Chemical PeelsConveniently located to serve St. George, Ivins, and Washington
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What Is a Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels are a noninvasive method of improving the appearance of your skin through the application of a chemical solution. The solution offered by Dr. Gardner in his St. George, UT facility peels away the damaged outer layers of your skin, leaving you with fresh, new skin that is smooth and youthful looking.
Chemical peels are mostly reserved for the face, though sometimes they are used on the neck and hands. They can reduce or eliminate age and liver spots, acne scars, wrinkles, freckles, scars, sun-damaged skin, rough and scaly skin, and irregular skin pigmentation. Chemical peels work best on people with fair skin and light hair. Those with darker skin are more likely to end up with an uneven skin tone following the procedure.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Chemical Peel?
The best candidates for a chemical peel are healthy individuals with mild to moderate signs of skin aging. Sagging skin and severe wrinkles may not benefit from a chemical peel treatment.
Patients who are treating acne can undergo a chemical peel simultaneously under strict supervision. Medical conditions like herpes, open wounds, inflammatory dermatitis, or melanoma should be treated before a chemical peel.
Those with a history of abnormal scarring may not be considered for a chemical peel treatment. Our team of medical professionals can conduct a skin assessment to determine if a chemical peel is effective and safe for your skin concerns.
Your Chemical Peel Consultation
The consultation will begin with an in-depth conversation about your skin concerns and appearance goals. You will also need to discuss your complete medical history to help confirm your eligibility for a chemical peel.
Depending on the skin issues being treated, you may start with a light chemical peel before proceeding to a medium chemical peel. You will be given an overview of the treatment process to help you prepare before the session.
How to Prepare for a Chemical Peel
Your skin must be prepared before undergoing a chemical peel treatment. Since the treatment involves using acid that will make your skin hypersensitive, it is highly recommended to give your skin some rest from anti-aging skincare.
A week before your chemical peel session, take a break from retinols and glycolic acid. Avoid any kind of skin exfoliation and stay away from the sun.
Do not wax or undergo other hair-removal treatments for at least one week before a chemical peel. On the day of your appointment, avoid wearing makeup.
What to Expect from a Chemical Peel
During a chemical peel, a solution is applied to your skin to remove the damaged outer layers. There are three types of chemicals used, depending on the extent of your procedure.
Alpha hydroxy acids are used for a light chemical peel. This type of peel removes the outer layer of skin (the epidermis) only and is a good choice for individuals with uneven skin pigmentation, acne scars, dryness, and fine wrinkles. Treatments can be repeated once a week for up to six weeks in order to achieve results.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is used for a medium chemical peel. This treatment removes both the outer layer of skin and the upper portion of the middle layer (the dermis). It’s best for those with deeper wrinkles, acne scars and uneven skin pigmentation. A medium chemical peel can be repeated every six to 12 months to maintain the results.
A deep chemical peel uses phenol, the strongest chemical solution available, to penetrate down to the lowest layers of your skin. It is reserved for deep facial wrinkles, scars, sun-damaged skin, blotchiness and pre-cancerous growths. Pre-treatment with Retin A or a similar medication is often recommended in order to condition your skin for treatment and to speed up the healing process. Deep chemical peels offer dramatic solutions, but also may require anesthesia and a sedative, and have the longest recovery time.
What Are the Risks?
Side effects vary depending on the chemical solution used. You may experience anything from a little burning or stinging and skin redness to pain, discomfort, and swelling.
How Much Does a Chemical Peel Cost?
At Gardner Facial Plastic Surgery, your chemical peel will be fully customized to address your unique cosmetic needs. During your consultation, we will perform an assessment of your skin to develop your ideal treatment plan and discuss the cost of your chemical peel.
Contact Our Office
Call Gardner Facial Plastic Surgery in St. George, UT at (435) 628-1704 for more information or to schedule an appointment.