About Chemical Peels
To provide the best results from chemical peel treatments, Highland Park Plastic Surgery Center provides you with numerous options. Your customized facial treatment with chemical solutions (such as glycolic, salicylic, lactic, and trichloroacetic acids) will give you healthier, more radiant skin. At our Dallas, TX office, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. George A. Toledo offers chemical peel treatments that help to resolve skin irregularities, such as scars, wrinkles, fine lines, dry patches, hyperpigmentation issues, and more. Chemical peels work by removing damaged, dead skin cells with the application of a customized treatment on your skin, which causes the top layer to peel off. As your skin heals and begins to rejuvenate and repair itself, you will notice a clearer, smoother complexion. A chemical peel treatment is a noninvasive way to make your skin luminous and is appropriate for the face and neck.
Variations of Chemical Peels
At our Dallas, TX office, we offer chemical peels in different strengths (light, medium, and deep) to accommodate our patients' skin care needs.
Light peels: You can have a light chemical peel on a lunch hour and go right back to your day. This type of peel will remove the top layer of your skin (the epidermis), giving your facial features a brighter appearance and softer texture. We typically suggest that you schedule a light peel at least once a month for the best glowing results.
Medium-depth peels: This type of chemical peel goes deeper into your skin, and you'll usually prefer to do this type of facial rejuvenation treatment over a long weekend. You may also want to prepare yourself for more discomfort during and about an hour after treatment. Medium-depth peels are for patients who have significant damage to their skin, like deeper wrinkles and darker pigmentation issues.
Deep peels: The most advanced of the three types of chemical peels is the deep peel, and it will require the longest recovery time. This is an aggressive treatment that may leave your face swollen, itchy, and peeling for a few weeks. Patients who have a deep peel usually have dark age spots, sun-damaged skin, entrenched acne scars, and/or deep-seated scars. As this type of peel is generally uncomfortable for most patients, we may provide you with an anesthetic as a part of your treatment.
Peel Formulas
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)
Uses:
• Smooths rough, dry skin
• Improves the texture of sun-damaged skin
• Aids in control of acne
• Can be mixed with a bleaching agent to correct pigment problems
• Can be used as TCA pre-treatment
Considerations:
• A series of peels may be needed
• As with most peel treatments, sunblock use is recommended
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)
Uses:
• Smooths out fine surface wrinkles
• Removes superficial blemishes
• Corrects pigment problems
Considerations:
• Can be used on neck or other body areas
• May require pre-treatment with Retin-A or AHA creams
• Treatment takes only 10 – 15 minutes
• Peel depth can be adjusted
• Repeat treatment may be needed to maintain results
• Sunblock must be used for several months
• Healing is usually quick, much quicker than with a phenol peel
Phenol
Uses:
• Corrects blotches caused by sun exposure, birth control pills, aging
• Smooths out coarse wrinkles
• Removes pre-cancerous growths
Considerations:
• Used on the face only
• Not recommended for dark-skinned individuals
• Procedure may pose a risk for patients with heart problems
• Full-face treatment may take one hour or more
• Recovery may be slow – complete healing may take several weeks
• May permanently remove facial freckles
• Sun protection, including sunblock, must always be used
• Results are dramatic and long-lasting
• Permanent skin lightening and lines of demarcation may occur
Specialized Chemical Peels
- PCA Peel with or without Hydroquinone: These patented and proven light to medium peel formulas effectively exfoliate, bleach, and inhibit pigment production. These peels help to repair and reduce breakouts, control oil, soften lines, and provide a more even, smooth texture. They are great for oily/acne prone skin.
- Ultra Peel I, II, and Forte: This exfoliating treatment is appropriate for all skin types, conditions, and sensitivities. These treatments are especially ideal for sensitive skin as they produce a minimal stinging sensation. The Ultra Peel treatment will help treat acne, pigment disorders, aging skin, menopausal skin, skin damaged from smoking, and sun-damaged skin.
