Facial Treatments

Beverly Hills Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin for those with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation. It may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne.

What is a Chemical Peel?

A Chemical Peel is the application of an acid to the skin which causes it to peel and shed several layers of damaged cells. This exposes a new fresh layer of skin with a more even color and a smoother texture. In addition, a Chemical Peel stimulates new cells to grow, thereby tightening the skin, which decreases wrinkling.

What types of Chemical Peels are available?

  1. Alphahydroxy acid (AHA) peels are superficial peels produced using glycolic, lactic, and fruit acids. AHA peels are used to treat rough, dry skin and improve texture. These acids can be mixed with a bleaching agent to correct uneven pigmentation. AHA's may be also be used on other areas of the body including the neck, chest and hands.
  2. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels are medium peels used to treat fine wrinkles and superficial blemishes. TCA peels may be also be used on other areas of the body including the neck, chest and hands.
  3. Phenol peels are deep peels using carbolic acid. It is used to treat coarse wrinkles, blotches caused by sun, birth-control pills, or aging, and precancerous growths. Phenol is almost always used only on the face - it may cause scarring on the neck or other areas of the body. Phenol peels are not recommended for dark-skinned individuals.

What are the advantages of having a Chemical Peel?

  • Gives a "refreshed" appearance to your skin.
  • Reduces freckles and sun damage (including precancerous lesions)
  • Improves blotchy pigmentation (including the mask of pregnancy)
  • Softens fine wrinkles
  • Improves acne scars
  • Stimulates new cells to grow

Who is a good candidate for a Chemical Peel?

If you have:

  • Dull, weathered skin
  • Freckling
  • Blotchy pigmentation (including the mask of pregnancy)
  • Sun damage (including precancerous lesions)
  • Fine wrinkles
  • Shallow acne scars

What does a Chemical Peel treatment involve?

A chemical solution is applied to your skin which causes it to peel and shed several layers of damaged cells. This exposes a new fresh layer of skin with a more even color and a smoother texture. Peels can be applied to the whole face or to an isolated area, such as the upper lip. Chemical peels cannot be done around the eyes.

You will want to arrange for someone to drive you home and help out for a day or two if you are having a phenol or deeper TCA peel. Extra assistance isn't necessary if you are having an AHA peel or superficial TCA peel.

Anesthesia isn't required for phenol or TCA peels because the chemical solution acts as an anesthetic. However, sedation may be used before and during the procedure to relax the patient and keep him or her comfortable. No anesthesia is needed for AHA peels since they cause only a slight stinging sensation during application.

How long does a Chemical Peel treatment take?

  • AHA peels: The application of an AHA solution should take no more than 15 minutes.
  • TCA peels: A full-face TCA peel should take no more than 30 minutes.
  • Phenol peels: A full-face phenol peel takes one or two hours. If the peel is concentrated to a region such as the upper lip, it may take only 10 or 15 minutes.

How many Chemical Peel treatments are required?

  • AHA peels: Multiple treatments may be needed to achieve the final desired result. Once the desired result is achieved, periodic treatments are suggested to maintain results. You may have AHA Chemical Peel treatments every 3-4 weeks. Some people may be able to maintain their result by twice-daily applications of a face wash or cream containing an AHA.
  • TCA peels: Two or more TCA peels may be needed to obtain the desired result. The treatments may be spaced out over several months.
  • Phenol peels: A single treatment usually achieves the desired result.

How long does it take to recover from a Chemical Peel?

  • AHA peels: An AHA peel affects the skin like sunburn. The skin will probably become red and dry, then begin to flake and peel. The flaking should end within five days.
  • TCA peels: Most people take 5-7 days to heal from an average TCA peel.
  • Phenol peels: After a phenol peel, the face will become quite swollen. The eyes may even swell shut temporarily. Talking should be avoided if possible, and a liquid diet may be required. New skin will begin to form within ten days. The skin will be very red and several weeks may be required for the red color to subside. During this time, exposure to the sun without skin block can cause blotches and irregular pigmentation. After about two weeks, the skin should be healed sufficiently to allow a return to work and to some normal activities. Cosmetics can be worn at this time.

When can I expect to see results from my Chemical Peel?

  • AHA peels: You should see your final result in just a few days - after the flaking and peeling has ended. Multiple treatments may be needed to achieve the initial desired result.
  • TCA peels: The results are long-lasting, but not permanent. Some people will require re-treatments over the years.
  • Phenol peels: The results are long-lasting, but not permanent. Some people will require re-treatments over the years.

When can I go back to work/resume my normal activities after having a Chemical Peel?

  • AHA peels: Most people can return immediately to their normal activities.
  • TCA peels: Most people take 5-7 days to heal from an average TCA peel. During the healing process there is no pain, but the skin looks as if it has had a severe sunburn. Therefore, most patients choose to stay home during this healing time. However, if you are not too self-conscious about your appearance you may be able to work during part of your peel.
  • Phenol peels: After about two weeks, the skin should be healed sufficiently to allow a return to work and to some normal activities. Cosmetics can be worn at this time.

After having a TCA or Phenol Chemical Peel, you will be more sensitive to sunlight for at least 6-8 weeks. During this time it is very important to avoid strong sunlight and to protect your new skin by wearing sunscreens and hats.

How long will the results from having a Chemical Peel last?

  • AHA peels: The results are temporary but how long they last varies depending upon how well you take care of your skin. Most people like to get an AHA peel on a regular basis to slough off the dead skin cells and keep their skin looking "fresh".
  • TCA peels: The results are long-lasting, but not permanent. Some people will require re-treatments over the years.
  • Phenol peels: The results are long-lasting, but not permanent. Some people will require re-treatments over the years.

Continued protection from the sun and implementing a good skin-care regime can help in maintaining the results.

What are my alternatives to having a Chemical Peel?

Alternatives as well as additional procedures that would enhance the result are:

To learn more about how a specific cosmetic procedure can help improve your appearance and outlook on life, call our Beverly Hills Cosmetic Plastic Surgery expert, Dr. David Sadaat, today at (800) 351-6341.

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