Chemical peels are a safe and effective way to remove the outer layer of dead skin and reveal healthy, beautiful skin underneath. Chemical peels can be used to address the natural signs of aging as well as address cosmetic issues like acne scars, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation.
At Carolinas Center for Cosmetic Surgery, we customize the level of chemical peel treatment to meet your specific needs. Our board-certified oral and cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Waheed Mohamed, will ensure your health and safety throughout any cosmetic procedure. Are you ready for your skin to feel rejuvenated and refreshed? Contact our office in Charlotte, NC, today to see if chemical peels are right for you.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a special solution that our specialists will apply to your face and/or neck. This solution treats many skin conditions and irregularities, leaving you with a more even, glowing complexion. There are three main types of chemical peels, which include superficial, medium, and deep. The severity of your skin condition, as well as your skin type and esthetic preferences, will determine the type of peel you receive
TCA Chemical Peels
Our office uses trichloroacetic acid (TCA) chemical peels, which are among the most versatile types of peel available. We can modify the intensity of treatment to exfoliate only the top layer of skin or deeper into the upper and mid dermis. A superficial peel may be suggested if you are looking to improve your skin’s texture, whereas if you’re looking to address wrinkles and tighten skin, a deeper peel could help.
Benefits of a Chemical Peel
By exfoliating dead skin, chemical peels help you achieve softer, brighter, smoother skin and offer many benefits, including:
- Great for all skin types and tones, with the exception of extremely sensitive skin
- Even out skin tone
- Lifts hyperpigmentation
- Improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
The Chemical Peel Process: What to Expect
At Carolinas Center for Cosmetic Surgery, your safety and comfort come first. We can perform chemical peel treatments in the comfort of our Charlotte, NC, office. After we talk about your treatment goals and examine your skin, we will determine the strength of the peel and the number of layers we need to address in order to achieve the desired results. One chemical peel typically takes about 30 minutes to complete.
Before a Chemical Peel
Plan on wearing sunscreen daily. Since chemical peels aim to reduce sun damage, it’s important to protect your skin every day from direct sunlight or tanning beds. If you have a history of cold sores or fever blisters, you will need to take antiviral medications before and after treatment. Most patients benefit from Retin-A® a few weeks prior to before the peel as it speeds up healing. We may prescribe hydroquinone for patients with darker skin tones to maintain an even tone after the peel.
During a Chemical Peel
You should arrive at your chemical peel appointment with a clean face. We will tie your hair back.
After applying the chemical solution to your skin the treated area will “frost” or look like there is a white or pink glaze over the skin. It’s normal to feel a mild stinging sensation as the skin will also be red and resemble a sunburn. The deeper the peel, the stronger the sensation. You may take Tylenol® or Advil® if necessary.
After a Chemical Peel
The downtime after receiving a chemical peel varies between 5–10 days depending on the strength of the peel and the condition of your skin. Deeper peels may require additional healing time.
Cover all treated areas with a thin layer of Hydra Balm and apply the ointment several times a day to prevent the skin from feeling dry. Allowing the treated area to dry out can cause scarring and/or hyperpigmentation. Apply a thicker layer of ointment before bed. You may want to place a towel or shirt over your pillow. You can decrease the amount and frequency each day as the skin heals, eventually only spot treating residual peeling or raw areas.
The frost will fade to redness similar to a sunburn, which will last for one day. Then, your skin will take on a brown or bronze look and feel dry and tight. This is the damaged skin drying and separating. Your skin will likely start to peel the following day. Peeling can last for a day or two and your skin will look blotchy and uneven, which is normal. After the main peeling, you may resume wearing your usual makeup. Always apply broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above. Any final fading or pinkness will subside in a few weeks.
If you experience discomfort after treatment, use ice packs for 20 minutes at a time. Should you have questions at any point throughout the process or feel like you’re experiencing discomfort beyond what is expected, contact our office at (704) 714-2259.