A chemical peel is a chemical solution applied to the face that removes surface layer skin damage like sun spots, fine wrinkles and blemishes. The main ingredients in chemical peels may include alphahydroxy acids (AHA), phenol, or trichloroacetic acids (TCA). The exact formula of a peel is customized to meet each patient’s individual needs.
It is important to have a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in chemical peel procedures to administer your treatment. Chemical peels are generally performed in the office awake or during a surgical procedure under anesthesia. Treating the face can take about 30 minutes awake, and less time under anesthesia. Trichloracetic acid (TCA) peels provide impactful results. We also can recommend at-home peels.
During the TCA chemical peel procedure, a layered treatment takes place. First the skin is cleaned and de-greased. After this, Jessner's solution with Resorcinol and Hydroquinone is applied to improve the depth of peel and impact on results. Finally 30% TCA is applied in 2-3 layers to bind the superficial skin surface. There will be a several day period where the solution interacts with the skin, resulting in skin peeling about 3 to 5 days after the procedure, with peeling lasting for about 3 days. The results early on include a fresh, pink, smooth appearance.
Pinkness lasts for variable periods of time, up to 3 months, and is a side effect of beneficial collagen healing and rejuvenation. Makeup may be applied about 10 days after the procedure, as needed. Peels may be performed with fat transfer procedures to get a double impact to skin rejuvenation, with skin surface turnover from the peel as well as the stem cell effect and volume that fat transfer provides.
Peels are recommended 2-3 times a year. They provide an impactful outcome considering the cost charged. TCA peels cost $950.
Chemical peels can offer an improved skin texture and a more youthful and healthy appearance, though chemical peels do have their limitations. Talking to your plastic surgeon is the best way to determine if a chemical peel may be right for you. Please contact our office today to set up your confidential consultation with Dr. Shermak.
