Getting a Chemical Peel? Which Depth is Right for You?

Finding ways of overcoming wrinkles, fine lines, acne scarring, sun damage and other cosmetic blemishes and sign of aging for individuals in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania or other parts of the country is a common goal. These are often some of the first things that make individuals feel aged, as the signs of aging may unexpectedly creep up on some patients who wake up one day displeased with certain cosmetic blemishes. If you're considering a chemical peel to overcome some of these cosmetic concerns, you'll have to work with your doctor to determine which depth of chemical peel is right for you.

There are several depths available. Superficial chemical peels that use glycolic acid may provide a superficial injury to the epidermis, helping to improve acne and dyschromia. The deeper peels, which may contain phenol, are used to produce injury within the dermis and may help to treat photo-aging and wrinkles. As a general rule, the deeper the peel, the more dramatic the results. So when considering which chemical peel is right for you, you'll have to determine what types of conditions you'd like to treat and whether you're looking for drastic or results or something more moderate or subtle. Also don't forget that a longer recovery period is associated with the deeper peels.

A superficial peel, containing low potency glycolic acid and 10-20% TCA, treat just the dead skin cells on top of the epidermis and produce almost no injury. They may be considered an exfoliation. Light peels, containing about 70% glycolic acid and 25-35% TCA, treat the entire epidermis, stimulating the regeneration of a new epidermis. A medium peel provides injury to the upper level of the dermis, stimulating new collagen in the skin. This requires about 35% TCA and another chemical such as glycolic acid. Deep peels injure the mid dermis and require phenol solution and an anesthetic. During deeper peels, the patient's vital signs should be monitored.

Most chemical peels take less than an hour to perform depending on the area that is being treated. Following a superficial chemical peel, you may experience just limited effects, while medium peels may cause redness. Deeper peels may require weeks or months to fully recover. With the less-invasive peels, more than one session is often required to reach optimal results, while deeper peels usually require just one session. Maintenance sessions may be required to maintain results in the long-term, however. Consult a medical professional in Cranberry Township for more information about a maintenance program.

Learn more about chemical peels in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. .

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