Q. What Types of Chemical Peels are there?

A. Chemical Peels are classified as superficial, medium, and deep.

Superficial Peels:
This peel is designed to help smooth rough, dry skin, and even out skin tone. Typically, there is no downtime and usually consists of minor flaking. A series of treatments is needed to obtain the desired results over a period of time. These peels are often repeated to achieve the desired results.

Medium Peels:
A medium depth peel is designed to correct more extensive damage in the skin. Medium peels target the superficial and medium skin layers and cause the skin to slough within 3 to 5 days. After you have finished peeling, your nice smooth skin will be revealed! These peels can be performed on all skin types and can be reapplied again in 4 week intervals.

Deep Peels:
A deep peel targets the deep skin layers and produces the most results with one treatment. In most cases, anesthesia is required during the procedure to reduce the pain. After a deep peel, the skin is red and can result in swelling and blistering. A crusting layer will form before the skin begins to peel. Many layers of the skin will peel over a period of one to two weeks. The new skin will have the color and sensation of a significant sunburn, which will gradually fade to your normal skin tone. Deeper peels are designed for those of white skin coloring. For a deep peel you must be in good health to ensure a good healing response.

Q. What are the benefits of a Chemical Peel?

A. Chemical peels can restore a more youthful appearance to reduce blotchy and uneven pigmentation, age spots, fine lines, shallow acne scars and sun damaged skin.
However, a peel cannot reverse the aging process or completely remove deep scars. Skin that has moderate to severe damage may need additional procedures such as BOTOX, facial fillers, photodynamic light therapy, laser wrinkle reduction, or laser resurfacing treatments to achieve the best results.

Q. What should I expect after my treatment?

A. Reactions to chemical peels are similar to a sunburn. The recovery time is dependant on the depth of the peel. After any peel, it is very important that the skin be protected from the sun. Dr. Wright will advise you of an appropriate sun block that should be applied daily.

Superficial Peel :
These light peels generally have little or no downtime. Some flaking, redness, dryness or skin irritation may be experienced. These effects are minimal and diminish within one to two days. Patients are usually able to continue with normal daily activities.

Medium Peel :
Medium peels often contain a stronger level of acid and will create more peeling over a three to five day period. Immediately after the treatment the skin has a red or “frosted” appearance. Within a day, the skin turns brown in color and after 3 or 4 days, the skin begins the peeling process. On day 5 your aesthetician will perform a
healing treatment mask to remove the remaining peel and to supply nutrients to the skin.

Deep Peel :
Deep peels produce the most intense recovery period. After your treatment your skin will be red and can result in some blistering and swelling. Dr. Wright can prescribe you a mild pain medication to relieve any discomfort. It is very important that the skin remains moist. A waterproof adhesive is applied to the area which can be removed after 1 to 2 days. A crust will form prior to the peeling, and many layers of skin will peel over a period of one to two weeks. An ointment will be given to you to keep the area moist during this time. While the skin will be red at first, the color will lighten over a few weeks to a few months.

Q. What are the Side Effects?

A. Most people are usually very pleased with the results of a chemical peel. Side effects are rare and usually temporary. The strength of the peel used will usually be at highest risk for complications.

• Uneven pigmentation
• Redness
• Scarring
• Infection
• Cold sore break out

Q. Who is the Best Candidate for a Chemical Peel?

A. Just about anyone can enjoy the benefits of a chemical peel. Dr. Wright will personally consult with each patient to ensure that the right peel has been selected for your skin care needs. In general, the best candidates are people who,

• Understand the procedure
• Who do not smoke
• In good health
• Not taking Accutane in the last 18 months
• Free from unusual scar formation, such as keloids
• Realistic in their expectations
• Want to look younger and more refreshed

Q. How do I get Started?

A. The first step is to schedule a consultation appointment by contacting us here. Your consultation appointment will generally last about one hour. Dr. Wright will personally create your treatment plan with you in order to achieve the most efficient and effective results.