A chemical peel is a noninvasive method of improving the appearance of your skin through the application of a chemical solution. The solution peels away the damaged outer layers of your skin, leaving you with fresh, new skin that is smooth and youthful looking.
How Are Chemical Peels Performed?
Chemical peels are mostly reserved for the face, though sometimes they are used on the neck and hands. They can reduce or eliminate age and liver spots, acne scars, wrinkles, freckles, scars, sun-damaged skin, rough and scaly skin and irregular skin pigmentation.
Chemical peels work best on people with fair skin and light hair. Those with darker skin are more likely to end up with an uneven skin tone following the procedure.
During a chemical peel, a solution is applied to your skin to remove the damaged outer layers. We offer two types of chemicals used, depending on the extent of your procedure.
Trichloroacetic Acid
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is used for a medium chemical peel. This treatment removes both the outer layer of skin and the upper portion of the middle layer (the dermis). It’s best for those with deeper wrinkles, acne scars and uneven skin pigmentation. A medium chemical peel can be repeated every six to 12 months to maintain the results.
Phenol
A deep chemical peel uses phenol, the strongest chemical solution available, to penetrate down to the lowest layers of your skin. It is reserved for deep facial wrinkles, scars, sun-damaged skin, blotchiness and pre-cancerous growths.
Deep chemical peels offer dramatic solutions, but also may require anesthesia and a sedative, and have the longest recovery time.
Are There Risks with Chemical Peels?
The facial plastics team will discuss all potential side effects and considerations with you during consultation.
Call ENT of Athens at (706) 546-7908 for more information or to schedule an appointment.