoints.  The skin will take on a “frosted” appearance, at which point the face is cleansed and cool saline compresses applied.  No anesthesia is necessary for medium chemical peels, but as a stinging sensation is expected, a fan blowing cool air is employed to help with any discomfort.

Deep Chemical Peel

Due to the depth of this peel, patients typically require a mild sedative and topical numbing medicine for comfort.  The skin is then washed and degreased with alcohol or acetone.  Phenol is then applied in sections to the face before being neutralized with water.

Light Chemical Peel

Normally healed in 2-3 days after treatment, light chemical peels leave the skin with mild redness, stinging and skin flaking.  We ask that patients maintain their skin well moisturized and protected with a sunblock during this healing phase.

Medium Chemical Peel

Normally healed in 7-10 days after treatment, medium depth peels leave the skin with redness, skin flaking, stinging and crusting.  Care entails twice daily cleanings with a mild facial soap followed by antiseptic compresses.  A good skin moisturizer with sunblock is then applied, with occasional use of a thick ointment should the skin feel tight.

Deep Chemical Peel

Normally healed in two weeks after treatment, deep chemical peels leave the skin with crusting, peeling, redness, and discomfort for several days.  Prescription pain medication may initially be required to maintain comfort.  Twice daily facial cleanings and antiseptic compresses are recommended.  A thick ointment is often used to prevent dryness and pain with this depth of peel.

We believe in being preemptive to avoid any side effects, but occasionally the following may occur:

Redness:  With all chemical peels, the risk of prolonged redness exists.  For medium and deep chemical peels, this may last for weeks or months after treatment

Infection: As chemical peels remove a portion of the outer skin, the skin becomes susceptible to infection, requiring oral antibiotics to treat.  Patients with a history of cold sores may have a reactivation of this virus, and require antiviral medication to treat.

Hypo-/ Hyper-pigmentation: With its effects on the deeper areas of the skin, patients may develp hypo- or hyper- pigmentation issues with the skin.  Using a strong sunblock can minimize this risk.

Scarring -  Infrequently, scarring to the skin may occur. It is recommended that all patients with a history of keloids, or scarring tendencies, inform the office.

Number of Treatments:  With conservative administration, some patients may require multiple treatments in order to reach a desired result

Skin Care Regimen:  A patient’s routine skin care is resumed once a patient is deemed healed from the chemical peel, based on the aforementioned timeframes.  Makeup can also be worn at that time.

Time Interval Between Treatments: Light chemical peels can be repeated monthly if desired, while medium depth peels need between 6-8 weeks in between sessions. A phenol chemical peel may not need to be repeated for years after treatment.

How long after a chemical peel before I can return to normal activities?

Correct care of your skin after a chemical peel is critical to a good outcome.  Healing time will depend on the depth of peel performed, with most light peels healing in 4-6 days while medium depth peels heal in 7-10 days. During this time period, we ask patients to avoid strenuous activity, and limit their sun exposure, but most have returned to their normal activities by this time period.

How long do the results last?

A chemical peel is an adjunct to a good skin care regimen.  As the depth of peel increases, the greater the skin benefits, and the longer the results will last.  By limiting sun exposure and other environmental insults, one can prolong the improvement in skin quality that any peel affords.

How are chemical peels performed?

At the time of a chemical peel, the patient’s skin is degreased with alcohol or acetone.  The patient’s eyes and hair are protected, before serial applications of an organic acid to the patient’s skin. This allows a physician to monitor the depth of peel based on certain clinical signs.  Once the desired depth is obtained, the patient’s face is then covered with a thick moisturizer.