Medical Chemical Peels

When you come to us for your cleansing chemical peel, Dr. Zannis will select the best chemical or chemical mix for you. A solution is applied to your face using a sponge, cotton pad, cotton swab, or brush either to the areas to be treated or to the entire face, except the eyes, brows, and lips. The specific chemical chosen for your peel will depend on your skin’s health and your unique facial needs. Below are three examples of the various chemical we regularly use in our chemical peel formulations.

1. Glycolic: the Gentlest Medical Peel Option

Generally, the most superficial chemical peels are those using alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), such as glycolic. These peels are generally more gentle and comfortable than deeper, stronger chemical peels. Various concentrations of an AHA may be applied weekly or at longer intervals to obtain the best result.

2. TCA: a Well-Balanced Chemical Peel

A trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel is stronger and has a greater depth of peel compared to AHA’s, making it perfect for patients seeking a balanced facial treatment.

3. Phenol: the Strongest, Deepest Medi Peel

A deep chemical skin peel, or phenol peel, is the strongest of chemical peels. Phenol peels are reserved for individuals with deep wrinkles from sun exposure. They can also be used to treat skin wrinkling around the lips and chin area, in many cases. The procedure diminishes imperfections in sun-damaged, unevenly pigmented, or coarsely wrinkled facial areas by peeling away the skin’s top layers.

A full-face deep chemical peel takes one hour to perform. A more limited procedure, such as treatment of wrinkling above the lip, will generally take less than a half-hour to complete. During the procedure, a chemical solution is applied to the targeted area to be treated, avoiding the eyes, brows, and lips. There is a slight burning sensation after the chemicals are applied, but any sensation of burning is minimal since the solution also acts as an anesthetic. After the peel solution has worked on the skin, it is neutralized with water. Approximately one hour later, a thick coating of petroleum jelly is layered over the patient’s face, covering the protective crust which develops rapidly over the area. This stays in place for 1 to 2 days. In an alternative technique, the patient’s face is covered by a “mask,” composed of strips of adhesive tape, with openings for the eyes and mouth. These masks are particularly effective in cases of severe wrinkling of the facial areas.

Time: 30 minutes Cost: $350

The Perfect Derma Peel is safe and effective for all skin types, requires no pre-peel skin preparation, and is virtually painless.

The Perfect Derma Peel is the only peel that includes the powerful anti-oxidant Glutathione, which neutralizes the harmful effects of free radicals, slows down the aging process, and helps prevent wrinkles. Kojic Acid is a powerful lightener proven to increase collagen and elastin production, resulting in firmer skin. TCA, Phenol, and Retinoic Acid reduce wrinkles and correct pigment problems. Salicylic Acid exfoliates the skin and reduces inflammation. We encourage you to watch the video below for more information about the Perfect Derma Peel!

Some patients experience discomfort after a deep chemical peel, but this can be controlled with medication. A few days after the procedure, new skin with a bright pink color akin to sunburn will emerge. This pinkness will fade within a few days, as the new skin gets stronger and more resilient. Post-operative puffiness of the skin will also subside in a few days, but the skin will remain sensitive. Patients should avoid exposure to sunlight and continue to use sunblock for a few weeks after a deep chemical peel treatment.

Would you like to learn more about getting a chemical peel here at the Zannis Center for Plastic Surgery? Are you ready to schedule your chemical peel for a younger-looking face? Just call us at (252) 633-1197 or contact us today to speak with our team, discuss your options, and schedule your next chemical peel facial treatment here.