Give a Gift CertificateChemical Peels Details
Chemical peel uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation. The precise formula used may be adjusted to meet each patient's needs. Although chemical peel may be performed in conjunction with a facelift, it is not a substitute for such surgery, nor will it prevent or slow the aging process. Chemical peel is most commonly performed for cosmetic reasons -- to enhance your appearance and your self confidence. Chemical peel may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne.
Dr. Hollingsworth's certified staff will customize the strength and type of chemical peel to suit your individual needs. We have multiple peels to treat differing skin conditions.
Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids are the mildest of the peel formulas and produce light peels. These types of peels can provide smoother, brighter-looking skin for people who can't spare the time to recover from a phenol or TCA peel. AHA peels may be used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne. Various concentrations of an AHA may be applied weekly or at longer intervals to obtain the best result. Your provider will make this decision during your consultation and as the treatment proceeds. An alphahydroxy acid, such as glycolic acid, can also be mixed with a facial wash or cream in lesser concentrations as part of a daily skin-care regimen to improve the skin's texture.
Uses:
- Smooths rough, dry skin
- Improves texture of sun-damaged skin
- Aids in control of acne
- Can be mixed with bleaching agent to correct pigment problems
- A series of peels may be needed
- As with most peel treatments, sunblock use is recommended
Betahydroxy acid (BHA) is a salicylic acid that works as an exfoliant. It is able to penetrate into the pore which contains sebum and exfoliate the dead skin cells that are built up inside the pore. Betahydroxy acid is better used on oily skin and may be able to reverse some of the damage caused by photoaging. Improvement in fine lines, wrinkles and superficial blemishes may be expected in addition to the drying of active acne lesions.
All chemical peels carry some uncertainty and risk. Chemical peel is normally a safe procedure when it is performed by a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon. However, some unpredictability and risks such as infection and scarring, while infrequent, are possible.
AHA peels may cause stinging, redness, irritation and crusting. However, as the skin adjusts to the treatment regimen, these problems will subside.
Uses:
- Performs well on moderate to severely oily skin, acne-prone skin and active acne
- Improves hyperpigmented areas, drying of active acne lesions, improvement of fine lines, wrinkles and superficial blemishes
- A series of peels may be needed
- As with most peel treatments, sunblock use is recommended
In some states, no medical degree is required to perform a chemical peel - even the strongest phenol peels. Many states have laws that permit non-physicians to administer certain peel solutions, but regulate the strengths which they are permitted to apply.
It is very important that you use a physician who has adequate training and experience in skin resurfacing. All of our procedures are performed by licensed staff under the direct supervision of Dr. Hollingsworth.