What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel involves a chemical solution that is applied to the skin to promote peeling of the outer damaged layers. Once removed, patients can enjoy new, smooth skin beneath. Chemical peels come in varying strengths depending on the severity of the patient’s skin concerns, including:

Light chemical peel

Light chemical peels use a mild acid solution to target the outer layers of skin. This peel can effectively treat surface-level blemishes like mild acne, rough texture, or uneven skin tone. The light chemical peel also results in minimal side effects and no downtime.

Medium chemical peel

A medium peel uses a stronger solution to target the outer and middle layers of skin. This can treat moderate skin concerns like acne scars, sun spots, rough texture, and redness. The medium peel promotes peeling, leading to more side effects than the light peel, but more skin rejuvenation.

Deep chemical peel

A deep peel targets the outer, middle, and deeper layers of the skin for optimal improvements. The deep chemical peel uses a stronger solution to remove damaged skin cells and stimulate the healing process. This can improve deeper acne scars, sun spots, fine lines, and wrinkles, but requires more downtime after treatment.

Chemical Peels Overview

Who Is a Candidate for a Chemical Peel?

Candidates for a chemical peel are those who experience surface-level skin concerns, like uneven tone or texture, or deeper concerns like scarring or signs of aging.

Those with a naturally darker complexion or a history of certain skin conditions may not be candidates for treatment.

A consultation will be required to determine if patients are candidates for treatment and the strength of peel needed.

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How Is a Chemical Peel Performed?

Prior to the chemical peel treatment, the skin will be cleansed, and a topical anesthetic will be applied if a deep peel is being used.

The appropriate chemical peel solution will then be applied to the skin and left on for several minutes. The solution will then be removed, and a neutralizing solution will be applied.

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Recovery and Results

Recovery after a chemical peel will depend on the strength of the solution used. For light peels, the skin will be temporarily lighter or darker, and recovery only takes a few days with mild discomfort. For a medium peel, patients can expect about a week of recovery with redness and slight swelling. The skin may also flake off in the weeks following treatment, revealing improved skin underneath. A deep chemical peel will require about 2 weeks of healing time. Patients can expect redness and swelling during this time. Makeup, harsh soaps, and sun exposure should be avoided during the healing process.

Once the skin has healed from a chemical peel, patients can expect new, healthier-looking skin to be revealed. Depending on the strength of the peel, the results can be long-lasting, especially with the help of a healthy skincare routine.

To determine which chemical peel is right for you, contact our office and schedule your consultation at Berman Plastic Surgery in Boca Raton, FL.

Dr. Jonathan Berman

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon at Berman Plastic Surgery & Spa

Dr. Jonathan Ross Berman is a Boca Raton plastic surgeon who has been certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery, with over 30 years of service experience specializing in Breast Augmentation, Rhinoplasty, Face Lift, Liposuction, and many other types of plastic surgery in Boca Raton, FL.

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