Chemical Peels
Serving The Woodlands, Kingwood, and Conroe, Texas
If you feel that you must always wear heavy makeup to cover acne or other facial scars, you may be a good candidate for a chemical peel. This procedure is also another way of handling fine to moderate lines and wrinkles, age spots and discolorations. While this is less invasive than facelift surgery, it requires expert application and monitoring to ensure the desired effect is obtained without damaging delicate layers of the skin.
If you are thinking of having a chemical peel, Dr. Bryan Correa can advise you on whether this is your best option and if so, which type of peel will best serve your needs. Chemical peels can be done on the face, hands, and chest to improve the appearance of the skin in all of those areas.
Quick Facts
Application Time
1 Hour
Treatments
1 – 4 Vials
Results
Diminished Acne Scarring & Wrinkles
NOT ALL CHEMICAL PEELS ARE THE SAME
Chemical peels have various uses and as such have differing degrees of strength. Using a chemical formula that is too strong can create more damage than it originally was intended to fix. This is why it is vital to trust your procedure only to a highly trained cosmetic plastic surgeon or licensed dermatologist.
There are three levels of chemical peel; mild, moderate and strong. Each procedure has a different purpose and longer recovery times as they progress in strength.
MILD PEEL
Mild peels are also known as lunchtime peels or superficial peels and as the name suggests, can be done easily in about an hour. At this level, the acid used is mild and intended to gently exfoliate the skin. This is best used to treat mild skin discoloration and to remedy rough skin, which is not the result of a skin condition such as psoriasis.
Following a superficial chemical peel, the skin will require up to a week to heal. At first, the skin will look red and lotion or cream will need to be applied until healing is complete. Makeup can be applied the next day, so most patients can return to work right away.
MODERATE PEEL
A moderate peel is used to remove damaged skin cells, to improve fine lines and wrinkles and to treat skin discolorations such as age spots and freckles. This type of peel also smoothes rough skin patches but at a deeper level. The chemical used in this procedure penetrates the outer and middle layers of the skin. This procedure requires a longer recovery time, which is about 7 to 14 days. Since the penetration is deeper, the skin will be red and there will be some swelling. Also, to prevent any infection during healing you will be given antiviral medication.
During healing, the skin will peel revealing a new outer layer of skin, which must be protected from the sun until healing is complete. Ointment and lotion will be applied during this period to provide moisture and protect the new layer of skin. After about a week, makeup can be used to camouflage the redness.
DEEP PEEL
Deep peels are used to remedy much more advanced signs of aging and more pronounced skin discolorations. In this procedure the chemical used penetrates to the middle layer of skin, removing damaged skin cells. A deep peel will produce a significant and very noticeable improvement in the appearance of moderate lines, shallow scars and age spots. It can only be done once and is only done on the face.
Recovery time for a deep peel is between 14 and 21 days. Bandages will be placed on the skin and there will be a greater requirement for aftercare such as soaking the skin 4 to 6 times a day. Antiviral medication is taken to prevent complications. Sun must be avoided for 3 to 6 months.
Chemical Peels Require Commitment
All levels of chemical peel must be monitored by Dr. Correa until they are fully healed. As patients heal at different rates, you may need several follow up visits for a deep peel. You will need to be diligent in following instructions to ensure you obtain the result you are hoping for. Sun exposure and smoking are two of the most detrimental influences that patients might face. They can cause unwanted scarring and infection among other side effects. Even using a nicotine patch has detrimental effects since it is the nicotine that interferes with circulation and therefore the healing process.
Dr. Correa strives to provide quality chemical peels. He is focused on results for his patients who have entrusted their hopes for an improved appearance to him. As this is a partnership, he relies on his patients to follow post-procedural instructions to avoid complications.
Is a Chemical Peel Right for You?
Not everyone is a good candidate for a chemical peel. Houston residents who wish to get a consultation only need to book an appointment at Dr. Correa’s office to find out if this is a good option. If a chemical peel is not the right option, he can provide other alternative ways to accomplish the image goals that sparked an interest in chemical peel technology. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, he has a vast knowledge of surgical and other remedies that might be the best option for you.
READY TO BOOK?
Ready to take the next step? The first step is to come in for an in-person consultation with our expert providers at The Woodlands Plastic Surgery and Medspa in The Woodlands, TX today.