Which Chemical Peel is Right for You?

Chemical peels have helped countless patients in Westbury, New York relieve various cosmetic blemishes and flaws such as wrinkles, scarring and sun damaged skin. Precancerous lesions and skin discoloration may also be treated using this procedure. There are several degrees of chemical peels available from the very superficial peels that are so minimally invasive that many patients are able to return to work immediately following the procedure, to the very deepest peels that may require up to a month to fully recover.

Superficial peels affect only the dead skin cells on top of the epidermis. This is sometimes called exfoliation and the procedure usually produces no damage. Glycolic acid is typically used in this treatment.

Light peels also use glycolic acid, but contain a higher percentage of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) than superficial peels. These peels stimulate the production of a new epidermis by damaging the entire existing epidermis. Some patients report a burning sensation during treatment. Lighter peels may treat acne and skin discoloration.

Medium peels injure the epidermis and the upper portion of the dermis, stimulating new collagen. A higher percentage of trichloracetic acid is used in medium chemical peels. A topical anesthetic may be used during this treatment, while cool compresses are sometimes used to keep the skin cool during the procedure.

A phenol solution and anesthesia are usually used when performing deep peels. These affect the middle dermis and may treat deep wrinkles and sun damaged skin. The patient's vital signs are often monitored during treatment and a longer recovery period is required with deep chemical peels.

In most cases, chemical peels may be performed in about an hour, although this may vary depending on the size of the treatment area. The number of chemical peels required to reach optimal results depends on the degree of symptoms and the degree of the chemical peels. Superficial peels may be performed several times over the course of a few months. Patients who opt for a deeper peel often require only one peel to reach optimal results. Patients may require repeat treatments in the future, but should consult a skincare professional to discuss this possibility.

Patients should talk about sun protection with their doctor to ensure the best possible results. Practicing good sun protection may help to prolong the results of the treatment. Many times, this involves the use of an appropriate sunscreen and wearing clothing that protects the skin from the sun such as light long-sleeve t-shirts and long pants. With superficial and light peels, minor skin irritation is usually the only side effect or risk associated with the treatment. Scarring, infection, redness and skin discoloration are risks associated with deeper chemical peels.

Those interested in chemical peels should discuss their recovery with the skincare professional. Superficial peels are often referred to as 'lunchtime peels' because they may be done on a lunch break and no recovery time is required. Deeper peels may require the use of bandages and healing and recovery may take up to a month.

Talk to a skincare professional in the Westbury area for more information about chemical peels. This is usually the best resource for further information regarding chemical peels and other cosmetic treatments.

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