Some surgeons refer to this procedure as the “non-surgical facelift”. Different strengths of chemicals, which are referred to as the peeling solution, are applied to the facial skin after degreasing it. These formulas produce a shedding of the old skin. They also cause thickening of the collagen elastic fibers in the second layer of skin, called the dermis. They also produce tightening of the facial tissues and removal of some of the shallow wrinkles of the face. This will not remove sags and bags of skin and pockets.

The lunch-time peels are helpful for acne and blemishes and will help to revitalize the face and give it a fresh appearance. This, along with Retin- and glycolic acid products will help to “polish” the skin and tighten it as well.

The deep peel solutions, primarily trichlorocetic acid, will offer a more long-term quality and texture of the skin.

The light peels often are combined with microdermabrasion; the Parisian Peel. This is the most advanced microdermabrasion unit available today. The combination of both the lightweight chemical peel and the microdermabrasion procedure with quick recovery time and the ability to wear make-up as the patient is leaving the office, but the ability to control the depth and increase the area of intensity in areas requiring a more intense application. These procedures can usually cause the skin to have a more youthful fullness replacing the old wrinkles, in short, a rewarding and frequently dramatic exchange of “peaches for prunes”. There is also evidence that peeling improves the diffuse, patchy pigmentation of the skin that sometimes accompanies and follows pregnancy or contact dermatitis. It may also be helpful for the “dark circles” which some people have under their eyes if the circles are caused by dark skin.

Peeling may be done as an isolated procedure (for example; around the eyes, around the lips or the entire face) or it may be used as an indispensable adjunct to facelifting and eyelid plastic surgery in an overall facial rejuvenation program.

Prior to the procedure a complete history and physical and medication review with be performed. The amount of sun exposure the patient presently is receiving and the expectations of the patient are discussed as well. Post-operative, it is highly recommended to reduce the sun exposure so as to prevent a rebound the sun exposure so as to prevent a rebound and increased pigment in the skin. Bleaching creams also may be prescribed along with the aforementioned Retin-A and glycolic acids.

Q&A

How often can one receive a deep peel?
The deeper peels performed in our office using TCA acid combined with either Jessner’s solution or Glycogel 70% are usually performed at a yearly interval. The light peels, including the glycolic and Refinity as well as the Physician’s Choice peels, may be performed on a weekly or bi-weekly period. Using the microdermabrader along with a superficial peel, excellent results can be attained with a weekly interval after a few sessions.

Can a chemical peel decrease pore size?
The pore size is the surface opening of an oil gland or hair follicle. Chemical peel, dermabrasion or laser abrasion will not reduce the pore size to any significant extent although it will reduce the amount oil in these glands due to the tightening in the facial skins as a result of the peel.