Facial Peels

What It Is:

This non surgical procedure restores wrinkled, blemished or sun damaged facial skin. It works best on fair, thin skin with superficial wrinkles.

How It Works:

A chemical solution is applied to peel away skin’s top layers. Alphahydroxy acids are usually used for light peels, thicloracetic acid for medium depth peels and phenol, the strongest chemical solution, is used for deep peels. AHA and TCA peels are left on for a shorter time and may have to be done regularly to see the desired results. Phenol peels are usually left on for one to two hours, and the results are usually sufficient after one treatment. 

What are the benefits:

• Fewer wrinkles
• Even pigmentation
• Less acne
• Softening of acne scars
• More youthful appearance

What are the side effects?

• Temporary throbbing, tingling, swelling, redness
• Acute sensitivity to the sun
• Tiny whiteheads
• With phenol, loss of ability to tan

What are the risks?

• Infection
• Scarring
• Flare-ups of skin allergies
• Fever blisters and cold sores
• With phenol, permanent lightening of treated skin and heart irregularities (a rare occurrence)