Chemical Peels

Serving patients in Northern Virginia, Maryland, & Washington, D.C.

A chemical peel is a non-surgical technique employed to improve facial contours and overall skin appearance. It involves a chemical solution being applied to the skin, which causes it to peel off. When the skin regrows, it will have fewer wrinkles and be smoother than the skin it’s replacing.

 

Candidacy for Chemical Peels

 

Chemical peels are an ideal solution for light-skinned and light-haired patients, as those with darker skin tones might not experience as much success. However, this is dependent upon the treatment area.

 

Chemical peels can treat a wide range of skin disorders and undesirable skin aesthetics, such as:

• Specific types of acne
• Wrinkles caused by aging and/or sun damage
• Refine dull skin
• Rejuvenate skin coloring
• Mask mild scarring
• Reduce undesirable lines beneath the eyes and around the mouth

 

Chemical peels are for patients wishing to improve their overall skin condition and appearance. It is not a suitable solution for skin sagging or sever wrinkles. In those cases, Dr. Daria Hamrah tends to recommend facial fillers, facial implants, a facelift, or laser resurfacing. Only through a personal consultation can you and Dr. Hamrah determine the best non-surgical or surgical solution to meet your goals and expectations.

Types of Chemical Peels

 

Nova Surgicare provides two kinds of chemical peels:

• Obagi – Their product works slower than traditional peels, allowing the treatments to be individually designed as per the patients desires
• TCA – This treatment deeply penetrates within the skin and has the ability to be accurately controlled

 

Chemical Peel Procedure

 

The chemical peeling procedure begins with at home skin preparation. This involves application of a topical preconditioning medication, which will control the wound inflicted by the chemical peel, and using strong sunscreen protection daily.

 

During the procedure, patients tend to experience a five to ten minute warm sensation, followed by minor stinging. With the exception of deeper, chemical peels that are applied to the entire face, the session generally takes less than 30 minutes. Deeper and more aggressive peels are usually recommended under IV conscious sedation.

 

Following the Procedure

 

Generally, patients experience a similar reaction to sunburn after the procedure. The peeling process involves redness around the treatment area, scaling for three to seven days followed by peeling.

 

For medium and deep peeling treatments, additional side affects may occur, including:

• Swelling
• Water blisters

 

Due to the fragility of the new skin, it’s important to avoid sun exposure following a chemical peel. We have a wide variety of skin care products that will be tailored to your needs.

 

Additional Risks and Complications of a Chemical Peel

 

While chemical peels are safe, there are occasional side affects and risks associated with it including:

• Certain skin types may develop a permanent change in pigment color
• Minor scarring
• For those who have experienced herpes outbreaks, a small risk of cold sore reactivation is inherent with chemical peels

 

If you live in the Washington, D.C. or northern Virginia areas and are considering chemical peels, please contact cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hamrah today to schedule your personal consultation.

 

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