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As we get older, dead skin cells are not sloughed off the face as easily in our teens and 20s, which can make your skin look dull and old. That’s why light, medium, and deep chemical peels are among the most popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedures.
While facelift and eyelid lift procedures are popular, a chemical peel can dramatically affect the face without surgery or significant downtime.
A chemical peel removes the top layer of skin on your face to improve aged, sun-damaged and wrinkled skin. Enhancing the evenness of the color and texture of the facial skin makes you look younger. The result is a healthy, radiant, and luminous appearance that can give you a much-needed boost in self-confidence.
A chemical peel could be a good option for you in these situations:
As with any cosmetic procedure, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider before you schedule the procedure with your surgeon or physician.
A dermatologist or plastic surgeon often does chemical peels. The chemical peel involves applying a chemical solution to the face or certain parts of the face. Some patients choose to focus on the crow’s feet around the eyes or vertical lines around the mouth.
The chemicals are applied lightly for a light to medium peel or more vigorously with a sponge for a deep peel. During the application, you may feel some tingling or burning in your skin. These sensations are more intense for a deep peel, but your medical professional will carefully time how long the peels remain on the skin, depending on the results you want.
Several types of peels vary based on their ingredients and strength. The depth of the chemical peel can also be affected by how long the chemicals stay on the skin and how they are applied.
After a light or medium peel, you don’t need to use any ointment or bandages, and there is little recovery time required. However, a deep peel will require protective cream to be layered on the face to protect the crust that will form over the new, raw skin. Expect this ointment to stay on the face for about two days.
A chemical peel will remove dead skin cells, enhance skin texture, and clear up acne scars and sun damage. Deeper peels will smooth deep wrinkles and discolored patches of skin.
For a light or medium peel, a solution using alpha hydroxy acid is the most popular option. This type of peel can reduce the signs of aging and sun damage, including brown spots and wrinkles. Some patients only need one treatment with alpha hydroxy acid to give the skin a fresh, younger glow.
You don’t need anesthesia for a light or medium peel; you’ll only notice a tingling or mild stinging feeling for a few minutes. You can usually go back to work or your regular activities the same day.
A phenol solution is often the choice for a deep peel that can benefit deep wrinkles caused by acne or sun damage. Phenol is helpful to reduce vertical lines around the mouth from aging.
Deep peels take longer and will leave a crust over the new skin that must be covered with ointment for a few days. It’s also essential to avoid sun exposure for a few weeks. You will feel a burning sensation when the phenol solution is applied, and there can be a bleaching effect on some patients’ skin.
Deep peels using phenol chemicals are effective, but it is a serious procedure, so an experienced, board-certified physician should only perform it. Talk to your physician to determine if a chemical peel or other non-surgical procedure, such as dermal fillers or Botox is a good choice for you.
Interested in a Portland chemical peel? Dr. Aric Aghayan is proud to serve Portland area patients at his practice, Après Plastic Surgery. He’ll go over the options, your goals, and more to determine if you’re an ideal candidate for a light, medium, or deep chemical peel.
References
Chemical Peel Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/younger-looking/chemical-peels-overview
Overview Of Chemical Peels. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chemical-peel/about/pac-20393473
Enjoy the pinnacle of cosmetic surgery expertise with board-certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Aric Aghayan at Après Plastic Surgery. With a legacy of over 1600 successful body contouring procedures, Dr. Aghayan stands as the foremost specialist in advanced body contouring technology and treatment options. Take the next big step on your beauty journey by scheduling a comprehensive plastic surgery consultation with Dr. Aghayan today.