Chemical Peel Washington DC
Chemical peel is especially useful for the fine wrinkles on the cheeks, forehead, and around the eyes, and the vertical wrinkles around the mouth.
The chemical solution can be applied to the entire face, or to a specific area -for example, around the mouth – sometimes in conjunction with a facelift.
At the end of a phenol peel, a thick layer of petroleum jelly may be applied to the treated area.
A protective crust may be allowed to form over the new skin. When it’s removed, the skin underneath will be bright pink.
After healing, the skin is lighter in color, tighter, smoother, and younger looking.
If you are considering chemical peel
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 those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles, and uneven skin pigmentation. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are the solutions that are primarily used for this purpose.
The precise formula used may be adjusted to meet each patient’s needs. Although 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. This site provides basic information about certain types of chemical peel treatments and the results you might expect. It will not answer all your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Once you and Dr. Baker have decided on a specific peel program, be sure to ask about any details that you do not understand.
Deciding if a chemical peel is right for you
A chemical peel is typically performed for cosmetic reasons — to enhance your appearance and your self-confidence. The procedure may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths soften acne facial scars and help control acne.
Alpha hydroxy 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 cannot 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. Dr. Baker will make this decision during your consultation and as the treatment proceeds. An alpha hydroxy 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.
All chemical peels carry some uncertainty and risk
A chemical peel is normally a safe procedure when it is performed by a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon. However, some unpredictability and risks such as infection and scarring, while infrequent, are possible. AHA peels may cause stinging, redness, irritation, and crusting. However, as the skin adjusts to the treatment regimen, these problems will subside. With a TCA peel, your healed skin will be able to produce pigment as always; the peel will not bleach the skin. However, TCA-peel patients are advised to avoid sun exposure for several months after treatment to protect the newly formed layers of skin.
Peel Formulas at a Glance
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)
Uses:
- 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)
Uses:
- Smoothes out fine surface wrinkles
- Removes superficial blemishes
- Corrects pigment problems
Considerations:
- Can be used on 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, much quicker than with a phenol peel
Planning for a Chemical Peel
In some states, no medical degree is required to perform a chemical peel – even the strongest phenol peels. Many states have laws that permit non-physicians to administer certain peel solutions but regulate the strengths to which they are permitted to apply. You should be warned that phenol and TCA peels have been offered by inadequately trained practitioners claiming “ miracle techniques” to rejuvenate the skin.
It is very important that you find a physician who has adequate training and experience in skin resurfacing. Dr. Baker’s office may offer you a choice of peel techniques or suggest a combination of peels to obtain the best result for you.
During your initial consultation, it is important that you discuss your expectations with Dr. Baker. Do not hesitate to ask any questions or express any concerns that you may have. Ask Dr. Baker or his Physician’s Assistant 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 Dr. Baker prior to the procedure.
Preparing For Your Chemical Peel
Dr. Baker’s office will instruct you on how to prepare for your peel treatment.
Sometimes Retin-A, a prescription medication derived from Vitamin A, is used to pre-treat the skin. This thins out the skin’s surface layer, allowing the TCA solution to penetrate more deeply and evenly. If your skin won’t tolerate Retin-A pre-treatment, an AHA cream may be used instead. Hydroquinone, a bleaching agent, is sometimes used in conjunction with Retin-A or AHA pre-treatment, especially if you have blotchy skin areas or pigmentation problems. You may have to spend a month or more in the pre-treatment phase before Dr. Baker will schedule your actual peel.
You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home and help you out for a day or two if you are having a phenol or deeper TCA peel. You probably will not need any extra assistance if you are having an AHA peel or superficial TCA peel.
Where Your Peel Will Be Performed
Most chemical peels may be safely performed in Dr. Baker’s office. Dr. Baker may want you to stay overnight in a facility or hospital if other cosmetic procedures are performed simultaneously.
Types of Anesthesia
Anesthesia is not required for peels because the chemical solution acts as an anesthetic. However, sedation may be used before and during the procedure to relax you and keep you comfortable. No anesthesia is needed for AHA peels since they cause only a slight stinging sensation during application.
How the Peel Works
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. Dr. Baker may add Retin-A or a bleaching agent 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, Dr. Baker or his Physician Assistant 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.
After Your Treatment
After an AHA peel, it is common to experience some temporary flaking or scaling, redness, and dryness of the skin. However, these conditions will disappear as the skin adjusts to treatment. After a TCA peel, Dr. Baker may prescribe a mild pain medication to relieve any tingling or throbbing you may feel. If the tape was used to cover your face, it will be removed after a day or two. A crust or scab will form on the treated area. To help your face heal properly, it is essential that you follow your doctor’s specific post-operative instructions. A TCA peel may also cause significant swelling, depending on the strength of the peel used.
Getting Back to Normal
With an AHA peel, the temporary redness, flaking, and dryness that you experience will not prevent you from working or engaging in your normal activities. A fresher and improved skin texture will result from continued AHA treatments. Remember, protecting your skin from the sun is also important following these mild acid peels. Ask your doctor to recommend a sunblock with adequate UVA and UVB protection and use it every day.
With a TCA peel, the moderate discomfort and mild swelling you may experience will subside within the first week. In about a week to ten days, your new skin will be apparent and you should be healed sufficiently to return to your normal activities. It is best to avoid sun exposure unless you are adequately protected.
With a phenol peel, new skin will begin to form in about seven to ten days. Your face will be very red at first, gradually fading to a pinkish color over the following weeks to months. During this time, it is especially important that you use a sunblock or blotchy, irregular skin coloring may result.
About two weeks after treatment, you may return to work and resume some of your normal activities. Your skin will be healed enough for you to wear makeup.
You did a fabulous job, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
“Dr. Baker, We are sincerely grateful for the beautiful surgery you performed on our daughter. I was afraid, but those fears were unfounded. You made us feel at ease. You were great with our daughter and her anxieties. You did a fabulous job, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts! She’s like a new person and it can only get better. Once again, our experience with you has been wonderful. Thanks again for everything!”
Your New Look
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 longer lasting than an AHA peel, and your skin will be noticeably smoother and fresher-looking.
How Much Does Chemical Peel Cost?
The total cost of chemical peel is determined based on factors like exact techniques used, as well as the severity of the cosmetic issues being addressed. Please contact our
Schedule a Chemical Peel Consultation
If you have any questions about Chemical Peel in McLean, VA, or would like to book a consultation with Dr. Baker, please contact Dr. Baker today. We will take the time to guide you through the entire process, ensuring results that fully satisfy your aesthetic needs. Contact us today!
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