Chemical Peels

• General
• The Consultation
• The Procedure
• Recovery

Fine lines, uneven pigmentation, blemishes and other problems can make us look older than we are. Chemical peel addresses these problems by removing the outer layer of skin and revealing the younger-looking skin below.

Chemical peels may be done with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or alphahydroxy acids (AHAs). The precise formula used is tailored to your individual needs.

• Alphahydroxy acids, including glycolic, lactic and fruit acid, produce light peels and may be used to treat fine wrinkles, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne. They improve the texture of the skin and, because they are mild, do not require a period of recovery after their use. To provide the best results, customized concentrations of AHA are applied at weekly (or sometimes longer) intervals. Alphahydroxy acids can also be combined with a facial wash or cream and used daily to improve skin texture.
• Trichloroacetic acid peels are stronger and produce a medium-depth peel. They may cause swelling, and a crust or scab forms on the treated area. Recovery from a TCA peel typically takes a week to ten days.

In addition to improving skin appearance and texture, chemical peels may also remove pre-cancerous skin growth, soften acne scars and control acne. In some cases, health insurance will cover the procedure.

Chemical peels are often performed in conjunction with a face lift to deal with fine lines and wrinkles not addressed by the surgical procedure. They are not, however, a substitute for surgery and, while they make skin look fresher and younger, they do not slow the aging process.