Chemical Peels in Palm Coast, Ormond Beach & Port Orange, FL
Chemical peels remove damaged outer layers of skin on the face to smooth texture, reduce scarring, and remove blemishes to produce healthy, glowing skin. There are several types of chemical peels, ranging from mild to strong – alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) to trichloroacetic acid (TCA) – and formula strengths are tailored to each patient. Peels can be combined with other procedures such as facelifts for a younger look.
Types of Chemical Peels
AHAs are the gentlest of the three types of chemical peel. They consist of a group of glycolic, lactic and fruit acids that smooth and brighten skin by treating fine wrinkles, dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne. Treatment takes 10 minutes or less. Patients may choose AHAs if they do not want the lengthy recovery time of a TCA peel. Occasionally AHAs, Retin-A (a prescription medication containing Vitamin A) or hydroquinone (a bleach solution) are used to thin the skin and even its tone as a pre-treatment for TCA peels.
TCAs are commonly used for medium-depth peeling (though depth is adjustable) to treat fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment problems, sometimes in combination with AHAs. TCAs are the preferred chemical solution for darker-skinned patients and may be used on the neck and other areas of the body. Results are often less impressive and do not last as long, and multiple treatments may be required, but treatments only last 10-15 minutes and recovery time is shorter.
The Procedure
Chemical peels may be performed in a our office. Anesthesia is not required because phenol and TCAs act as an anesthetic while AHAs produces only a slight stinging.
In an AHA peel, the skin is cleaned and the solution applied; there is no need for “after-peel” ointment or covering. During TCA peels, the skin is cleansed and solution is applied, which may cause a brief stinging sensation. Petroleum jelly or a waterproof adhesive tape may be put on the skin following a phenol treatment.
After the Procedure
AHA peels can cause temporary stinging, redness, irritation and flaking or crusting. Phenol and TCA peels can result in tingling or throbbing, reddened skin, a crust or scab, and significant swelling which lasts about a week, depending on the strength of the peel used. All procedures require adequate sun protection for your new skin.
All treatment types carry potential risks such as infection and scarring. In addition to the after-effects listed above, TCA peels may produce some unintended color changes in the skin that must be protected from sunlight.
Mini Melange Skin Lightening Peel
The Mini Melanage Skin Lightening Peel is an effective treatment option for patients with uneven skin tone, pigmentation or melasma. This procedure is performed in your doctor’s office, and involves applying a masque to the affected area for several hours. Patients can go home once the mask is applied, and then wash it off later at the designated time.
After the Melanage Skin Lightening procedure, patients often notice a significant appearance in the pigmented areas of their skin. Results may vary depending on each individual patient, but most are satisfied with the results of the procedure. Patients often experience peeling after treatment, although this usually goes away on its own within a few days.
This treatment can be used safely by many patients, but should not be performed on patients with active cold sores, open wounds, sunburn or excessively sensitive skin. Patients who have taken Accutane® within the last year should also not undergo this procedure. Your doctor will decide whether or not this treatment is right for you after a thorough evaluation of your condition.
Note: It’s never a good idea to buy skin care products online without doing your research. You can make your skin condition(s) much worse. Here at Parks Dermatology we have experienced skin care professionals to help you figure out the best plan of treatment for your condition(s) and to help treat it. Click here to find out why it’s better to do your research and maybe seek out a professional when dealing with skin care products and treatment.
