Overview
At Prima Center for Plastic Surgery in Duluth, we offer an array of chemical peel options to cover the diverse skin needs of our patients. Chemical peels range in intensity and strength to further meet the goals and needs of each patient. Using a caustic solution, the top layer of skin peels away following this treatment, allowing brighter, healthier looking skin to appear. Our surgeons and aestheticians will work with you during your appointment to decide which chemical peel will best suit your needs and skin type. We can also provide the expected cost of a chemical peel based on your goals. Our peels offer patients options to help heal the skin and leave them feeling rejuvenated and bright.
Reviews
Types of Chemical Peels
Superficial/Light Peels
The superficial peel is the mildest peel option that targets the upper layer of skin. We offer three levels of SkinMedica Vitamine A peels, each designed to treat aging skin at several levels. These peels are performed my our medical aesthetician. There will be slight redness after the treatment, but typically there is no downtime compared to the other peels available. On average, patients will peel for about 3-5 days with this treatment. Patients may need several treatments to achieve the facial look they desire. On average, this is also the least expensive among chemical peel treatments.
Medium Depth Peels
A medium chemical peel treats more than just the top layer of skin. It penetrates deeper to treat moderate to severe wrinkles and skin irregularities. The procedure uses a stronger solution in the form of Trichloreacetic Acid (TCA). The acid will be applied in a controlled condition to manage and limit penetration, and the acid will be neutralized to stop the effects of the peel up to a certain point. The recovery time following a medium peel is about 10 days and patients will need to plan ahead for a short recovery period. This peel costs more than the superficial one, but the results are a bit more dramatic.
During/After the Procedure
The chemical application for a peel follows similar steps. The only difference will be the type of acid solution used, the amount applied, and the period of time that it is left on the skin. Once the chemical reaches the target skin layers, a neutralizer will be applied to immediately stop the effects of the acid. Downtime depends on what kind of peel is done. There is no downtime for mild peels but for deep peels, patient will be in a healing process up to 14 days. After the treatment, it is important that the patient allow the peeling process to occur naturally and do not assist in peeling or pulling at the skin. It is also extremely important to avoid sun exposure for a period of time after the treatment.
Plan Your Procedure
- Recovery Time
- 3-7 days
- Average Procedure Time
- 30 minutes
- Post-op Follow-up
- 2 weeks
- Procedure Recovery Location
- Out-Patient
Chemical Peel FAQs
How Painful?
Depending on the peel used, there may be some general discomfort. With the lighter peels, patients will feel some stinging but it goes away quickly with the use of a handheld fan. The peeling process itself does not cause any pain. Medium and deep peels are more painful, and thus skin medications and antibiotics may be used to assist with any discomfort.
Peel or Dermabrasion?
Dermabrasion is a facial rejuvenation procedure that treats surface irregularities, giving the skin a softer appearance. Dermabrasion works in many ways similar to a chemical peel. The difference, is that dermabrasion use surgical tools (a rotating brush or shaving instrument) to remove the top layer of skin through a surgical scraping process. A chemical peel uses a caustic solution that is rubbed into the skin. Both techniques result in a brighter, smoother complexion.
Other Options For Me?
There are many skin treatments to consider depending on the patient’s aesthetic goals and skin condition. Chemical peels promote new skin regeneration and is best to treat skin irregularities. For facial conditions in which wrinkles are significant, a BOTOX or injectable filler may be a better option. There are also a number of laser treatments to consider as well including using the fractionated microablative CO2 laser.