Chemical Peels Overview

Chemical peels are mostly commonly used to treat severe acne, age spots, brown spots, large pores and fine wrinkles. It’s a procedure in which a chemical solution, selected to fit your needs, is applied to the skin for deep exfoliation.

The most often used compounds are all found in nature or safely created in labs. The common ones are glycolic acid, mandelic acid and salicylic acid. Glycolic acid, of the alpha-hydroxy acid family, is derived from certain fruits and plants. It works by stimulating new skin growth and collagen and allows dead skin cells to fall off naturally. Salicylic acid, a simple organic fruit compound, is generally used on those more prone to oily skin. It increases skin cell turnover and is also proven to help treat acne. Mandelic acid is an extract of bitter almonds and is often used for treating uneven skin tones and pigmentation.

Time Required

Usually about 1-3 hours

Side Effects

May include severe redness and flaking of skin, facial swelling, or dry skin

Risks

Long-term complications from chemical peels are rare. It is possible to experience burning of the skin, though this is generally a temporary result.

Results Duration

Dramatic responses are often seen in one or two treatments and are very long lasting. Some patients pursue follow-up treatments, but this varies by each individual's preference.

Recovery

This will depend on the severity of the peel. After minor peels, some patients need a day or two. More severe peels might require a recovery period of several weeks. In many cases, even after work and daily tasks are resumed, it might be necessary to cosmetically hide remaining redness or dryness.

Patients usually achieve ample enough cheek implant recovery to return to work about 1-2 weeks after surgery.

Discomfort Level

Minor burning and tingling sensation during application.

Anesthesia

No anesthesia is usually necessary

Inpatient/Outpatient

Outpatient.

Can be combined with

Collagen, Restylane, and more!

Chemical Peels also known as

TCA Peel, Chem Peel, Glycolic Peel, Facial Peel