Chemical Micro Peels in Brookline
A chemical peel is a skin rejuvenation treatment in Brookline that improves and smooths facial skin by removing damaged outer layers. It is particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with facial blemishes, wrinkles, and uneven pigmentation. At Darrow Plastic Surgery, we use Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) and Alphahydroxy Acids (AHAs) to customize treatments based on each patient’s needs.
What are Chemical Peels?
A chemical peel uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles, and uneven skin pigmentation. 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 a chemical peel 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.
Types of Chemical Peels Offered at Darrow Plastic Surgery
Alphahydroxy Acids (AHAs)
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 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 doctor 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)
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. In fact, more than one TCA peel may be needed to achieve the desired result. The recovery from a TCA peel is usually short.
Benefits and Considerations of Chemical Peels
Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs)
Benefits:
- Smooths rough, dry skin
- Improves texture of sun-damaged skin
- Aids in control of acne
- Can be mixed with bleaching agent to correct pigment problems
- Can be used as TCA pre-treatment
Considerations:
- A series of peels may be needed
- As with most peel treatments, sunblock use is recommended
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)
Benefits:
- Smooths out fine surface wrinkles
- Removes superficial blemishes
- Corrects pigment problems
Considerations:
- Can be used on the neck or other body areas
- May require pre-treatment with Retin-A or AHA creams
- Treatment takes only 10-15 minutes
- Preferred for darker-skinned patients
- Peel depth can be adjusted
- Repeat treatment may be needed to maintain results
- Sunblock must be used for several months
- Healing is usually quick
Is a Chemical Peel Right for You?
Chemical peel is most commonly performed for cosmetic reasons — to enhance your appearance and your self-confidence. Chemical peel may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars, and even control acne.
In certain cases, health insurance may cover the peel procedure. Be sure to check your policy and contact your insurance company before the procedure is performed.
Chemical Peel Effects and Precautions
Chemical peels are generally safe when performed by a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon. However, while rare, risks such as infection and scarring can occur.
AHA Peels may cause stinging, redness, irritation, and crusting, but these effects typically subside as the skin adapts.
TCA Peels do not bleach the skin, but patients should avoid sun exposure for several months to protect newly formed layers. While milder than deeper peels, TCA treatments may cause unintended skin color changes.
In some states, non-physicians can perform chemical peels, but regulations limit the strength they can use. Be cautious of inadequately trained practitioners offering unproven skin rejuvenation techniques.
It’s essential to choose a physician with proper training and experience in skin resurfacing. Your plastic surgeon may recommend a single peel or a combination approach to achieve the best results for your skin.
Your Consultation
During your initial consultation, it is important that you discuss your expectations with your plastic surgeon. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions or express any concerns that you may have. Expect your plastic surgeon to explain the planned procedure in detail, including its risks and benefits, the recovery period, and the costs.
If you have a history of herpes, you should inform your physician prior to the procedure. Remember, medical insurance usually does not cover chemical peel treatments unless they are performed for medically related problems.
How to Prepare for a Chemical Peel Treatment
Our Brookline plastic surgeon will provide detailed preparation instructions for your peel treatment. Pre-treatment may include Retin A treatments (Vitamin A) to thin the skin’s surface layer for better penetration of the TCA solution. For sensitive skin, an alternative AHA cream may be recommended.
For pigmentation concerns, your treatment plan might include Hydroquinone alongside Retin-A or AHA pre-treatment. The preparation phase typically spans about a month before your scheduled peel.
For deeper TCA peels, arrange transportation and assistance for the first couple of days. Light AHA or superficial TCA peels generally don’t require post-treatment support.
What to Expect During a Chemical Peel Treatment
AHA peels/treatments: Your doctor will apply the AHA solution to your cleansed facial skin, a process that usually takes no more than 10 minutes. No after-peel ointment or covering is required. Depending on the strength of the peel, periodic treatments may be necessary until the desired effects are achieved.
For some patients, the application of an AHA-based face wash or cream once or twice a day at home will be sufficient to accomplish the desired goal. Retin-A or a bleaching agent may also be added to your at-home treatment schedule. After several weeks of at-home use, your doctor will examine your skin to determine if your regimen needs adjustment.
TCA peels: Typically, the skin is first thoroughly cleansed. Then, the surgeon will carefully apply the TCA solution. You may feel a stinging sensation as the peel solution is applied, but this feeling will quickly pass.
A full-face TCA peel usually takes no more than 15 minutes. Two or more TCA peels may be needed to obtain the desired result, and those may be spaced out over several months. Mild TCA peels may be repeated as often as every month.
Recovery and Results
After an AHA peel, expect mild temporary effects like redness and flaking, but you can maintain normal activities. Your skin texture will improve with continued treatments. TCA peel recovery takes about 7-10 days, with initial swelling and discomfort subsiding within the first week. Most patients return to work and resume normal activities, including makeup application, after two weeks.
For both treatments, daily sun protection is essential for optimal healing and maintaining results. Our Brookline team will recommend appropriate sunblock with UVA and UVB protection.
Improvements from AHA peels may be very subtle at first. You may detect a healthier glow to your skin. With continued treatments, you will notice a general improvement in the texture of your skin. The results of a TCA peel are usually not as long-lasting as those of other peels. However, your skin will be noticeably smoother and fresher looking.
Related Treatments for Enhanced Skin Rejuvenation
To enhance the results of your chemical peel, we offer additional treatments that complement skin rejuvenation:
- Microneedling – Stimulates collagen production to improve skin texture and elasticity.
- Laser Skin Resurfacing – Reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation for a more even complexion.
- Dermabrasion – Gently removes damaged outer layers of skin to improve scars, fine lines, and overall texture.
- Hydrafacial – Deeply cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates the skin for a refreshed glow.
- Injectables – Botox, Restylane, and other dermal fillers smooth dynamic wrinkles and restores facial volume for a youthful appearance.
During your consultation, we will recommend personalized treatment combinations based on your skincare goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule a Consultation for Chemical Peels
Contact Darrow Cosmetic Surgery today to schedule a consultation for your chemical peel treatment in Brookline. We will take the time to guide you through the entire process, providing results that fully satisfy your aesthetic needs. Contact us today!
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