Chemical Peels

There are three levels of chemical peels—light, medium, and deep. Light chemical peels are ideal for people who do not want to spend any time in recovery, but want to address fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, acne, and uneven pigmentation. Deep peel procedures take longer and require the longest recovery time. However, a deep peel gives patients the most dramatic, longest-lasting results as the new cells formed during healing produce tighter, more youthful-looking skin.

All chemical peels use exfoliating solutions to remove damaged outer layers of skin to restore a more youthful appearance and address blemishes and wrinkles. Different chemicals are used in varying formulations depending on individual needs:

  • Phenol is used for deep peels. It is used primarily to treat coarse facial wrinkles, sun damaged skin and pre-cancerous growths. Phenol is not appropriate for all skin types, as it often lightens the treated area.
  • Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is used for medium-depth peels. The results of TCA peel are not as dramatic or long lasting as those of a phenol peel; however, the recovery from a TCA peel is shorter.
  • Alphahydroxy acids (AHA) such as glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids are the mildest formulas; often, they are mixed with a facial wash or cream as part of a daily skin-care regimen to improve the texture of your skin.

Most chemical peels are performed in the office, and no anesthesia is required. The procedure typically takes less than an hour; however, a full-face phenol peel may take up to two hours to perform.

A personal consultation with Dr. Pollard can help determine the most appropriate treatment for your face based on your skin's pigmentation, the condition of your skin, your desired result and the amount of recovery time.

Please call 610-667-3303 to schedule an appointment, or complete a confidential Inquiry Request Form.

FAQs

 

What can I expect after a chemical peel?

AHA peels may cause some stinging, redness and irritation; however, as the skin adjusts to the treatment regimen, such problems will subside. Following a TCA peel, you will be advised to avoid sun exposure for several months to protect the newly formed layers of skin. Following a phenol peel, the new skin may lose its ability to tan or make pigment. That means your skin will be lighter in color, and always must be protected from the sun.  

How long is the recovery?

Following an AHA peel, you may experience some temporary flaking or scaling. However, these conditions should not prevent you from taking part in normal activities. After a phenol or TCA peel, a crust or scab may form on the treated area. Depending on the strength of the solution used, there could be significant swelling and you may want to refrain from outside activities during the first week to ten days of recovery. Your face will be very red at first, then gradually fade to pink over the following weeks.  

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Dr. Pollard invites you to call 610-667-3303 to schedule your in-office consultation, or click here to request additional information. Dr. Pollard's highly trained staff will be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns.

For more information about chemical peels, visit the ASPS website.

 

Emily Pollard, MD, FACS - Plastic and Reconstructive Therapy