Chemical Peels in Paradise Valley, Scottsdale and Phoenix, AZ
A chemical peel is a minimally invasive skin resurfacing procedure used to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), chemical peels are among the top three cosmetic procedures performed, with over 1.1 million procedures performed in 2012. In this procedure, a chemical solution is applied to the skin that causes the dead skin to slough off and eventually peel off. The new skin that grows back after a chemical peel is smoother and younger looking. Chemical peels can be done at different depths, light, medium or deep, depending on your desired results. Each type of chemical peel uses a different chemical solution to target the different layers of skin. Deeper chemical peels produce more-dramatic results but also involve longer recovery times. If you are in the Phoenix area and interested in rejuvenating your skin, contact us to set up an initial consultation with Dr. DeVito at our Scottsdale Facility.
Why get a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel can be used to treat various skin problems. Depending on the issues you’re addressing with the procedure, Dr. DeVito can help you decide which chemical peel will help you achieve your desired results. Chemical peels can be done on the face, neck, or hands. They can be used to:
- Reduce fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth
- Treat wrinkles caused by sun damage and aging
- Improve the appearance of scars
- Improve certain types of acne
- Reduce age spots, freckles, and dark patches
- Improve the look and feel of skin
A light chemical peel removes the outer layer of skin (epidermis). It can be used to treat fine wrinkles, acne, uneven skin tone, and dryness. A medium chemical peel removes skin cells from the outer layer and from portions of the upper part of your middle layer of skin (dermis). It can treat wrinkles, acne scars, and uneven skin tone. A deep chemical peel removes skin cells from the outer layer and from portions of the mid to lower layer of your dermis. It is recommended if you have deeper wrinkles, scars or precancerous growths.
What to expect after a Chemical Peel:
Your recovery time will correlate with the depth of the chemical peel. Most patients report a reaction similar to “sunburn” following the procedure. Peeling usually involves redness followed by scaling that ends within three to seven days. Medium-depth and deep chemical peels may require a recovery period that stretches up to two weeks and may include swelling. Use ice packs for comfort and sleep in a semi-reclined position to reduce swelling. As swelling decreases, treated skin will begin to form a crust. After a chemical peel, the new skin that is growing back is more sensitive to the sun, so it is very important to wear the right kind sunscreen every day. It should say “broad-spectrum” on the label, meaning it protects against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. You might prefer to remain at home while you’re healing from a chemical peel. Once new skin completely covers the treated area, you can use cosmetics to conceal any redness.
