Chemical Peels

Chemical Peels

Description
Chemical peeling is a resurfacing modality which employs substances that effectively exfoliate the facial and neck skin. Substances such as glycolic acid and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) allow controlled removal of the top layer(s) of skin to expose the deeper, more youthful-appearing layers underneath, and to encourage your skin to regenerate itself. Chemical peeling may improve the appearance of fine lines and certain age-related skin discolorations which can detract from the skin's natural beauty.

The Aging Process
Cumulative sun damage contributes primarily to changes in the surface of the skin. Collagen, which forms the substance of the skin, is degraded and lost. Fine lines and wrinkles may develop. Pores may appear to enlarge. Age spots or discolorations may become increasingly visible. Together, these sun and age-related skin surface changes detract from the smooth, full, and uniform qualities of youthful skin.

Candidates for Chemical Peels
You may be a candidate for a chemical peel if you have findings of sun-damaged skin including fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores, or skin discolorations.

Complementary Procedures
In conjunction with chemical peeling, wrinkle reducers (such as BOTOX® or Dysport®) may be used for those wrinkles which are present with muscle movement. In addition, Injectable dermal fillers and volumizers may be employed to aid in improving facial volume loss and those wrinkles and lines that are present at rest. Other resurfacing procedures such as laser resurfacing or dermabrasion may be employed depending on the particular needs of a given patient.

Recovery after Chemical Peels
Recovery depends upon the depth of the peel employed. For superficial chemical peels, any temporary redness resolves within minutes and normal activity may be resumed immediately. For medium depth peels, which allow for more dramatic results, an expected period of skin peeling lasts for a couple of days, followed by several more days of redness. By the 7th day, any residual redness may be concealed with makeup.