Chemical peels are a cosmetic dermatology and skin care technique used to improve the appearance of skin on the face, neck or hands. Blemishes, age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage and hyperpigmentation are all improved through chemical peels. After your licensed aesthetician applies the chemical peel solution, unhealthy and dead skin cells peel away to reveal underlying healthy skin. Chemical peels range in intensity — from lighter peels that achieve radiant skin to deep peels that reduce signs of aging and sun damage.
Your skincare goals will determine the appropriate chemical peel, and these can be discussed during a thorough exam which is necessary before any chemical peel can be administered. We offer four types of chemical peels in Gainesville to help every patient achieve healthy, fresh skin.
As the mildest facial peel, this peel uses alpha-hydroxy acid to enter the outermost layer of skin. A superficial peel treats rough skin and mild discoloration of the face, neck chest or hands.
A Vi Peel is designed to improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation and melasma and can be applied to the face, neck or chest; as the associated facial discoloration is targeted on the cellular level rather than on outer skin layers. Improved skin tone and clarity are the main benefits of this peel. An acid and vitamin solution is used to eliminate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, acne, shrink large pore and build collagen and elastin to tighten skin. Patients who choose a Vi Peel treatment will notice brighter, tighter skin and a more even skin tone. This treatment is very effective for patients with a dark skin tone, damaged and/or sensitive skin. During your Vi Peel appointment, your face will be cleansed and the first layer will be applied. Eventually, a second layer will be applied and will remain for five hours. The peel may be washed off at home.
As the most aggressive type of chemical peel, this treatment uses phenol acid as the peeling agent to penetrate the middle layer of skin. Moderate fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, freckles, and shallow scars can all be removed with this peel. Patients notice a dramatic improvement after a deep peel. A deep peel can only be performed once and on the facial skin.
This peel uses glycolic or trichloroacetic acid to penetrate the outer and middle layers of skin. A medium peel will reduce the appearance of age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, freckles and moderate skin discoloration. Precancerous growths, such as actinic keratosis, can also be treated with a medium chemical peel.
While results and recovery are unique to each patient, a level of stinging, redness, dryness and peeling is to be expected after treatment. Second-degree burns are a common side effect of a medium or deep peel due to the solution used and the skin levels affected. A deep peel will have the most noted side effects with more stinging, redness and swelling. Depending on your exact treatment, you may need follow-up appointments, antiviral medication, skin care products and facial soaks for proper healing. A superficial peel typically heals within 1 day to 7 days, a medium peel will heal within 7—14 days and a deep peel will take the longest to heal at 14—21 days post-treatment. After you have healed, it is vital to be vigilant in applying sunscreen to protect your new skin. Complications such as scarring or infection are rare occurrences. Contact North Florida Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics to schedule your consultation!
The majority of individuals with no underlying health risks can have chemical peel treatment. However, anyone with an infection, active skin disease, cut or broken skin, sunburn or an active Herpes simplex 1 sore(s) will need to heal before treatment. Pregnant or nursing mothers are not candidates for a chemical peel. Additionally, peels are not recommended for anyone who has:
