Chemical Peels

Deep Chemical Peels l Medium Chemical Peels l Micro Peels

Deep Chemical Peels

What are the advantages?
Phenol peels offer some striking advantages.   A phenol chemical peel produces an overwhelming improvement in wrinkles.  Results are unquestionably superior to other peels, lasers, or dermabrasion.  Just one treatment is required and results can last decades.  No special preparation is necessary prior to a deep chemical peel, and no special care is required to maintain results afterward.  Phenol peels may improve superficial acne scars and nearly all dark discoloration. 

What are the disadvantages?
The main disadvantage of phenol is permanent skin pallor. After the redness has faded, the face will gradually turn a pale white, which is irreversible and serves as a telltale sign that one has had this procedure performed.  There is no way to smoothly transition from peeled to non-peeled skin, so a clear line of demarcation will exist.  One may attempt to camouflage the appearance with make-up, but even heavy foundation may be inadequate. Another disadvantage is that the skin will never tan after a deep chemical peel.

What is used for a deep chemical peel?
Phenol acids in varying strengths are used to chemically burn off the top layer of skin, and aportion of the dermis.

What is the recovery time?
The recovery time for a deep chemical peel is extensive.  One can expect skin sloughing for seven to 10 days after the peel.  The redness will persist for at least one month and up to six months or more.  One cannot wear makeup for at least two weeks and possibly up to one month.

Who are deep chemical peels best suited for?
Phenol peels have the most profound effect on wrinkles and are used successfully in properly chosen patients.  Women with pale skin who have profound sun damage gain dramatic improvement with phenol peels and are commonly pleased with their results.   Because their change in appearance is overwhelming and because bleaching of their skin is not obvious against their pale complexion, these women are satisfied.  Deep chemical peels are not appropriate for women with olive, brown, or black skin, as they will cause permanent disfigurement. If one chooses to tan the remainder of the body, an even greater discrepancy will exist between the previously peeled and non-peeled skin.  Also, if one is heavily freckled and has a full-face deep peel all facial freckles will be removed, creating unnatural disharmony with the freckled neck and chest.  Deep peels are therefore not recommended for those who are heavily freckled.

Medium Chemical Peels

What are the advantages?
Medium chemical peels are highly effective in promoting skin vitality, eliminating fine wrinkles and enhancing skin smoothness.  Medium peels can improve superficial discolorations such as age spots and sun spots.  Medium peels may improve blotches and can sometimes improve dark circles under the eyes.  Medium peels cans improve skin color, texture, and tones.  They will also improve superficial discolorations such as age spots.  Medium peels should be repeated every three to six months for optimal results. 

What are the disadvantages?
They do little for acne scarring or dynamic wrinkles. 

What is used in a medium chemical peel?
Medium depth peels can be performed with a variety of chemicals. TCA (trichloro acetic acid) is the most common.  Jessner's solution, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and other agents are also used. 

What is the recovery time?
The recovery time for a medium chemical peel is moderate.  One can expect some redness for three to seven days after the peel.  The redness can persist for up to 10 days.  One should not wear makeup for at least three days.

Who are medium peels best suited for?
Unlike deep peels, medium peels may be performed safely on people with olive and light brown skin.  They may also be used in some people with dark brown skin, although the risk of discoloration is higher.  Although fine wrinkles will be improved, medium chemical peels offer very little improvement for dynamic wrinkles.  To achieve the best results, one should use skin care products before the peel and anticipate that two or more peels may be needed at three-month intervals.  The effects of a medium chemical peel may dissipate over six months to a year, but improvement will persist if one adheres to a good skin care program with micro peels.

Micro Peels

What are the advantages of a micro peel?
Micro peels are the lightest of all chemical peels.  They smooth and soften the skin, brighten the complexion, minimize pore size, and reduce discoloration.  Some patients also note an improvement in fine wrinkles.  Immediately following the micro peel, one can usually apply makeup and return to usual activities. People with fair skin may have a slight red complexion for a day.  Following each peel, the dead superficial skin cells will invisibly shed.  One will see the maximal effect two weeks after each peel. 

What are the disadvantages of a micro peel?
Micro peels, like other chemical peels, involve the application of a chemical irritant to the skin. If one has thin, sensitive skin, one may have redness for one to two days following the micro peel.  If this occurs, a lower concentration of solution may be used for subsequent peels.  However, as long as the expectations are realistic, there are few disadvantages.

What is used for a micro peel?
A glycolic acid solution, usually between 20% and 50%, is applied to the skin.

What is the recovery time?
Minimal, but four to six peels are requires at two-week intervals for best results.

Who are Micro peels best suited for?
Everyone!  Six peels are usually required at two-week intervals to achieve optimal results.  You can maintain your results with a micro peel every one to three months.  Micro peels are used in conjunction with a good skin care program for best results.  Micro peels offer significant advantages over skin care products alone because they are more potent, but recovery is immediate.