If you have been troubled by deep wrinkles or blotches on your face lately, a deep chemical peel might be the right choice for you. With the natural aging process, our skin tends to lose its natural luster and begins to look much older and dull. Throughout your life, you may also acquire sun damage and scars that negatively affect your appearance.

However, all hope is not lost. A deep chemical peel can restore your skin’s youthful luster and get rid of unpleasant-looking skin damage and wrinkles.

Before deciding on going forward with a deep chemical peel, it is vital for you to know what the treatment entails and what you can expect during and after the procedure.

 

What Exactly Is a Deep Chemical Peel Treatment?

 

A deep chemical peel is basically the process of removing skin cells from the epidermis and the mid and lower dermis so that new skin cells can surface. Since the lower dermis is also targeted, this procedure works well for deep-set wrinkles and precancerous growths.

A strong chemical known as phenol will be used to penetrate your skin layers. The phenol will cause the upper layers of your skin to blister and peel off, allowing new layers of skin to take their place.

The deep chemical peel is an outpatient cosmetic treatment, so you will not have to spend the night at the surgery center and will be allowed to return home shortly after it is over. However, the procedure involves some pre-treatment to prepare your skin for the procedure and to help in quick recovery.

Your surgeon may ask you to apply a retinoid gel to thin out the outer skin layers to allow the chemical to penetrate your skin easily. During a consultation, your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions that you will need to follow in the time leading up to the treatment and after it is completed.

 

The Chemical Peel Process

 

Here is a quick look at how the procedure takes place:

 

  • The surgeon will administer a local anesthetic so that you do not feel any sort of discomfort during the treatment process.

 

  • The area of your skin that is going to be treated will be cleansed thoroughly.

 

  • Phenol will be applied to your skin and the chemical will be neutralized with water.

 

  • The surgeon will apply an ointment in order to prevent pain and dryness.

 

  • In some cases, the surgeon may use gauze over the treated area to keep the ointment in place.

 

You may feel a slight burning sensation during the procedure, but it will not last more than ten minutes. A cold compress can be placed over the treated area to help relieve the burning sensation you may feel.

 

What to Expect After the Procedure

 

It will take you around two weeks to recover from a deep chemical peel and get back to your normal activities. A deep chemical peel will cause a certain amount of crusting and reddening of the skin, accompanied by some discomfort.

If you happen to feel any lingering discomfort throughout your recovery process, your surgeon can prescribe medication to help you feel more comfortable while you heal.

Your newly rejuvenated skin will start to appear after around two weeks, and you can then use a mild cosmetic to conceal the redness. One session of a deep chemical peel can provide you with results that last for a long time.

 

Contact Our Office

 

Want to learn more about the chemical peel treatment and how it can help rejuvenate your youthful and beautiful skin? With the help of Dr. Kent Gardner, you’ll have the guidance you need to achieve your ideal look.

As a double-board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Gardner can help ensure that the deep chemical peel treatment process is the right option for you. Set up a consultation by contacting us today.