Chemical Peels

Chemical Peels Overview

Skin care is an essential step when trying to maintain a youthful appearance. One of the best ways to “turn back the clock” is through chemical peels. These skin rejuvenation treatments are a great way to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, sunspots, and any other imperfections that tend to age a person. Using an acid solution that is “painted” onto the skin, chemical peels remove the skin’s outer layer, effectively exfoliating it, promoting new cell growth and restoring a healthy, youthful glow.

We offer three levels of chemical peels: superficial, medium-depth, and deep. During a one-on-one consultation, we will discuss your chemical peel options and determine which one is best suited to your needs.

How are chemical peels performed?

When a patient opts in for this treatment, the procedure will differ slightly depending on which chemical peel level chosen. For example, deeper peels require anesthesia while lighter ones do not. However, all procedures take place in our Hattiesburg office and involve applying a chemical solution to the affected area. The chemical agents then work to remove the outer layers of the skin and stimulate new cell growth.

A superficial chemical peel should be repeated weekly for four to six weeks and then maintained once a month. A medium-depth peel should be repeated every six to 12 months. Additionally, a deep chemical peel requires little to no follow up since the results can last for up to 10 years.

Am I a good candidate for chemical peels?

With our patients, we have found that chemical peels are effective in improving the appearance of the following:

Fine lines

Hyperpigmentation

Light freckling and scarring (due to acne)

Scaly patches and rough skin

Brown spots or sun damage on the face or scalp

However, chemical peels are not appropriate in the treatment of deep facial lines, sagging skin, significant scarring or broken capillaries. You also may not be a good candidate for a chemical peel if you have red hair and pale, freckled skin, Afro-Caribbean or Asian skin, facial warts, abnormal pigmentation or a history of skin scarring.

What can I expect after a chemical peel?

Recovery times vary depending upon the level of chemical peel chosen. After a superficial chemical peel, your skin may appear pink and have some white blotches, which will fade in a couple of hours. You can also expect some flaking of the skin to last for a few days. Aside from that, you will be able to resume normal activities immediately.

Following a medium-depth or deep peel, your skin will be red and swollen for about 24 hours. You may experience some tightness, and you should apply petroleum jelly several times a day to prevent cracking. You can wash your face with water, but refrain from using soap. Your plastic surgeon may prescribe ointments, creams, oral steroids and dressings to treat any severe reactions.

It is important to remember not to pick at your skin after a chemical peel since this could cause scarring, and always apply sun block before going outside to prevent further sun damage.

Chemical Peels Overview

How are chemical peels performed?

Am I a good candidate for chemical peels?

What can I expect after a chemical peel?

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