Chemical Peels: At a Glance | |
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Preparation | You may be given a pre-treatment skin care routine. |
Procedure | A chemical solution is applied to the treatment area and left on for several minutes. Water or alcohol is used to neutralize the chemical at the end of the procedure. |
Length of Procedure | Depends on the type of peel. Can range from one minute to 12 minutes. |
Recovery or Downtime | Will depend on the type of chemical peel
– Light peels require no downtime to a few days of downtime – Medium to deep peels require a few days to a few months to recover |
Pain | – During treatment, a cool, warm or hot sensation, as well as some stinging can be experienced. – After treatment, a burning sensation similar to a mild or strong sunburn, depending on the strength of the chemical peel. |
Results | Smooth skin resulting in a more youthful glowing appearance. |
Revitalizing chemical peel procedures have benefited individuals for more than a century by removing dead cells and stimulating the production of new ones to provide a fresh glowing complexion.
As we age, the rejuvenation process of skin cells slows. A chemical peel from the Skin and Vein Center can make the skin appear tighter and less wrinkled, revealing a more youthful appearance.
Chemical peel procedures can help if you are looking to:
Often, chemical peels are done along with a facelift to improve overall tone and texture, while the facelift targets sagging skin.
You may be asked to use a skin-cleansing regime leading up to your chemical peel procedure.
Depending on the individual, a single chemical, such as trichloroacetic acid, hydroquinone, or glycol, will be used, or a combination of chemicals will be used. Which chemical solution is used will define the peel as light or superficial, medium or deep. Your physician will determine the best strength of chemicals to achieve the desired results.
Unless you are undergoing a deep peel, you will not need any type of anesthesia. The chemical solution is applied to the treatment area, which is usually the entire surface of the face. These chemical solutions will immediately start peeling the dead skin from the outer layers of the treatment area. You can expect to feel a cool, warm, or hot sensation, along with a stinging sensation that may last for 10 or more minutes, depending on the strength of your peel.
Due to the varying strengths of chemical peels, it is important to follow all aftercare directions to encourage healing and reduce any risk of complications.
After a light peel, you can expect to experience:
After a medium or deep peel:
You may have the appearance of a sunburn after a medium or deep chemical peel procedure. The redness will become pink over time and it may take several weeks to heal. You can start applying makeup about seven days after the procedure.
After all chemical peels, you should avoid sun exposure and apply a sunblock with SPF 15 or higher whenever you go outside. Also, it is not uncommon to experience temporary breakouts because the chemical agents are generating new cells and your skin is adjusting and healing.
Remember that your skin is very sensitive, so you should take good care of it, and you will soon see the chemical peel benefits.