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Chemical peels can effectively improve a wide variety of skin conditions including:
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Fine lines and wrinkles
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Uneven pigmentation
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Shallow Acne scars
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Sun-damaged skin
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Age spots
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Freckling
Chemical peels have been used for over 100 years to create an even and controlled shedding of damaged skin cells. Each year thousands of chemical peels are performed in the United States. A chemical peel used a solution applied to the skin to remove dead skin cells and stimulate the production of new skin cells. It tightens the skin, reduces wrinkling and restores a more youthful appearance.
Types of chemical peels include:
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Glycolic acid
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Beta lift
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Jessner
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TCA
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Carbolic acid
During a consultation with your trained esthetician, you will want to discuss the level of skin improvement you hope to achieve, review your medical history and skin type, and evaluate the best type of chemical peel for you.
What is the treatment like?
Unlike laser peels, chemical peels can be performed on the face, neck, chest, hands and even the arms and legs. Most chemical peels are performed as outpatient procedures in the doctor's office. The depth of the peel recommended will depend on your skin type and desired results. Your trained esthetician or doctor will select the proper peel and apply the solution to various areas of skin. Once applied, the chemical produces a separation and peeling of the outer layers of skin. This stimulates production of new skin from beneath.
Most patients experience a warm to hot sensation which may last as long as ten minutes, followed by a stinging sensation. For deeper peels, some patients require anesthesia.
What should you expect after treatment?
Reactions to chemicals are similar to a sunburn and range from mild to severe. Generally, the deeper the peel, the longer the recovery. A light peel usually results in some redness, followed by scaling which lasts about four days. There may be some discomfort which can be controlled by medication.
Medium and deep peels can result in swelling and blisters, followed by peeling which can last up to two weeks. These peels may even require dressings on some of all of the treated skin. Dressings are usually removed after a day or two. Ointments and creams will be applied to keep the skin moist. At first the new skin will look like a severe sunburn, then gradually fade to pink over the next several weeks. Cosmetics can be applied after about three weeks.
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