Chemical Peels

Chemical peels uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are the main acids used for this purpose. The precise formula used may be adjusted to meet each patient's needs.

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Acutal patient. Individual results may vary.

Chemical peel is most commonly performed for cosmetic reasons -- to enhance your appearance and your self confidence. Chemical peel may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne.

Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids are the mildest of the peel formulas and produce light peels. These types of peels can provide smoother, brighter-looking skin for people who can't spare the time to recover from a TCA peel. AHA peels may be used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne. Various concentrations of an AHA may be applied weekly or at longer intervals to obtain the best result. Dr. Alaiti will make this decision during your consultation and as the treatment proceeds. An alphahydroxy acid, such as glycolic acid, can also be mixed with a facial wash or cream in lesser concentrations as part of a daily skin-care regimen to improve the skin's texture.

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Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be used in many concentrations, but it is most commonly used for medium-depth peeling. Fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment problems are commonly treated with TCA.

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Phenol is the strongest of the chemical solutions and produces a deep peel. Due to its inherent risk of scarring, and loss of skin color, phenol’s use have been mostly abandoned.

All chemical peels carry some uncertainty and risk. Chemical peel is normally a safe procedure when it is performed by a qualified, and experienced dermatologist like Dr. Alaiti. However, some unpredictability and risks such as infection and scarring, while infrequent, are possible.

AHA peels may cause stinging, redness, irritation and crusting. However, as the skin adjusts to the treatment regimen, these problems will subside.

With a TCA peel, your healed skin will be able to produce pigment as always; the peel will not bleach the skin. However, TCA-peel patients are advised to avoid sun exposure for several months after treatment to protect the newly formed layers of skin. Even though TCA is milder than phenol, it may also produce some unintended color changes in the skin. The Blue Peel™ is a modification of TCA peel.

Click here to view before and after photos of chemical Peel
Click here to learn about planning your Chemical Peel

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Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs)

Uses:

  • Smoothes rough, dry skin
  • Improves texture of sun-damaged skin
  • Aids in control of acne
  • Can be mixed with 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, sun block or screen use is recommended

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)

Uses:

  • Smoothes fine surface wrinkles, and scars
  • Removes superficial blemishes
  • Corrects pigment problems

Considerations:

  • Can be used on face, neck or other body areas
  • Require pre-treatment with bleaching agents, tretinoin, or AHA creams
  • Treatment takes only 10-30 minutes
  • Preferred for darker-skinned patients
  • Peel depth can be adjusted
  • Repeat treatment may be needed to maintain results
  • Sunblock or screen must be used for several months
  • Healing is usually quick, much quicker than with a phenol peel

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