Most of us have several skin concerns we would like to improve, whether they are related to texture, pigmentation, or signs of aging. A chemical peel can treat many skin issues to leave your skin smoother and more radiant. These versatile treatments can be customized to the issues that bother you most and to match your busy lifestyle.Â
What is a Chemical or Facial Peel?
A chemical peel is also called a facial peel, although some can be used on the body. It is a topical treatment applied to the face and left on to work. Chemical peels usually contain one or several different acids that break up layers of skin to reveal brighter, healthier ones underneath. Your Longwood Plastic Surgery team offers a range of PCA SKIN peels. Lighter peels address the more superficial layers, while the most intensive peels work into the deep layers for more dramatic results.
What Skin Conditions Can a Chemical Peel Improve?
Chemical peels work by removing layers of dull, damaged cells to allow healthy new layers to emerge. As the damaged layers are removed, textural issues become smoother, and excessive pigmentation starts to fade. We may recommend chemical peels if you want to address skin issues, including:
- Dullness
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne and oily skin
- Enlarged pores
- Uneven skin tone
- Hyperpigmentation
- Acne scaring
- Melasma
- Textural issues
- Sun damage
- Age spots
- Skin laxity
Light chemical peels are used to treat a wide range of skin concerns. They can improve skin’s overall radiance and reduce oily skin and pore size with one or a few sessions but require more treatments for pigmentation or texture issues.Â
Medium peels can treat moderate skin issues such as fine lines, minor skin laxity, rough texture, and acne scars. They can also fade many pigmentation issues, including sun damage and melasma, and are excellent all-purpose choices.Â
Deep peels can address significant skin issues such as precancerous lesions, deep wrinkles, sagging skin, and heavy hyperpigmentation or dark spots. These peels are only performed under specific conditions and have significant downtime.
Is There Any Downtime After a Chemical Peel?
The amount of recovery after a chemical peel depends on the depth of your treatment. Light peels only remove the outer, dead layers of skin, so they typically have no downtime beyond minor redness for a few hours. Medium peels may cause redness and sensitivity lasting a few days, and you may experience light swelling or peeling. Deep peels can require several weeks of downtime with significant redness and peeling.Â
How Often Should I Get a Chemical Peel?
How often you get a chemical peel will depend on your needs and schedule. These versatile treatments can be customized to your needs, allowing you to choose a longer series of no-downtime lighter peels or a shorter series of medium peels. Deep peels are only done once for most people.
Take the Next Step
Interested in learning about chemical peels? Schedule your consultation with Longwood Plastic Surgery today by calling our Brookline office at (617) 383-6250. We serve the Brookline and Greater Boston area with distinction.