Chemical Peel
Quick Facts about Chemical Peel
Medical Names: Chemical Peel, Chemexfoliation, Derma-Peeling
Estimated Cost: $500 – 1,000 per treatment
Type of Anesthesia: None; Sedative for Deeper Peels
Total Recovery Time: 2-3 Days; 3-7 Weeks for Deeper Peels
Procedure Location: Plastic Surgery Center, Dermatologist Office
Practitioner: Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or Physician
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Chemical Peel, also known as Chemexfoliation or Derma-Peeling, is a non-invasive procedure used to improve and smooth the texture of the skin by peeling away the skin’s aged and damaged outer layers. Chemical Peel treatments may be performed on the face, neck, shoulder, chest, back, arms, hands and legs and are effective in reducing fines lines and wrinkles, mild scarring and acne, age spots, freckles, variances in skin pigmentation and pre-cancerous growths.
Chemical Peels utilize solutions varying in specific ingredients and strength; the most common chemicals being alphahydroxy acid (AHA), trichloracetic acid (TCA) and phenol acid. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), 556,172 Chemical Peels were performed in 2005.
Did You Know?
A medium chemical peel, using trichloracetic acid (TCA), is considered an effective method for treating multiple pre-cancerous skin lesions.
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THE CHEMICAL PEEL PROCEDURE
Chemical Peel is performed in a plastic surgery center or doctor’s office as an outpatient procedure. Generally, no anesthesia is required, although a sedative may be administered with some TCA and deeper peels. Light and medium chemical peels take ten to fifteen minutes, while a full face deep chemical peel may take up to one or two hours.
The practitioner will cleanse the skin and protect the eyes and hair. Using a sponge or cotton pad, the chemical solution is applied to the treatment area. The patient may experience a slight burning sensation and a cool compress may be applied to alleviate stinging. After the effective time, the solution is removed and the area is washed. For deeper peels, the practitioner may apply petroleum jelly or a bandage to the treated area.
After a chemical peel, most people experience a reaction similar to a sunburn; mild swelling, flaking, redness and drying of the skin are common. The peeling process may take up to one or two weeks. With deeper peels, the eyes may temporarily swell close. Any bandages are usually removed within one to seven days. It is important to apply sunblock to protect the skin from sun exposure.
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CHEMICAL PEEL OPTIONS
Chemical Peels vary according to the type of chemicals used, the strength of the solution and the extent of treatment.
Light Peels
Light peels, the most superficial of the chemical peels, are usually performed using a solution of alphahydroxy acid (AHA). AHA is effective in treating mild to moderate acne scarring, wrinkling, blemishes, sunspots and dry skin. Light peels may leave the skin with a red glow for one or two days. Multiple peels may be required and should be performed in one to three week intervals.
Medium Peels
Medium peels utilize a solution of trichloracetic acid (TCA). TCA, which is stronger than AHA, allows for a deeper level of penetration, making it effective in treating deeper wrinkles and scars and pre-cancerous growths. TCA is effective in treating darker-skinned patients. Medium peels may make the skin look like severe sunburn for up to one week. Medium peels may be performed once every couple of years.
Deep Peels
Deep peels, the strongest of the chemical peels, are administered using a solution of phenol acid. Phenol chemical peels have proven to be effective in treating extensive facial wrinkles, acne scars and blemishes with dramatic results. Deep peels usually require a sedative prior to treatment and there are more severe side effects and longer post treatment care than with the light and medium peels. The effects of a deep peel treatment may last up to twenty years.
IS CHEMICAL PEEL RIGHT FOR YOU?
Ideal Candidate for Chemical Peel
The ideal candidate is in good physical condition, psychologically stable and has realistic expectations of what can be achieved with a chemical peel. Men and women with facial wrinkles, blemishes or acne scarring and without pre-existing skin conditions are good candidates for a chemical peel. All age groups can achieve excellent results with a chemical peel.
Other Considerations for Chemical Peel
To achieve the desired effect, multiple treatments may have to be administered or may have to be performed in conjunction with other procedures. At your consultation, the practitioner will discuss the options, risks and limitations of chemical peels. Make sure you discuss all of your questions and specific health issues, especially heart disease, fever blisters, cold sores or scarring conditions. Based on your choices, expectations and medical history, the practitioner will make recommendations and review your preparation instructions, the procedure process including sedative, the expected results and post-treatment instructions for maximum recovery.
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CHEMICAL PEEL PROCEDURE COST
Fees vary from state to state and from one practitioner to another. The cost is based upon the type of peel needed and the number of treatments required. Prices range from $500 to $1000 per chemical peel treatment. Other important factors determining the final cost may include pre-treatment care and post-treatment products.
Note: A more expensive procedure price does not necessarily ensure a more skilled practitioner. You should ask for referrals and review testimonials before choosing a practitioner.
CHEMICAL PEEL PROS & CONS
Pros
| Results can be significant and even dramatic |
| Treatments remove or reduce facial wrinkles, blemishes and acne scarring |
| Renewed and revitalized appearance |
| Recipients of chemical peels report greater self-confidence and less self-consciousness
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Cons
| Mild swelling, flaking, redness and drying of the skin |
| Mild pain and discomfort, especially with TCA or phenol peels |
| Eyes may temporarily swell close with phenol peels |
| Multiple treatments may be required
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ASK A PLASTIC SURGEON ABOUT CHEMICAL PEEL - FAQ
Who can benefit from a chemical peel?
Men or women who suffer from acne scarring, excessive blemishes and/or facial wrinkles and creases can greatly benefit from a chemical peel.
Are chemical peels permanent?
A chemical peel is generally permanent in terms of removing facial blemishes and acne scarring. Multiple treatments may be necessary in order to attain the desired results. Age, gravity and sun exposure will take effect on the skin. It is important that the patient pursues a healthy skin care regiment.
What is the down time for chemical peels?
Light to medium chemical peels may require two to seven recovery days. The recovery time for medium to deep chemical peel treatments can range from a couple weeks to several weeks.
What about home chemical peels and systems that I have heard about?
With the recent increase in popularity of chemical peel treatments, numerous over the counter products have become available to consumers. Although these home kits may be less expensive, it is important that consumers know that at-home results may not be as significant as when the treatment is performed by a qualified practitioner. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery states that due to its serious nature, phenol chemical peels should only be performed under the direction of a qualified physician.
How do I find a practitioner who specializes in chemical peels and that is right for me?
Choosing a practitioner is the most important step in the success of your cosmetic procedure. You want a practitioner that has the best skills and training to help enhance your appearance and achieve your desired results. For a comprehensive picture of Chemical Peels, read the information on this site and make a list of questions. Then find the practitioners in your area and review their qualifications and specialities, practice philosophy, articles, before and after photos and patient testimonials. This information can assist you in making an educated decision in choosing the procedure option and specialist right for you.
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