What is a chemical peel?
The chemical peel is a procedure which can improve the appearance of the facial skin by removing the damaged outer layers. Chemical peels can treat a variety of skin imperfections including blemishes, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, pre-cancerous skin growths and acne scars. There are three types of chemical peels including the phenol peel which is the strongest, the trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel, and the alphahydroxy acid (AHA) peel which is the mildest.

Who is a candidate for a chemical peel?
Candidates for the chemical peel include men and women who are looking to improve wrinkles and other blemishes of the facial skin. It's also important that chemical peel candidates be in good physical health, psychologically stable and have realistic expectations. The chemical peel can be particularly effective in treating fine wrinkles on the cheeks, forehead and eye area as well as vertical wrinkles around the mouth.

What is an AHA peel?
The AHA, or alphahydroxy acid, peel is the mildest of the chemical peels and may use glycolic, lactic or fruit acids to produce a brighter and smoother skin appearance. AHA can also be used as part of a daily skin care regime by mixing it into a facial wash or cream in lesser concentrations. AHA peels can treat rough, dry or sun-damaged skin and can help to control acne. Multiple peels may be necessary in order to achieve the best results.

What is a TCA peel?
The TCA, or trichloroacetic acid, peel can be used in varying strengths but is most often used as a medium-depth peel to improve fine surface wrinkles, pigment problems and superficial blemishes. TCA peels tend to involve a shorter and easier recovery, though they cannot produce the same dramatic and long-lasting results of a phenol peel.

What is a phenol peel?
The phenol peel is the strongest chemical peel and is able to produce very dramatic and long-lasting results. Phenol peels can treat coarse facial wrinkles, blotchy or sun-damaged skin and pre-cancerous growths. The recovery tends to be longer and more extensive. In addition, the phenol peel is not recommended for darker-skinned individuals because the skin often lightens with treatment.

What can I expect during consultation for a chemical peel?
During consultation, surgeon will discuss your goals and expectations. He or she should explain all details of the procedure, including the technique, the particular peel, the risks and benefits, the recovery period and the costs. Be sure to ask any questions or express any concerns that you may have at this time. Dr. Duboys or Dr. Sirota will carefully examine your facial skin during your consultation and discuss the possibilities available to you as well as your expectations for the outcome.

What form of anesthesia is the chemical peel performed with?
Anesthesia is not necessary for the chemical peel. An anesthetic is included in the chemical solution of phenol and TCA peels. With the AHA peel, only a slight stinging sensation is felt.

How much pain is associated with the chemical peel?
Patients may experience some tingling, throbbing or other discomfort after a TCA or phenol peel which can usually be controlled with mild pain medication.

What is the recovery like after a chemical peel?
The recovery after an AHA peel is the mildest whereas recovery after a phenol peel is the most extensive. Patients may experience some minor and temporary stinging, redness, irritation, crusting flaking, scaling or dryness after an AHA peel. Similar side effects may occur after a TCA or phenol peel, along with some temporary throbbing, tingling and swelling. Crusts or scabs usually occur on the treatment area after the TCA and phenol peel. The new skin will emerge within five to ten days after a TCA peel and within seven to twenty-one days after a phenol peel. Full healing and fading of the redness may take as much as three to six months after a phenol peel. The skin should be protected from the sun after undergoing a chemical peel.