Chemical peels are used for the treatment of aging and photoaging, wrinkles, scarring, acne, precancerous lesions, and discoloration (including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, freckles, and age spots). Chemical peels injure the outer layer of the skin, promoting growth of new skin with improved appearance. Different chemicals are used including glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), salicylic acid, “Jessners” solution, phenol, and combinations of these chemicals. The main difference between the chemical solutions is the amount of injury produced in the skin. There are two layers of the skin; the epidermis and the dermis. The outer layer is the epidermis and the deeper layer is the dermis. The glycolic acid peel, for example, is considered to be a superficial peel because the injury produced is limited to the epidermis. Superficial peels can help improve conditions such as acne and discoloration associated with acne (known as post inflammatory hyperpigmentation). Deeper peels, such as phenol peels actually cause injury within the mid-dermis. When the skin regenerates, moderate-to-severe photoaging and wrinkles can be improved. Injury to the dermis stimulates the formation of collagen, which promotes thicker, more youthful-looking skin. In general, the deeper peels offer the most dramatic results but require longer recovery and carry a higher risk of complications.

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What are chemical peels used for?

Chemical peels are used for the treatment of photoaging (from sun damage), wrinkles, scarring, acne, precancerous lesions, and discoloration (including melasma, freckles, and age spots). More Chemical Peel Facts...

How are chemical peels performed?

There are several different kinds of peels and each one is performed differently. The deepest peel (e.g phenol peel) is painful and may require general anesthesia; the medium depth peels may require topical anesthesia, and the superficial peels usually require no anesthesia. In general, chemical peels begin with intensive cleansing of the skin. Very superficial peels (such as 30% glycolic acid or 10-20% TCA peels) remove the dead skin cells on the outer portion of the epidermis. Some people refer to this kind of peel as “exfoliation”. Superficial peels (such as the 70% glycolic acid or 25% TCA peels) produce injury throughout the epidermis, stimulating the regeneration of a new epidermis. This may cause a burning sensation during the peel. After the peel solution is applied, the peel solution is neutralized and/or washed off. Medium depth peels (such as TCA plus glycolic acid) produce injury throughout the epidermis, extending to the upper dermis. Burning or stinging is usually experienced during the procedure; this is usually well controlled with cool compresses, and sometimes topical anesthetic. Deep peels (such as a phenol peel) produce injury to the entire epidermis and into the mid dermis. This procedure is very painful and is often performed using general anesthesia. Of note, the superficial peels are usually repeated several times over the course of a few months. The medium depth and deep peels are usually performed only once. More Facts...

How long do chemical peels take?

Most peels are performed in less than one hour, depending on size of the area being treated. More Chemical Peel Facts...

What will my skin feel like after a chemical peel?

The state of your skin after a peel depends on what kind of peel you had. The superficial peels have limited effects, the medium peels may cause some redness and the deeper peels may require weeks to recover. More Chemical Peel Facts...

How many chemical peels will I need?

The superficial peels are usually done several times over the course of several months. The deeper peels usually only need to be performed once to achieve the desired effect. Regardless of the technique, you will likely need repeat treatments in the future. You and your physician will decide what is best for you. More Chemical Peel Facts...

How long do the results last?

With good sun protection, results can last months to years, depending on the depth of the peel. Generally, the deeper peels have a more long lasting effect. More Chemical Peel Facts...

What are the risks of chemical peels?

Superficial peels are quite safe although rarely minor irritation of the skin can occur. The risks of deeper peels include infection, scarring, redness, and discoloration. Furthermore, during a deep peel, anesthesia must be used and vital signs must be monitored throughout the procedure. More Chemical Peel Facts...

What is the recovery period like?

The very superficial peels have limited effects and are sometimes called “lunch time peels” because you can get one during your lunch hour and then return to work. The medium-depth peels may cause redness and usually require several days of recovery (i.e. a weekend); you may experience a week of mild peeling. The deep peels require weeks of recovery time with intensive wound care and close follow up by your physician. Redness from a deep peel can last for months afterwards. The benefits of a deep peel may take months to be fully appreciated. More Chemical Peel Facts...

How much do peels cost?

The cost is variable and depends on the depth of the peel and how many peels are needed. Cost per peel can range from hundreds to a thousand dollars. More Chemical Peel Facts...

Disclaimer:
This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician.