Chemical Peel
Corrects: Sun damaged or unevenly pigmented skin.
Length of Procedure: 30 minutes – 3 hours
Number of Treatments: One or multiple depending on type of peel
Longevity: Long-lasting
Recovery Time: Depends on the type of peel
Chemical peels are a very flexible option for skin resurfacing because they come in a variety of strengths from superficial to deep.
AHA, or Alpha Hydroxyl Acid, such as glycolic, lactic or fruit acids are generally the most superficial peels. Varied concentrations of an AHA may be applied weekly or at longer intervals to obtain the best results.
TCA, or Trichloroacetic Acid peel is a stronger and more deeply penetrating peel than the AHAs. This is an especially effective treatment for patients with darker complexions. Some of the effects of a deeper peel can be achieved with a TCA depending on the concentration and manner of application, with a shorter recovery period than a deep phenol peel.
Phenol peels are the strongest chemical peels, used for people with deep wrinkles from sun exposure or excess wrinkling around the lips and chin. The recovery time for a Phenol peel is longer but the effects can be enjoyed for as long as twenty years.
The use of sunscreen is recommended for all patients, especially those who have had peels because of a heightened sensitivity to light.
An alternative to peels is the 3-D laser treatment with less downtime and the ability to both affect lines as well as pigment issues on the skin surface.
To find out more about this procedure, contact us today.
