Chemical Peels
Dr. Brooke R. Seckel
A chemical peel that is done by a medical aesthetician in a medical spa under physician supervision is a dermo-cosmetic procedure that consists of promoting accelerated skin regeneration. The peeling action causes the elimination of the surface of the outer layers of skin with the objective of stimulating collagen and elastin to enhance the physiological and mechanical characteristics of the dermis and epidermis.
Depending on the active ingredients and strength of the chemical peel, recovery time is often minimal and there is a low risk of side effects. Active ingredients in chemical peels can include dilute glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid. These peels act to exfoliate the skin superficially, while stimulating collagen production.
The benefits of light or superficial chemical peels are:
When performed by a medical aesthetician under the supervision of a physician, superficial or light chemical peels such as glycolic acid, lactic acid or salicylic acid should be safe procedures. Deep phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels are serious surgical procedures that should only be done by a physician and never done by a medical aesthetician in a medical spa environment.
Superficial or light glycolic acid, lactic acid or salicylic acid face peels can be done by a trained nurse, PA or medical aesthetician in a medical spa which is supervised by a physician. Deep phenol or TCA should only be performed by a physician in a proper surgical environment.
Your face may be pink after a superficial lactic acid, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid peel. Over the next 24-48 hours you may notice some peeling or flaking of dry, aged damaged skin. You should be able to apply makeup right after most superficial chemical peels.
Recovery from a superficial face chemical peel is usually not significant and consists of pink skin color immediately after the peel and possibly some dry flaking skin over the next 2-3 days.
You will see improvement in your facial skin in a few days, but the benefits of new skin formation and new collagen formation take time to occur. New collagen production does not start for 6 weeks. Therefore, the benefits of your chemical peel will continue and the full results are seen at 3-6 months.
If you are looking for a non-surgical cosmetic treatment that can rejuvenate your appearance, chemical peels may be for you. Boston patients trust Dr. Brooke Seckel to provide safe, effective treatments for beautiful, natural-looking results. Contact our practice to schedule a consultation today.