What Concerns Can a Chemical Peel Treat?
Chemical peels have varying degrees of strength and unique formulations designed to successfully treat a broad range of skin concerns. The mildest option is known as a superficial peel, or lunchtime peel, which can be used to exfoliate the surface layer of the skin. Medium to deep peels work to penetrate deeper layers of skin to promote higher cellular turnover and more dramatic results but require more extended periods of downtime. At Umansky Plastic Surgery, our chemical peel treatments can adequately address the following skin concerns:
- Facial lines and wrinkles
- Discoloration or blotchiness
- Uneven skin tone
- Sun-damaged skin
- Age spots or brown spots (hyperpigmentation)
- Scars or rough skin texture
- Rough or scaly patches of skin
- Some forms of acne
How is a Chemical Peel Performed?
Your chemical peel will be performed in-office at our La Jolla medical center, and typically takes between 30 and 90 minutes to complete, depending on the type of peel selected as well as the strength of the solution. Most light and superficial peels are designed to neutralize themselves after a certain period of time, and can easily be washed from the face once the treatment is complete. Medium-strength peels may require a neutralizing agent to stop the effects of the chemicals once the desired results are achieved.
What to Expect from Your Recovery and Results
Most mild or superficial chemical peels require little to no downtime following their application. While some patients may experience some residual redness for an hour or two following their peel treatment, or some dryness and skin flaking over the course of a few days, you should be able to return to your normal daily activities immediately. More aggressive, medium-depth peels will require a bit more time for the skin to heal, typically about five to seven days, before side effects like redness, dryness and swelling completely subside. It is vital that you follow your provided aftercare instructions to ensure your skin heals properly.
Immediately after your chemical peel, whether light or medium, your skin will temporarily be more sensitive and susceptible to UV rays, so it’s essential for you to apply sunscreen to your treated areas daily and avoid exposing your face to direct sunlight for prolonged periods. Limiting sun exposure will also help you maintain the results of your treatment and help prevent further skin concerns from developing. While your skin will not be immune to the natural aging process and will still be affected by lifestyle and environmental factors, the results of your facial peel will bring healthier and smoother-looking skin to the surface for a more youthful and flawless complexion.