What is a Chemical Peel?
Chemical Peels are non-surgical treatments that are used to restore wrinkled, blemished, unevenly pigmented or sun-damaged facial skin, using a chemical solution to peel away the skin’s top layers. The peels include exfoliation of the facial skin, often in combination with the microdermabrasion treatments.
A chemical peel utilizes a chemical solution to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. It is commonly used on the face, hands, neck, and chest. The solution is applied to the skin for a specific duration, dependent on the chemical strength and desired effects. This peeling process eliminates dead skin cells, resulting in an enhanced appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation.
How Does a Chemical Peel Work?
The application process for a chemical peel is straightforward and usually takes approximately 15 minutes. Initially, the skin will be thoroughly cleansed, and then the chemical peel solution will be carefully applied to the facial area, possibly extending the treatment to the neck and chest. The solution will penetrate the skin, undergo a brief period of action, and finally, be delicately removed. This causes controlled damage to the skin cells, triggering the body’s natural healing process. As the damaged layers of skin are shed, new cells are generated to replace them. This enhances skin texture and addresses skin care concerns like uneven pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and acne scarring.
Benefits of a Chemical Peel
Chemical peels enhance your skin’s natural radiance, eradicate impurities, and effectively address hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, fine lines, skin laxity, and acne. These peels provoke controlled exfoliation of the skin’s epidermis and upper dermis, leading to revitalization and restoration. Throughout the treatment process, the active ingredients in the peel target signs of aging, discoloration, and acne, unveiling fresh, youthful skin. Professional chemical peels facilitate the shedding of superficial layers, revealing firm and luminous skin beneath.
What Can I Expect?
The licensed aestheticians at The Center will determine the treatment that is best for you, such as a Micropeel or Micropeel Plus, based on your individual needs. Contact us today to learn if chemical peels are right for you.
Before, During, and After
What to Expect Before a Chemical Peel
Before a chemical peel treatment, the skin will be prepared with a cleanser. Subsequently, the suitable chemical solution will be applied carefully to targeted areas of the skin.
What to Expect During a Chemical Peel
During a chemical peel, a solution is applied to the skin that exfoliates the outermost layers of dead skin cells to reveal smoother, more youthful-looking skin. Depending on the strength of the solution used, patients may experience a mild stinging sensation and varying degrees of peeling, but the result is typically glowing, more radiant skin.
What to Expect After a Chemical Peel
Following a light chemical peel, patients may experience symptoms such as redness, stinging, skin flaking, and irritation. It is important to note that these chemicals do not possess bleaching properties; however, slight changes in skin color may occur. It is advisable to avoid exposure to direct sunlight and diligently apply sunscreen to safeguard the new layer of skin.
During a medium chemical peel, patients should anticipate the occurrence of redness, stinging, and skin flaking, which can be likened to the sensation experienced with a deep sunburn.
After a deep chemical peel, patients typically resume work and normal activities after two weeks. Temporary discomfort, accompanied by peeling, crusting, skin redness, and potential discomfort lasting several days to weeks may be experienced. To alleviate discomfort, painkillers may be prescribed. While swelling usually subsides within two weeks, skin redness may persist for up to three months. A single deep chemical peel treatment can yield enduring and impressive results that may last up to 10 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there different types of Chemical Peels available?
Superficial and deep chemical peels are two types of chemical peels available. Superficial peels, such as the Micropeel, are the more gentle option. They do not require downtime and involve applying a layer of acid to the skin, which is then neutralized. For more dramatic results, the Micropeel Plus is a slightly more aggressive option. It includes an additional layer of salicylic acid to unclog pores and penetrate deeper into the skin.
How long does a Chemical Peel procedure typically take?
A chemical peel procedure usually takes approximately 15-20 minutes. depending on the type and strength of the peel.
Is a chemical peel painful?
A chemical peel can cause slight discomfort and a burning sensation during application. This varies depending on the type and strength of the peel used.
Can Chemical Peels be customized for different skin types?
Chemical peels can be customized to target specific skin concerns and types, making them suitable for most individuals. Adjusting the type and strength of the peel can ensure safe and effective results for every unique skin type.
What is the difference between superficial, medium, and deep Chemical peels?
Chemical peels are an effective way to rejuvenate the skin by accelerating the skin’s natural exfoliation process` and revealing a smoother, brighter complexion underneath. There are three categories of chemical peels – superficial, medium, and deep – each with its unique set of strengths and limitations. Superficial peels are the mildest of the three, typically using gentle acids like alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) to lightly exfoliate the skin’s surface. Medium peels penetrate deeper into the skin using trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to address more stubborn concerns like acne scarring and hyperpigmentation. Deep peels are the most intensive option, using phenol to reach the deepest layers of the skin and deliver the most dramatic results.
Other Popular Procedures
Breast Lift
Breasts that have lost their firm, uplifted contours can affect a woman’s self-image and confidence. A breast lift is a surgical procedure that reshapes and lifts sagging breasts, helping to restore their youthful appearance. This surgery is particularly popular among women who have experienced changes in their breasts due to pregnancy, aging, or weight fluctuations. At the Center for Aesthetic, a breast lift (mastopexy) may be right for you if you want to restore the firmness and shape of your breasts. The procedure works by removing excess skin, tightening the surrounding tissues, and repositioning the nipples, which can also improve the symmetry and overall shape of the breasts, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
LIPOSUCTION
Trying to exercise off stubborn fat deposits can be frustrating, if not impossible; but at the Center for Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery, liposuction can help. Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves using a suction technique to remove excess fat from various parts of the body, including the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, arms, and neck. Despite efforts to lose weight through exercise and a healthy diet, stubborn fat deposits may persist in these areas. Liposuction provides a solution for eliminating these unwanted fat deposits, resulting in a more contoured and toned appearance. This procedure can effectively remove fatty tissue from just about anywhere on the body, from head to feet, helping you achieve the body shape you desire.
KYBELLA™
The ‘double chin’ is a common and often under-treated aesthetic concern for both women and men. Traditionally, the only solution was semi-invasive liposuction. Fortunately, a new, highly effective alternative is now available. KYBELLA is an FDA-approved injectable treatment designed to improve the appearance of a double chin by permanently destroying fat cells in the targeted area. This minimally invasive procedure offers a convenient, non-surgical option for those seeking a more sculpted and defined facial profile. With its unique deoxycholic acid formulation, KYBELLA effectively breaks down and eliminates stubborn fat deposits, ensuring long-lasting results. Its safety and effectiveness have made it a popular choice among patients seeking a more contoured jawline.
Halo™ Laser Treatment
Halo is the world’s first hybrid fractional laser, combining two lasers in one to take years of damage off the face and reveal your inner glow! This advanced technology effectively treats various cosmetic issues by utilizing both ablative and non-ablative wavelengths to target deep and surface skin layers. It's ideal for improving skin texture, tone, reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and pore size while stimulating collagen. Acne patients see significant improvements in scarring, both in discoloration and skin depression. As the most scientifically advanced treatment for sun damage, pigment, and more, Halo offers outstanding results with minimal downtime—now you can achieve the look you’ve always wanted in half the time! Suitable for the face, neck, and other areas.