Age, acne, and sun damage can leave your skin with wrinkles, scars, or an uneven skin tone affecting your facial appearance. If you want your skin to have a smooth and youthful presence, a chemical peel may be worth considering.
A chemical peel is the application of a chemical solution to target certain facial areas which need help. It can smooth the skin texture or improve skin tone by removing the outer skin layer and raising the fresh, radiant underlying skin to the surface. It is a minimally-invasive, economical treatment available to Newport Beach patients to help improve their skin’s health and appearance.
Chemical peels help improve:
- Sun-damaged skin
- Scarring
- Scaly or rough textures
- Hyperpigmentation
- Dehydrated or dull skin
- Age or liver spots
Sunspots - Acne or acne scars
Chemical Peels Options?
Chemical peels offer various chemical solutions designed to produce a peeling effect of your skin’s outer layer to stimulate skin cell regeneration. They vary in strength from light, moderate and intense. The peel strength necessary for optimal results will depend on skin type, the severity of concern, and your desired outcome.
The initial reaction to a chemical peel is mild flaking like the aftermath of a severe sunburn. An intense peel may cause redness and severe peeling which is why triple board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Sajjadian, prefers mild to moderate peels done in succession to ensure optimal results with less discomfort and less downtime. He can also combine milder peels with other facial treatments like microdermabrasion and laser skin resurfacing to enhance results.
Exfoliation
To stimulate cellular turnover, create new collagen and promote fibroblasts, a chemical peel will create exfoliation and reveal the fresh, clean underlying skin. However, it’s a problem when a patient has too many peels because chronic inflammation may cause a breakdown of the protective lipid barrier leaving it vulnerable to the production of free radicals and irritation. Although chemical peels are in great demand, patients should seek treatment from a board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure proper care.
A professional skin evaluation is necessary to ensure a proper exfoliation through optimal solutions to fit your unique skin type. Any constant skin irritation or redness should cause a suspension in chemical peels to stop the skin aging prematurely.
Solutions
Trichloroacetic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, alpha-hydroxy acid, and other peeling agents are active ingredients available to deliver optimal solutions for chemical peel treatments.
Light Chemical Peel
This peel is the best choice for dry skin, fine wrinkles, acne or uneven pigmentation. A light chemical peel will cause a light exfoliation to remove the outer skin layer to reveal a healthy skin glow.
Active ingredients common in light peels may include alpha-hydroxy acids, lactic acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid to form a mild chemical solution which is suitable for repeated sessions at regular intervals.
A light chemical peel procedure involves:
- Facial Cleansing
- The chemical mixture applied to the face
- The mixture is removed and neutralized
Risks and recovery:
Irritations, flaking, stinging and some redness may result from a light chemical peel. With repeated sessions, these side-effects will subside. Risks include hyperpigmentation and infection.
Moderate Chemical Peel
This peel can resolve uneven skin color, deeper wrinkles, and acne scars. A moderate chemical peel will remove skin cells from the epidermis (outer layer of skin) and dermis (underlying skin tissue). Active ingredients include glycolic acid, Jessner’s solution, and trichloroacetic acid.
A moderate chemical peel procedure involves:
- A facial cleansing
- Chemical mixture applied to the face which may result in a whitish grey hue.
- Applied chemicals are removed and neutralized with a saline compress.
- After the peel, your skin may turn to a brown or red hue in the following days. Peeling will start within two days and can last for a week. Moisturizing the treatment area is important during this peeling process.
Risks and recovery:
With trichloroacetic acid as an active ingredient, there may be some flaking, redness and stinging after the procedure, much like a severe sunburn. You may also notice some change in color. You must avoid the sun and protect your skin with sunblock for several months to protect your new skin layer.
Hyperpigmentation, scarring, and a long-lasting redness are rare but possible.
Deep Chemical Peel
This chemical peel may be a resolution for pre-cancerous growths, blotchy skin, scars, and sun-damaged skin. We will assess your skin during the consultation to determine if this is the right peel choice.
The solution may include phenol for deep penetration. An anesthetic may be necessary to manage discomfort. Deep peels may require pretreatment including retinoic topical products and Vitamin A medication to make the skin’s surface thinner. This medication will help the peeling and healing process.
The deep chemical peel procedure includes:
- Local anesthetic and sedation to numb the face.
- Facial Cleansing.
Chemical mixture applied to a target skin area. - Mixture removed and neutralized
- A topical ointment will be applied to the skin to resolve pain and prevent dryness. There may be a medicated gauze or strips of tape rather than ointment.
Risks include:
Phenol, the active ingredient in a deep peel may lighten the skin and reduce the skin’s ability to tan. Also, this agent may pose risks for heart patients. Protecting treated skin from the sun is important.
Recovery includes:
Typical recovery will last approximately two weeks. Some discomfort, redness, crusting, and peeling will last for a few weeks. Discomfort will be managed by oral medication with swelling lasting about two weeks. Redness may last up to three months.
Results include long-lasting, dramatic improvements which may last up to ten years.
InMode Laser
We are also proud to offer InMode lasers. One of our most popular non-surgical treatments is InMode’s Fractora laser. This innovative treatment blends fractional laser technology with radiofrequency energy and microneedling. Fractora is such a popular choice because of its versatility. It can treat fine lines and wrinkles, active cystic acne and acne scars, diminished skin elasticity, stretch marks, and more.
Patients also love that they can achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation with little downtime. Fractora may cause mild redness, peeling, or swelling, but these temporary symptoms usually resolve by 3-4 days after treatment.
For optimal results, most patients undergo 3-4 treatments once every 4 weeks.
Why Dr. Sajjadian for Chemical Peels?
Chemical peels are skin treatments which require the experience and training of a skilled medical professional who understands facial anatomy, skin structure, and how chemical peels are designed to work. Triple board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali Sajjadian takes the time to evaluate each patient before choosing and administering the procedure. His commitment and attention to detail will provide optimal results safely.
During your consultation, he will determine which peel is best for your unique skin issues, and carefully appraise your concerns regarding your skin and the procedure. He will then discuss the procedure in detail to help ease any anxiety and improve your confidence.
He and his team are committed professionals dedicated to providing a successful procedure and enhance your skin beauty.
Learn More
To achieve skin beauty and learn more about chemical peels schedule a consultation with Dr. Sajjadian today.
Schedule a consultation or call (949)-515-0550.