Chemical Peels

Chemical Peels The skin is the largest organ in our body. It is made up of millions of cells that protect us from the environment and regulate our body temperature. Every day thousands of cells die, flake off and are replaced by new cells from beneath the skin. As we age, this process begins to slow down. Our skin may become dull. Dark blotches, fine lines and other signs of sun-damage and aging begin to appear
Chemical Peel Skin Rejuvenation Chemical Peels have been used for over 100 years to create an even and controlled shedding of damaged skin cells. Cleopatra used sour milk to maintain her beauty, the acid in the milk essentially acted as an early form of chemical peel. Each year thousands of chemical peels are performed in the United States.
Chemical peels use a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation. Phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are used for this purpose. The precise formula used may be adjusted to meet each patient's needs. Although chemical peels may be performed in conjunction with a facelift, it is not a substitute for such surgery, nor will it prevent or slow the aging process.  Chemical peels are most commonly performed for cosmetic reasons — to enhance your appearance and your self confidence. Chemical peels may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne.

Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids are the mildest of the peel formulas and produce light peels. These types of peels can provide smoother, brighter-looking skin for people who can't spare the time to recover from a phenol or TCA peel. AHA peels may be used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne. Various concentrations of an AHA may be applied weekly or at longer intervals to obtain the best result. Your aesthetician will make this decision during your consultation and as the treatment proceeds. An alphahydroxy acid, such as glycolic acid, can also be mixed with a facial wash or cream in lesser concentrations as part of a daily skin-care regimen to improve the skin's texture.

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be used in many concentrations, but it is most commonly used for medium-depth peeling. Fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment problems are commonly treated with TCA. The results of TCA peel are usually less dramatic than and not as long-lasting as those of a phenol peel. In fact, more than one TCA peel may be needed to achieve the desired result. The recovery from a TCA peel is usually shorter than with a phenol peel.

Phenol is the strongest of the chemical solutions and produces a deep peel. It is used mainly to treat patients with coarse facial wrinkles, areas of blotchy or damaged skin caused by sun exposure, or pre-cancerous growths. Since phenol sometimes lightens the treated areas, your skin pigmentation may be a determining factor as to whether or not this is an appropriate treatment for you. Phenol is primarily used on the face; scarring may result if it's applied to the neck or other body areas.

What skin conditions can a chemical peel improve?

Chemical peels can effectively improve a wide variety of skin conditions including:

Fine lines and wrinkles 

Uneven pigmentation 

Shallow acne scars 

Sun-damaged skin 

Age spots 

Freckling

A chemical peel is not a substitute for a facelift. It can not eliminate excessive or lax skin. But, in many cases a chemical

peel is performed in conjunction with these procedures.  Many times chemical peels are combined with microdermabrasion or laser treatments.  Chemical peels are best performed in a series.

Note:  Even though the peels performed in our office are superficial and moderate, adverse reactions can cause scarring, numbness, permanent pigment change and chemical burning.

 If you are considering a chemical peel, contact our office at (303) 293-9311 or info@druckereyes.com for a FREE CONSULTATION.  Only with a consultation can the correct peel type be determined for you.  Some skin preparation may be required before a peel is performed.  This will also be determined at your consultation.