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Chemical Peels
Atlanta, Georgia
Facial Chemical Peels Questions
Why should I consider a facial chemical peel?
The skin is constantly rejuvenating itself by getting rid of the outer, dead layers and replacing them with fresher layers beneath. When we’re young, shedding skin is done quickly and we are able to look young when this happens. However, as we age, shedding skin takes longer. Due to this, the dead surface layer of skin is present for much longer. It also looks older and it dries out, wrinkles, and is subject to the whims of sun exposure. Chemical peels speed up this shedding process so that you are able to expose the newer layers of skin more quickly.
What are facial chemical peels?
Chemical peels are able to remove certain skin imperfections such as wrinkles and blemishes by peeling off the outer layers of the skin through chemical applications. By applying alphahydroxy acid (AHA), trichloroacetic acid (TCA), or phenol, the older surface layers of skin slough off and reveal the new skin layer beneath. When the new skin is revealed, you look more youthful and wrinkles and blemishes are lessened. This can be done through different techniques by using varying depths. Either a thin or a thick layer can be removed depending on what your skin condition is and what Dr. Kim feels needs to be addressed.
What are the different techniques of facial chemical peels?
Three types of chemical peels may be used. They are light, medium, and deep.
- Light peels – Uses alphahydroxy acids such as glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acid. A light peel is used to improve acne, fine wrinkles, dry skin, mild sun damage, and uneven pigmentation. Results are gradual, but because the treatment is mild and penetrates the layers of skin the least, you may have frequent treatments.
- Medium peels – This is the most common type of chemical peel. It uses trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to correct a variety of issues. While blemishes, wrinkles, and sun damage are still targets, medium peels may be used on most parts of the body. However, because the treatment is harsher and deeper than light peels, it takes longer to heal from. There can be mild discomfort and you must stay out of the sun while your new skin layer heals. This can take up to two weeks.
- Deep peels – Phenol acid is used for deep peels, but has been mostly taken over by laser peels. This is a dramatic solution for wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, and sun damage. There can be skin bleaching as a side-effect of deep peels. These may only be used on the face and can take two months or more to heal. As with the medium peel, you need to avoid exposure to the sun until you have healed.
What are the risks involved with facial chemical peels?
As with all cosmetic surgical procedures, there is a small amount of risk. Light peels may cause redness, stinging, crusting or other irritation. As your skin layer heals, these will subside. Medium peels using TCA might cause some bleaching, as well as the kind of pain associated with a light peel. Depending on how your body reacts, you may have to avoid sun exposure for several months after a medium peel. Scarring or infection is a risk with medium peels.
Deep peels using phenol hold different risks due to the extent of layers affected. Bleaching of the skin is certainly a risk, as is the new skin losing its ability to make pigment, or tan. Those who have a history of heart disease may not be candidates for deep peeling because of the phenol used. As with medium peels, scarring and infection are also risks.
Am I a candidate for a facial chemical peel?
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your skin, are not a smoker, have realistic expectation, and are in general good health, then you may be a candidate for a facial chemical peel. Those who have fair complexions are the best candidates. However, speak with Dr. Kim about your particular candidacy.
If you are interested in having a facial chemical peel, and are in the Atlanta, Georgia area, please contact Kim Facial Plastic Surgery to set up an initial consultation.
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