- Sensi Peel: Sensi Peel was formulated primarily for Asians and/or darker skin tones, as well as extremely sensitive skin types. This peel is also an excellent treatment for calming rosacea as redness and inflammation subside substantially after treatment. The Sensi Peel is formulated with L-ascorbic acid for strengthening and brightening while L-arbutin and Kojic acid help treat hyperpigmentation and sun damage. There are also anti-acne and antibacterial properties in this solution.
Reviews
Ideal Candidates
Seeking the advice of a skin professional is the first step in the journey to smooth, healthy skin. At Highland Park Plastic Surgery Center, our skilled aesthetic team can assess your skin during an examination in our Dallas, TX office before choosing a chemical peel treatment for optimal results. Chemical peel candidates, both men and women, may have noticeable issues with their skin, such as acne scars, rough patches, flaky skin, discoloration, sun spots, fine lines, and much more. We can suggest different levels of chemical peels to meet your needs.
Procedure Technique
On the day of your procedure at Highland Park Plastic Surgery Center, we will have you lie down in a relaxed position to administer your peel. Depending on the depth of the peel, sedation may be used before and during the procedure to relax you and keep you comfortable. No anesthesia is needed for AHA peels since they cause only a slight stinging sensation during application. We will make sure your skin is cleansed before applying the customized solution to your face and/or neck. We will brush the solution onto your face and let it set for a specific amount of time, which will be discussed in your treatment planning session. You may want to bring a light sunscreen and a hat to wear outside after the treatment to avoid sun exposure.
What to Expect
Depending on the type of peel you have, you can expect your skin to itch and peel from a few days to a couple of weeks. Dr. Toledo or a member of his team will explain how to care for your skin during your appointment. Please keep in mind that no matter how much your skin itches during the healing process, it is never a good idea to pull the skin off. You could cause scarring to your skin!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a chemical peel cost?
Our team at our Dallas, TX facility will discuss your costs in your consultation once your personalized treatment plan has been created. The cost of a chemical peel can vary based on the intensity you choose. Highland Park Plastic Surgery Center accepts many payments methods, and we often run specials on skin treatments, like chemical peels. You may also consider buying a package of several chemical peel treatments.
What level should I choose for my chemical peel?
The best chemical peel for you will depend on your unique skin concerns and cosmetic goals. During your consultation, we will help you decide which type of peel is right for your skin. Some factors you may want to consider are your overall health, your skin type, how deep you want the peel to work, how long you can spend in recovery, and what concerns you have about the appearance of your skin. For your first peel, it is better to try a lighter peel and see how you like the results. From there, you can adjust your treatment plan to find the best chemical peel level for you.
Should I get a chemical peel or dermabrasion treatment?
Both dermabrasion and chemical peels are facial rejuvenation procedures that treat surface irregularities to give your skin a softer appearance. The difference is that dermabrasion uses surgical tools (a rotating brush or shaving instrument) to remove the top layer of skin through a careful scraping process. A chemical peel uses a caustic solution that is applied to your skin to dissolve dead skin cells. During your consultation, we will discuss the advantages of each and help you decide whether a chemical peel or dermabrasion is best for your needs and goals.
Will my face hurt after a chemical peel?
Depending on the peel used, you may have some discomfort during and shortly after your peel. If you get a lighter peel, you will feel some stinging, but it goes away quickly with the use of a handheld fan. Medium and deep peels are good for deeper skin problems and longer-lasting results, but they can be more uncomfortable. Topical anesthetics and soothing ointments can be applied to minimize your discomfort during and after the treatment. A member of our team will talk to you about how to care for your skin after a peel to maintain your results.
Can I combine a chemical peel with other treatments?
A chemical peel may be combined with another nonsurgical skin treatment at Highland Park Plastic Surgery Center. During your consultation, be honest about your skin and cosmetic issues so a comprehensive treatment plan can be created that delivers your best results. This may include adding injectable wrinkle treatments (like BOTOX) along with your chemical peel to rejuvenate your whole appearance.
Great Skin Starts Here
Even if you are new to facial rejuvenation treatments, Highland Park Plastic Surgery Center will help you find the perfect pampering for your skin. Your newly rejuvenated skin will thank you by looking radiant and caressingly soft. Contact our office in Dallas, TX to schedule your skin assessment today for a chemical peel.
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