Chemical Peels & Deep Peels
What are chemical peels and deep peels?
Chemical peels are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures patients ask for. Chemical peels are used to remove damaged skin cells, revealing healthier skin underneath
It works by producing controlled injury to the skin, which promote growth of new skin and improved appearance. It can give your skin a healthy, “just refreshed” look, or can be tailored, taking years off of your appearance.
Chemical peels are used to treat wrinkles, skin discoloration and scars — typically on the face. A chemical peel can be done alone or in combination with other cosmetic procedures.
Chemical peels can be done at different depths — light, medium or deep — depending on your desired results. Each type of chemical peel uses a different chemical solution. Deeper chemical peels produce more-dramatic results, but also involve longer recovery times.
Recovery time varies depending on which chemical peel you received.
Light chemical peels – Recovery time is about four to seven days. Your skin may temporarily be lighter or darker.
Medium chemical peels – Your skin will recover about five to seven days after a medium chemical peel, though you may have redness that persists for months. Your skin will initially swell, and then form crusts and brown blotches before revealing new skin.
Deep chemical peels – Deep chemical peels will cause severe swelling and redness, with burning or throbbing sensations. It’s common for the eyelids to swell shut. It will take about two weeks for the new skin to develop, though white spots or cysts may last several weeks. It’s common for redness to last for several months.
During recovery, follow your doctor’s postop instructions faithfully. They’ll give you specific instructions for how often to wash your face and moisturize, and which products you should use to do so. Try to stay out of the sun until your skin has healed, and avoid using makeup or other cosmetics until your doctor gives you the go-ahead. You can use ice packs for 20 minutes at a time, or a cool fan, to help relieve discomfort at home.
Benefits:
- Peels can make your skin—and skin-care products—work better.
- They’re low-risk, and you can go custom.
- The right peel can end acne and soften the scars that come with it
- Controls melasma.
Possible Side effects:
Common side effects are temporary, and include redness, dryness, stinging or burning, and slight swelling. With deep peels, you may permanently lose the ability to tan.