Quick Links
Chemical peels are performed using a chemical solution to peel away the skin’s top layers. Chemical peels often use alpha hydroxy acid solutions such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, trichloroacetic acid, and other blends to target specific skin concerns. Chemical peels works best on fair skin with superficial wrinkles, sun damaged skin cells, rough skin, acne scars, and more. Results vary and depend on the exact concentration of the specific formula used. The specific chemical peel formula chosen will depend on your plastic surgeon’s discretion, the type of peel, and your goals. A peel may be performed multiple times to obtain a desired result.
expectations
What to Expect for Your Chemical Peel
Anesthesia
Usually IV sedation for a full face peel. Smaller areas do not require anesthesia.
Length of Procedure
1 hour for full face
In / Outpatient
Generally out-patient in our accredited on-site surgery center.
What Can Chemical Peels Treat?
Chemical peels can treat the following:
- Fine lines
- Uneven skin tone and pigmentation of the face
- Skin texture that had been affected by a variety of factors, but mostly from sun damage
Chemical peels can vary in depth, from light superficial peels to medium peels to deep peels. Each depth offers advantages – for example, deeper chemical peels can treat tougher skin conditions like moderate lines and wrinkles, severe acne scarring, actinic keratosis, and more. On the other hand, a light chemical peel can provide subtler skin rejuvenation that produces a brighter tone and smoother texture. Medium-depth peels can offer more rejuvenation than a light chemical peel but without the significant downtime of a deep chemical peel.
We offer a variety of peels varying from very light peels performed by our esthetician to deeper peels performed by our plastic surgeons.
1-2 Weeks
How Long is a Chemical Peel Recovery?
Back to work: 1 to 2 weeks for a full facial peel. The top layers of skin rejuvenates within 5 to 10 days. Cover up makeup used afterwards.
What is a TCA Peel?
A TCA peel (trichloroacetic acid) is used as medium to deep peeling agent with concentrations ranging from 20% to 50%. The peel can be performed on the entire face or on partial areas such as lower lids and around the mouth. Smaller areas may be performed in our treatment room. A TCA peel of the entire face is performed in our office surgical suite under IV sedation. It may take up to 2 weeks for the redness to diminish. TCA may be used on many skin types. Click here to learn more about the “Perfect” Peel performed by our esthetician.