Chemical peels are one of our favorite tools when it comes to exfoliation and improving skin clarity. Whether you would like to address sun damage, acne scars, freckles, dark spots, or melasma, chemical peels offer a superior exfoliation. Wrinkles and fine lines disappear with our deeper peels, leaving you looking younger than ever. By removing the outermost skin cells, we can bring healthier skin back to the surface to improve your complexion and texture.Â
I suffered from years of sun damage and had spots all over my face. After the chemical peels, I couldn't believe how clear my skin underneath was. I feel like I'm always glowing now!
- Myrtle, Labiaplasty Patient; Atlanta, GA
Over time, our skin sustains damage from UV light and sun exposure, acne, and stress; this can leave scars, marks, wrinkles, and blemishes. With a chemical peel, we exfoliate and clear these imperfections from the skin, while also stimulating new collagen formation. Physical exfoliation can remove pollutants and the first cells of facial skin, but with a TCA chemical peel, our aesthetician can precisely reach deeper layers to improve the appearance of deeper scarring. A TCA or trichloroacetic acid peel is our favorite option since it offers total customization for your needs. The acid works by removing layers of dead skin on the surface and middle layer of the skin. Afterwards, the skin begins the healing process and pushes healthier, younger looking skin towards the surface. During the healing process, the skin will flake and peel for a few days and then begin to glow!
Confidence in appearance helps our patients look and feel their best every day, and this feeling extends to our patients’ professional and personal lives. In addition to improved self-confidence, the benefits of a chemical peel include:
In general, men and women in good health and without severe skin or scarring disorders seeking to prove the appearance of their skin are good candidates for chemical peels. Studies show that patients with darker skin types may be prone to further hyperpigmentation with deep chemical peels. Patients seeking chemical peel treatment must be at least six months post-isotretinoin or Accutane use. Individuals bothered by fine lines and wrinkles, photodamage, acne scars, blemishes, melasma, and hyperpigentation may benefit from the skin rejuvenating effects of chemical peels. Dr. Fishman thoroughly evaluates her patients prior to making a recommendation regarding chemical peels or other rejuvenation treatments.
Many studies have shown chemical peels to provide lots of benefits for improving scars, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation. During your consultation with Dr. Fishman, she will carefully assess the best chemical peel depth for your skin type. TCA chemical peels are best used in the hands of experts such as Dr. Fishman and should not be attempted at home. Superficial peels such as salicylic acid are safe for all skin types, but people with darker skin types should consult with a physician before higher-depth peels such as TCA peels.
Dr. Fishman performs chemical peels in our office, with the help of topical numbing medicine and cooling fans. Patients experience burning sensations during their peel that cools off in the day following their treatment. During their recovery, patients that elect for medium-depth peels take 2-4 days off work and school, and are encouraged to keep indoors as much as possible. The skin will peel and flake for several days afterwards and Dr. Fishman will see patients for a follow-up 2 weeks after their treatment to assess healing progress. Wearing sunscreen and using the Epionce Recovery Kit is vital to the recovery progress as the new skin needs protection from new damage from the sun and lots of moisturizing to heal properly.Â
Chemical peel risks include redness, swelling, scabbing, scarring, hyperpigmentation, and infection. Immediately following your treatment, the skin will flake and peel for several days. Medium depth peels will cause some swelling and the underlying redness will last longer than superficial peels. The redness will fade over time as the new skin reaches the surface and becomes less irritated. In some cases, hyperpigmentation is not improved by a chemical peel and other treatment options such as CO2 laser and dermabrasion may be more impactful. After your peel, the fresh skin will be very sensitive to the sun, so high SPF sunscreen will protect your skin from accumulating new sun damage.
The results of a chemical peel are largely determined by the strength of the peel. For all peels, the skin will swell and flake for 3-5 days and up to 2 weeks after the treatment. The skin will remain red and transition to a rosy pink over the following weeks. As the redness subsides, the results will leave your skin feeling tighter with blemishes and hyperpigmentation beginning to fade. Stronger peels take longer to heal from, but will show even better results, especially for fine lines and wrinkles. Following your peel, wearing strong sunscreen is vital to long-lasting results. The newer skin is extremely sensitive to the UV light from the sun, so we recommend treatments during the winter.
Every patient has individually different anatomy and aesthetic goals; because of this, we encourage individuals interested in skin rejuvenation to schedule a consultation with Dr. Fishman in order to receive custom-tailored treatment recommendations and pricing information. In general, patients will receive two or three chemical peels to address fine lines and wrinkles, with about 6-8 weeks between treatments. Additional chemical peels beyond the initial treatments are for maintenance and can be scheduled every 6-12 months, depending on the individual’s aesthetic goals.Â
Dr. Inessa Fishman and our staff are strongly invested in both an effective treatment and uncomplicated recovery for our patients. We work with you before and after your chemical peel to ensure that you are comfortable with the treatment plan and are thoroughly educated about the best before and after treatment care.
We recommend reviewing the Post-Treatment Chemical Peel instructions several times prior to and after your treatment. We want to provide you with the information and tools you need to have an excellent treatment experience. Please contact our office should you have any questions or concerns about these instructions or your recovery. We are here to help!
Apply Epionce Essential Recovery Kit immediately after procedure. This recovery kit minimizes downtime and restores your skin’s barrier function quickly. Directions for use include the following:
Immediately Post Treatment: Cool water saturation compresses may be used immediately post procedure to help reduce inflammation and soothe skin before applying post treatment products. Apply 2-4 pumps of Priming Oil. Apply a generous application of Enriched Firming Mask. Do not rinse.
First 24 Hours: Continue to apply Priming Oil followed by visible coating of Enriched Firming Mask as often as needed on dry/sensitive areas to provide soothing hydration. Do not rinse mask; allow to absorb into the skin. Do not allow skin to feel tight and/or dried out. Sterile cold-water saturated compresses may be applied, if additional cooling sensation is desired.
Day 2-3: May cleanse with Milky Lotion Cleanser. Apply 2-4 pumps of Priming Oil. Follow with a generous application of Renewal Calming Cream as needed to keep skin hydrated. For additional hydration, apply Enriched Firming Mask over Renewal Calming Cream. On Day 3, if skin is not sensitive, resume normal use of sunscreen.
Day 4: May cleanse with Milky Lotion Cleanser. Apply Renewal Calming Cream as needed. Apply Priming Oil and/or Enriched Firming Mask as needed for hydration and to calm remaining inflammation.
After Skin Heals: After skin is re-epithelialized, begin or continue to use Epionce cleanser and renewal facial product according to skin type. Renewal Calming Cream application may be continued as needed to boost hydration and barrier repair. Wait at least 10 days post-procedure or until skin is no longer sensitive to add Lytic Step into regimen or as directed by supervising physician.
Sleep with your head elevated above the level of your heart for 3-4 days.
Avoid ice or frozen compresses, such as gel packs, directly on skin.
Avoid makeup for the first 3-4 days after peeling and contact Dr. Fishman before resuming your regular moisturizer and makeup.
Know that itching, tightness, and some patchy numbness are normal for several days to weeks after your treatment.
Avoid picking at, scratching, or pulling off peeling skin.
Please call our practice with any questions or concerns. Please notify us should you develop a fever, spreading rash or redness, pain, or any other concerns.
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