The Aesthetic Center

Treatment Options

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels have been used for over 100 years to create an even and controlled shedding of damaged skin cells. Every day thousands of skin cells die, flake off and are replaced by new cells. As we age, this process slows down and skin can become dull, uneven and discolored. Fine lines, sun damage and other signs of aging begin to be noticeable. Fortunately, there are ways to rejuvenate the skin and restore a more youthful appearance. Chemical peels are a very popular and successful treatment for achieving these results in a short period of time without undergoing cosmetic surgery. During a chemical peel a solution is applied to the skin to remove dead skin cells and stimulate the production of new skin cells. It tightens the skin, reduces wrinkling and leaves you with healthier, younger-looking skin.

Chemical peels are not a substitute for a facelift, but they can produce very satisfactory results for many different types of skin conditions, including:

Sun damage
Mild scarring
Wrinkles and lines
Skin discolorations - age spots, freckling, uneven pigmentation
Oily skin
Rough, dry skin
Acne
Loose, sagging skin

There are many different types of chemical peels. The chemical solutions used vary depending on the type of skin condition being treated and the desired depth of the chemical peel. If the skin problem is primarily superficial, then a milder, less caustic ingredient is used. If the problem is deeper, involving multiple layers of skin, then far stronger products are required. Active agents used in peels may include:

Glycolic acid (AHA)
Salicylic acid (BHA)
Fruit Acids
Lactic Acid
Resorcinol
TCA (Trichloracetic Acid)
Jessner's Peel (a combination of salicylic acid, resorcinol and lactic acid mixed in ethanol)

The depth of the chemical peel can be superficial, moderate or deep, depending on the skin condition, active ingredient used and desired result.

Basically, there are three levels of peels:

Light
These types of peel exfoliate and refresh the skin. These peels affect a portion or all of the epidermal skin layer. They are used to smooth out thickened, rough areas; help reduce the appearance of very mild blotchy skin discoloration and remnant acne discoloration; help cleanse the pores: and provide smoother, brighter-looking skin. These types of peels may need to be repeated on a regular basis to maintain the results.

Medium
This type of peel goes through the epidermis, down into the upper most portion of the dermis. These peels are used to treat fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment problems. These also may need to be repeated to ensure continued results.

Deep
This peel goes through the epidermis and into the deeper portion of the dermis. These peels are used to treat patients with coarse facial wrinkles, areas of blotchy or damaged skin caused by sun exposure, or pre-cancerous growths. Deep chemical peels are not simple procedures, and should only be administered by a qualified, experienced physician. In some cases, anesthesia may be required. Two to three weeks is the normal healing time after this type of peel.

Chemical peels are normally safe and produce excellent results when performed by a qualified, experienced physician or skin care professional. Light and medium chemical peels are performed in the facial treatment room, and usually take less than one hour. Deeper peels may take as long as two hours to complete. During a peel, most patients experience a warm or hot sensation which may last as long as ten minutes, followed by a stinging sensation.

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 possible some scaling for a few days. Medium and deep peels can result in swelling and blisters that break open, followed by peeling which can last up to two weeks. These peels may require dressings on some or all of the treated skin, which are usually removed after a day or two. Ointments and creams will be applied to keep the skin moist and prevent infections. 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 to three weeks, according to your doctor's instructions.

Your new skin will be tighter, smoother and lighter than it was before the peel. A proper home skin care treatment program will be recommended to ensure proper healing and maintenance of your results.

Following any skin peel, it is important to avoid any exposure to the sun. The new skin is very sensitive and susceptible to sun damage. Always apply a wide spectrum (UVA and UVB blocking) sunblock of at least SPF 15 approximately 20 minutes before you go outside.

Back To Treatment Options