Chemical Peels
Improve the appearance of the skin on the face, neck or hands
Looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scars, or pigmentation problems? A chemical peel, also called chemo exfoliation, may be what you are looking for to restore the vibrancy of your skin. A chemical peel is a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin on the face, neck, or hands. Chemical peeling provides a safe, non-surgical, time-honored approach to uncovering your facial skin's prior youthful appearance. Over the years, the sun, wind, dryness, and other factors can result in facial skin appearing wrinkled and blotchy. A chemical peel can be used to remove the top layer of the skin to rejuvenate its appearance. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, causing it to peel off several days later. Shedding of the old skin triggers a fresh new layer of skin cells to develop. The new, regenerated skin is less wrinkled, generally smoother, and less blotchy than the old skin. Depending on the depth of the peel, new collagen production can be stimulated for additional improvement in skin texture. Chemical peels offer superior safety, predictable results and value.
Chemical peels are ideally performed in a series of three to six treatments, spaced two to four weeks apart. This will generally result in visible, lasting rejuvenation of the skin. Peeling can smooth sun-damaged skin, erasing mottling and yellowing. It may even decrease the number of sun damaged pre-cancerous growths or scaly patches that might be present. The effect may be so favorable that the new lesions or patches are less likely to appear in the future.
Chemical peeling is frequently used to treat fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth. Wrinkles caused by sun damage, aging, and hereditary factors can often be reduced or even eliminated with this procedure. However, sags, bulges, and more severe wrinkles do not respond well to peeling and may require other kinds of cosmetic surgical procedures such as face lift, brow lift, eye lift, or soft tissue fillers. Mild scarring and certain types of acne can also be treated with chemical peels. In addition, pigmentation of the skin in the form of sun spots, age spots, liver spots, freckles, splotching due to taking birth control pills, and skin that is dull in texture and color may be improved with chemical peeling.
Types of chemical peels vary by how deeply the chemical penetrates the skin
There are several different types of chemical peels, varying by how deeply the chemical used penetrates the skin. You can think of a chemical peel as causing a mild and controlled chemical burn.
The three main varieties of chemical peels are superficial, medium depth, and deep.
SUPERFICIAL CHEMICAL PEEL
A superficial chemcial peel removes only the very top layer of the epidermis. An example of this type of peel is glycolic acid. It causes little permanent change in the skin, but it does improve appearance. The superficial peels resemble mild sunburn in appearance. No sedation or local anesthetic is required. After the acide is applied to the skin, a light white frost appears. A mild amount of stinging during the procedure occurs, which quickly resolves on its own. A sensation of warmth may also be felt for several minutes during the procedure. A mild amont of redness and swelling may follow for several days, with complete healing expected within one week or less.
MEDIUM CHEMICAL PEEL
A medium depth chemical peel removes the epidermis and alters the dermis, which is the middle layer of the skin. The medium depth peel is performed in a similar manner to the superficial chemical peel, but with the addition of a degreaser such as alcohol or acetone to pre-treat the skin. Two separate agents are used: Jessner's solution and trichloracetic acid (TCA). They are applied with a cotton tip applicator, and treatment can be individualized for maximum improvement in fine lines, brown spots, etc. After their application, the skin frosts moderately and ice packs are applied to cool down the heat and stinging associated with the chemical peeling. Redness and scaling will develop between three and seven days after the peel, and redness may persist for two weeks or longer. Usually the patient will experience peeling skin similar to that, which occurs after sunburn.
DEEP CHEMICAL PEEL
Deep chemical peels extend deep into the dermis. In general, the risk of scarring is low with superficial and medium depth peels, and these are the two types most commonly performed in the United States.
Complications are unusual but sometimes do occur
Chemical have been performed in the manner described above for almost 50 years in the United States, and have demonstrated excellent reliability and safety. Complications are unusual, however a chemical peel is no different than any other surgical procedure in that there can be side effects and no guarantee can be made about the final outcome. Redness can persist for months. A chemical peel can induce an outbreak of cold sores, so a course of antiviral medication is used at the time of the peel as a preventative. Rarely, other infections can occur after a peel requiring antibiotics. In certain types, there is a risk of developing a temporary or permanent color change in the skin. Taking birth control pills, pregnancy, or a family history of brownish discoloration on the face may increase the possibility of developing abnormal pigmentation. Although low, there is a risk of scarring in certain individuals who may be more prone to scarring. Prior to treatment, it is important for the patient to inform the physician of any past history of keloids, unusual scarring tendencies, extensive x-rays on the face, or recurring cold sores.
Chemical peels are not a panacea or cure-all. A thorough evaluation by a physician knowledgeable and experience in chemical peeling techniques is imperative. There are some situations, such as deep acne scars or large pores, which would not benefit greatly from chemical peeling. The chemicals used simply do not penetrate deeply enough to alter the dermis or scar tissue. Various types of lasers, including the Smoothbeam Laser may be helpful in these situations. The choice of treatment that is best for you depends on several factors. Some factors to consider are:
- the depth of the wrinkles or scars
- your skin type
- the resulting "town-time" and expense
- your risk threshold
Chemical peeling can be combined with laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, or soft tissue fillers to obtain skin rejuvenation customized to patient's individual needs.
Call 703-648-2488 today for your consultation.
*Note: Gratuitities are not accepted by our Aestheticians.
Our offices are located within minutes of Fair Oaks Hospital.
Click here for an interactive map of our location.
Who should be providing your cosmetic treatment?
From the American Academy of Dermatology . . .
Patient safety is dermatologists’ No. 1 priority. Dermatologists have the education, expertise and experience to safely and effectively reduce the signs of aging. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, consumers should ask the following questions:
Q: What are the doctor's credentials and is he or she board-certified?
A: Remember, dermatologists are physicians with extensive education, training and experience in keeping the skin, hair and nails healthy.
