Smooth Your Skin with Chemical Peels
Chemical peels, available at our Scottsdale, AZ-area practice, exfoliate the skin for a radiant, even skin tone. Dr. Dustin Heringer recommend this safe, effective procedure for patients looking to enhance their overall appearance with a beautiful complexion. To learn more about whether a chemical peel is right for you, schedule a consultation at our office.
What are Chemical Peels?
Chemical peel treatments apply trichloroacetic acid or another type of acid solution to the skin to remove damaged outer layers. A popular procedure with history reaching back to ancient Egypt, chemical peels exfoliate the outermost layers of the skin in a highly controlled manner. This process reveals new, smooth skin cells with improved texture and color. While typically administered as a facial peel, chemical peels can also treat other parts of the body. Used effectively, the treatment can:
- Minimize blemishes
- Smooth wrinkles
- Even out pigmentation
- Improve skin texture (rough skin, scaly patches, or scars)
- Eliminate age spots
- Decrease effects of sun damage
- Alleviate acne
Our offices offer several different strengths of chemical peels, including light, medium, and deep, though the latter is only used in facial peels. Different effects can be achieved with various peels and we will advise you on the appropriate type for your needs.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The procedure for each type of chemical peel follows the same general steps. Immediately before the treatment, the skin is thoroughly cleaned. The acid solution is then applied to the skin with a small brush, gauze, or cotton-tipped applicators. How long the solution is left on the skin depends on the type of chemical and procedure. Light treatments are applied for several minutes, medium for around 40, and deep for 60 to 90, with a break in between sessions. Water or alcohol are typically used to neutralize the acid before wiping it off.
Because medium and deep peels require stronger chemicals and are left on for longer, patients may be provided with a pain reliever and oral sedative. If you choose to undergo a deeper peel, be sure to arrange transportation home. While chemical peels are performed as an outpatient procedure, these more intensive treatments may require a lengthier recovery time.
Who Can Receive a Chemical Peel?
The best candidates for a chemical peel wish to improve their skin's appearance, but have realistic expectations for the outcome. The procedure is designed to treat concerns related to skin tone, texture, and color. It will not sufficiently treat deep facial lines, change pore size, tighten loose skin, or eliminate deep scars.
Additionally, because the treatment partially lightens the skin, it is generally a better option for fair-skinned and light-haired patients. But patients with other skin pigmentation and hair color can achieve pleasing results, as well. Using acne treatments within the last year, including retinoids and certain oral medications, may affect the results of a chemical peel and even damage the skin. For patients who smoke or have a history of heart problems, Dr. Heringer or Dr. McLeish may recommend one of the alternative skin treatments we offer.
Why Choose a Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels offer a number of benefits. As a non-surgical treatment, they are one of the less invasive alternatives currently available for improving your skin's appearance. Recovery time varies depending upon the type of peel, but less intensive treatments can heal within a week or two. The procedure restores a more youthful look by removing damaged skin layers and enhances your overall appearance. While there are some associated risks, providing your doctor with your medical history and following after-care instructions greatly reduces these side effects.
