Chemical Peels

The skin is the largest organ in our body. It is made up of millions of cells that protect us from the environment and regulate our body temperature. Every day thousands of cells die, flake off and are replaced by new cells from beneath the skin. As we age, this process begins to slow down. Our skin may become dull. Dark blotches, fine lines and other signs of sun-damage and aging begin to appear.

Chemical Peel Skin Rejuvenation

Chemical Peels have been used for over 100 years to create an even and controlled shedding of damaged skin cells. Each year thousands of chemical peels are performed in the United States. Chemical peels use a solution applied to the skin to remove dead skin cells and stimulate the production of new skin cells. It tightens the skin, reduces wrinkling and restores a more youthful appearance.

What skin conditions can a chemical peel improve?

Chemical peels can effectively improve a wide variety of skin conditions including:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Uneven pigmentation
• Shallow acne scars
• Sun-damaged skin
• Age spots
• Freckling

A chemical peel is not a substitute for a facelift. It can not eliminate excessive or lax skin. But, in many cases a chemical peel is performed in conjunction with these procedures.

What is the treatment like?

Unlike laser peels, chemical peels can be performed on the face, neck, chest, hands and even the arms and legs. Most chemical peels are performed as outpatient
procedures in the doctor’s office or surgical suite. Depending on your skin type and the desired results, your physician may recommend a superficial, medium, or deep chemical peel. Your surgeon will select the proper chemical or mix of chemicals (glycolic acid,beta lift, Jessner, TCA or trichloroacetic acid, orcarbolic acid) and apply the solution to various areas of skin. Once applied, the chemical produces a separation and peeling of the outer layers of the
skin. This stimulates the production of new skin from beneath.

Most patients experience a warm to hot sensation which may last as long as ten minutes, followed by a stinging sensation. For deeper peels, some patients require anesthesia.

What should you expect after treatment?

Reactions to chemical peels are similar to a sunburn and range from mild to more pronounced. Generally, the deeper the peel, the longer the recovery.
A light peel usually results in some redness, and possibly some scaling for a few days. Medium and deep peels can result in swelling and blisters that break open forming a crust and turning brown, followed by peeling which can last up to two weeks. These peels may require dressings on some or all of the treated skin. Dressings are usually removed after a day or two. Ointments and creams will be applied to keep the skin moist. At first the new skin will have the color of a significant sunburn. This will gradually fade to pink over the next several weeks. Cosmetics can be applied after about two weeks. Following a chemical peel, your new skin will be tighter, smoother and may be slightly lighter than it was before surgery.
Following any skin peel, it is important that you avoid any exposure to the sun. Your new skin is very sensitive and susceptible to injury. Always apply a wide spectrum (UVA and UVB blocking) sunblock of at least SPF 15 twenty minutes before you go outside. Your surgeon will prescribe a proper home skin-care treatment program to ensure proper healing.

This information is intended to supplement, not replace, a consultation with a board certified physician. To find out if you could be a candidate for one of these procedures or to learn more information about these procedures, we invite you to contact one of our doctors for a private consultation.

Trademarks are property of their owners.
B & A photos may not be patients of the doctor featured in this web site.
Your results may differ. Copyright • 2002 • MJD Patient Communications
All rights reserved. Any reproduction in part or whole is strictly prohibited.