Chemical Peels
Smooth, even, blemish-free skin is often what we think of when we envision a beautiful complexion. While this is often what many individuals strive to achieve, it can be difficult when dealing with common skin ailments such as acne, acne scarring, skin pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and more. Chemical peels are an effective, non-surgical treatment option to help address these skin issues for a glowing, youthful look.
What is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel uses a chemical solution to improve the texture and tone of your skin by removing the damaged outer layers. Although chemical peels are used mostly on the face, they can also be used to improve the skin on your neck and hands. Sun exposure, acne or just getting older can leave your skin tone uneven, wrinkled, spotted, or scarred. A chemical peel is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve the appearance of your skin. The potential result of the chemical peel depends on the type of chemical and technique used. This treatment is most commonly used on the face. Overall, chemical peels can help to improve:
Chemical peel depth ranges from very superficial to deep. Very superficial chemical peels affect the stratum corneum and stop penetration at the granular layer. Superficial peels can penetrate through the stratum corneum to the basal layer. Medium depth peels are typically performed by a physician or under the supervision of a physician and can penetrate down to the papillary dermis. Deep peels should be performed by a physician and can reach the reticular dermis, causing deep wounding. Peel depth is determined by several factors, including type and percentage of acid, patient skin type and thickness, pre-treatment, and patient history of exfoliating treatments. All patients have different factors that will contribute to how a peel solution will work for their skin. For example, thick skin and increased sebum production may impede the penetration of a peel solution. Conversely, skin with an impaired barrier function may experience an accelerated depth of penetration. Type and percentage of the acid is the primary determinant of depth and control.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Chemical Peel?
Both men and women can benefit from chemical peels to address a number of skin-related issues. Chemical peels can be used for anti-aging purposes to address pigmentation issues, fine lines or wrinkles, acne, rosacea, melasma, and more. Ideal candidates will be overall healthy, non-smokers, and of fair skin type although certain peels can safely be performed in clients with darker complexion especially with a proper pre-treatment skin regimen.
If you have a history of abnormal scarring, have a tendency to have extra pigmentation of your scars, prior Herpes, or use certain medications that make the skin more sensitive than normal, you may not be a candidate for this treatment. Be sure to speak with Dr. Walker about your medical history during your consultation appointment so that he can accurately determine if a chemical peel is right for you and what, if any, pre-peel medication or skin regimen is recommended to make this a safe procedure.
How is a Chemical Peel Done?
When it comes to chemical peels there are three main types, including superficial/light chemical peels, medium depth chemical peels, and deep chemical peels. There are various formulas for each type and the strength of the peel determines the depth of the peel, which in turn dictates the results and associated downtime.
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Superficial/Light Chemical Peels
A light chemical peel or superficial chemical peel is best suited for mild to moderate textural imperfections, rhytids (wrinkles), dyschromia (pigmentation issues or dark spots), and acne. It removes only the outer layer of the skin called the epidermis for a healthy glow. During a light chemical peel, your face will first be cleansed and the chemical solution brushed onto your skin. You may feel some mild stinging, but it should not be painful. After sitting on the face for a few minutes, the peel will be washed away and neutralized. You are likely to experience some redness, stinging, skin flaking, and irritation from a light chemical peel. Patients who desire monthly treatments are viable candidates for superficial chemical peels because their lower level of exfoliation permits repeat treatments with quick re-epithelialization and recovery times. In addition to maintaining healthy cellular turnover rates, each of the most commonly used superficial peeling agents provides ancillary benefits. Numerous studies have shown that all chemical peel solutions stimulate collagen and glycosaminoglycan production, regardless of the depth of penetration. Additionally, topically applied products are able to absorb more effectively when the skin is properly exfoliated, allowing for accelerated results. Trichloroacetic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, modified Jessner’s solutions, retinoids, and blended acid peels are currently the most commonly utilized superficial peeling agents in the industry.
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Medium Depth Chemical Peels
A chemical peel of medium depth is primarily used to treat acne scarring, deeper wrinkles, and uneven skin color. The chemicals used for this level of peel will remove skin cells from the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and the upper part of the middle layer of skin (dermis). During this procedure, your face will be cleansed, and the chemical peel will be applied to the skin. The treated area may turn a grey/white color. The chemical peel will then be neutralized with a cool saline compress. You may notice your skin will turn brown or red in the day following your peel. Your dead skin cells will begin to peel within 48 hours of treatment and will last about a week, after which you can enjoy your new, glowing complexion. Agents frequently used for medium-depth chemical peeling include TCA (trichloroacetic acid), Jessner’s solution, and glycolic acid. When trichloroacetic acid is used in a medium chemical peel, you’ll experience some redness, stinging, and flaking of the skin. Commonly, symptoms are similar to those of a deep sunburn. Although these chemicals won’t bleach your skin, you may see some color changes. You’re advised to avoid the sun and to use sunblock for several months to protect that fresh new layer of skin.
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Deep Chemical Peels
Deep chemical peels are used to treat deep facial wrinkles, sun damage, scars, or even pre-cancerous growths. This type of peel will require you to use some form of pretreatment for up to eight weeks prior to your peel to prepare the skin and speed up the healing process. Prior to your deep chemical peel, you may be given a sedative to help you relax, along with local anesthetic to ensure a comfortable treatment. Your face will then be cleansed, and the deep chemical peel will be brushed onto your skin for the appropriate amount of time. The solution will then be neutralized with water, and ointment will be smoothed onto your skin to ensure optimal healing. Given the level of discomfort, associated downtime, and alternative treatment options such as laser, deep chemical peels are rarely performed anymore nowadays.
Why Choose Dr. Walker for Your Chemical Peel?
Although the chemical peel procedure is fairly simple, the decision which peel is best suited for you requires in-depth knowledge to safely administer a chemical peel with minimal to no risks. As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Walker has the knowledge, ability, and skill to help you safely achieve the glowing skin you have been looking for and select those patients who should not undergo this procedure.
Chemical Peel Recovery
Your chemical peel recovery will look different depending on the depth of the peel you received. After a superficial/light chemical peel, you are likely to experience some redness, irritation, flaking skin, and stinging. Following a medium depth chemical peel, you may experience some redness, swelling, and flaking of the skin, similar to a bad sunburn. You may also experience some color changes. After a deep chemical peel, peeling, crusting, skin redness, and discomfort will occur. Some minor swelling may occur and usually dissipates within a week, while redness may remain for a couple of months. The deeper the peel, the longer-lasting the results.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you are interested in learning more about chemical peels at our Atlanta office, contact us today! We will be happy to schedule your consultation appointment with Dr. Walker, as well as answer any chemical peel questions you may have.
