Chemical Skin Peels

Peels are an important adjunct to skin care, which can maximize and expedite the results that can be achieved through a good skin care regimen. Being the lightest of all chemical peels, micro peels will smooth and soften your skin, brighten your complexion, minimize pore size, and reduce discoloration. Some patients have also noted an improvement in fine wrinkles.

Peels offer significant advantage over skin care products alone, because the formulas are more potent, yet recovery is almost immediate. A peel will improve your skin texture, color, and overall appearance as well as decrease the apparent size of your pores. Many patients also see an improvement in superficial "crepe paper" wrinkles.

Light chemical peels are most effective for less-severe skin conditions because only the outermost layers of the skin are affected. Deep chemical peels, on the other hand, are used for wrinkles and scars that extend below the skin’s surface.

When to Choose a Chemical Peel

If you are interested in enhancing your appearance by improving your skin texture, you may be a candidate for the chemical peel at Indiana Plastic Surgery.

Men and women with rough skin, dull complexion, acne or other blemishes may benefit most from the light chemical peel. Those with pre-cancerous growths, freckles, sun-damaged skin patches, coarse wrinkles, scars, or deep lines may want to consider the deep chemical peel.

What Happens During Treatment?

The light chemical peel lasts only 15 minutes and the deep peel requires up to one hour. Prior to treatment, you will discuss your goals for the chemical peel and a formula (suitable for your skin type) will be chosen to meet those goals. If you are receiving a light chemical peel, the solution used may be composed of beta-hydroxy acids and alpha-hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, or fruit acid. With medium or deep chemical peels, acetone, phenol and trichloroacetic acid are common ingredients.

First, the skin is thoroughly cleansed and the solution is applied to the face, neck and chest. Several sessions may be needed in order to achieve the best results.

After Your Peel: When Will I See the Results?

Because the chemical peel works to remove damaged or aging skin to reveal the younger, fresher skin beneath, the results of the chemical peel are visible only after the old skin has flaked or peeled off, typically after about one week.

With light peels, you will be ready to return to your normal routine immediately following treatment. Be sure to apply sunscreen when going outside as your skin will be sensitive.

After deep chemical peel treatment you may need to rest at home for a few days, depending on the intensity of the peel. Some individuals experience swelling during this time. You should expect scabbing in the area treated as your skin begins to heal.

Possible side effects of treatment include permanent removal of facial freckles, redness, dryness, flaking or scaling.

If you are interested in scheduling a consultation with Indiana plastic surgeon Dr. Robinson or would like more information about the chemical peel, please give us a call at (219) 513-2100, or (866) 613-2100. You can also use the online contact form to send an email. With two plastic surgery offices in Munster and Valparaiso, we regularly see residents of Gary, Hammond Highland, Merrilville and other cities throughout the Chicago area and beyond including Ft. Wayne, Portage, South Bend and even Indianapolis.