Chemical Peel

What is a chemical peel?

A chemical peel is a non-invasive skin-resurfacing procedure that utilizes a precise blend of acids placed carefully on the skin to remove damaged outer layers and stimulate the production of smooth, radiant skin cells.

The skin is the largest organ of the body and has three layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and subcutaneous fat. Chemical peels reduce the appearance of dark spots, sun-damaged skin, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, and uneven skin tone by removing the outermost layer of the skin, or epidermis.

In some cases, particularly when treating scaly or rough precancerous lesions, the acids used are strong enough to also affect the middle (or dermal) layer of the skin.

How does a chemical peel work?

In a chemical peel procedure, acid is applied to the treatment site using a cotton-tipped applicator to ensure the chemical delivery is focused and localized to the desired areas. The patient will feel a mild stinging sensation for about ten minutes as the acid begins to work on the skin’s outer layer.

Skin type and condition, combined with the patient’s aesthetic goals, will determine the type of peel used.

It is important to note that a chemical peel cannot successfully treat all skin conditions. Patients with excessively saggy or droopy skin, deep wrinkles, severe dark spots, or active acne conditions should meet with Dr. Maman to determine which non-surgical and facial rejuvenation techniques will deliver the best results.

Types of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are categorized based on the type of acid used, the amount of tissue affected, and the desired result. They are generally broken into the following three categories:

• • Light chemical peels
  • Medium chemical peels
  • Deep chemical peels

Light chemical peels

Light chemical peels, also known as superficial or lunchtime peels, use mild acids like alpha-hydroxy acids to remove the outer layer of skin. This treatment can exfoliate dead skin cells and treat fine wrinkles, sun damage, dryness, and mild acne on the face, neck, chest, or hands.

Light chemical peels take about seven days to fully heal, but the treatment is mild enough that patients can often wear makeup the next day if desired. They can be repeated every two to five weeks as part of a regular skincare routine.

Medium chemical peels

Medium chemical peels use stronger agents like trichloroacetic acid, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid to treat both the epidermis and the top layers of the dermis. This more aggressive treatment is effective for treating precancerous lesions, age spots, moderate acne scars, light-to-medium fine lines and wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.

During recovery, the treated skin will be red, swollen, and itchy as it peels. As the swelling goes down, it is normal for the peeling skin to form a scab or temporary hyperpigmentation that will last for up to two weeks.

Medium chemical peels can be repeated every four to six months if desired.

Deep chemical peels

Deep chemical peels use concentrated trichloroacetic acid or phenol to remove damaged skin cells that extend into the middle of the dermis. Deep peels are used to treat concerning precancerous irregularities, deep scars, and moderate wrinkles. Because deep peels deliver results that can last for up to ten years, many patients seek them out to delay more invasive procedures like a facelift.

While not a surgical procedure, this type of treatment does require approximately two to three weeks of recovery time.

Deep peels, also known as TCA peels due to the trichloroacetic acid used, can result in severe redness and swelling. Treated areas must remain covered in a thick ointment and bandages to prevent infection in the raw, open skin.

Swelling will likely decrease after a few weeks, but it is normal for the redness to last for several months. Deep peels can affect the skin’s ability to tan, so excellent skincare and consistent use of sunscreen are critical to maintaining results.

Who performs chemical peels?

Chemical peels are not risk-free procedures. Some skin types and pigments are more prone to infection, swelling, scars, and hyperpigmentation after a chemical peel.

Although many states allow master estheticians and medical spa employees to perform chemical peels without extensive oversight of their credentials, a skilled plastic surgeon who has undergone years of rigorous training is more qualified to help patients avoid potential complications and deliver the best possible results.

Results & Recovery

We take every measure to provide the highest degree of comfort for our patients throughout their time in our care.

We believe that all patients should be fully informed. We stay in close contact before and after treatment to ensure each patient receives prompt and personalized care.

Recovery timelines vary depending on your procedure, but we offer thorough aftercare to ensure your optimized recovery and results.

For more information, read our FAQs below. 

See our results. Contact us to find the right approach for you.