Introduction to
Chemical Peels
Aging can be a beautiful experience, but there are certain aspects (i.e., skin-related changes) that can detract from a youthful appearance and thus negatively affect one’s confidence. From genetics to environmental factors, diet, and lifestyle, there are a range of issues that can determine how fast and severely the skin ages. While professional-grade skincare represents a great option to combat these unwanted skin changes, other (and better) options are available to improve the overall health of the skin. This is where cosmetic procedures like a Chemical Peel come in. It is a very common skin-resurfacing procedure used to treat wrinkles, discolored skin, and scars. If you are considering a chemical peel in Birmingham, AL, come see Raggio MD Facial Plastic Surgery and his team of specialists who can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Chemical Peels Expert In Birmingham, AL
What are Chemical Peels?
A Chemical Peel is also referred to as chemexfoliation or dermapeeling. This tried and tested technique relies on a safe, simple, effective, and quick procedure that uses a chemical solution to improve the appearance of your skin. The chemical solution is applied to your skin, which causes a controlled trauma or injury to your skin’s specific layers (i.e., epidermis, superficial dermis). The skin layers eventually peel off revealing more youthful skin beneath. The new skin is usually smoother with fewer lines and wrinkles, has a more even color, and is brighter in complexion. You should know there are three different types of chemical peels you can choose from at Raggio MD Facial Plastic Surgery, depending on the severity of your skin issues:
- Superficial peel: Alpha-hydroxy acid or another mild acid is used to penetrate only the outer layer of skin to gently exfoliate it. The treatment is used to improve the appearance of mild skin discoloration and rough skin as well as to refresh the face, neck, chest, or hands.
- Medium peel: A moderately concentrated Glycolic or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is applied to penetrate the outer and middle layers of skin to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment is used to improve age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, freckles, and moderate skin discoloration. It also can be used to smooth rough skin and treat some precancerous skin growths (i.e. actinic keratosis). With a light or medium peel, you may need to undergo the procedure more than once to get the desired results.
- Deep peel: A more concentrated Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or Phenol is applied to deeply penetrate the dermis to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment improves moderate lines, age spots, freckles, and shallow scars. Patients will see a dramatic improvement in skin appearance. The procedure is used on the face and only can be performed once every several months. Deeper chemical peels have a higher complication or side effect profile and take longer to recover from but the results are striking when performed by a skilled provider.
Chemical Peels
What are the benefits of Chemical Peels?
When you come to Raggio MD Facial Plastic Surgery looking to restore your skin, here is what you can expect from a Birmingham Chemical Peel:
- Improvement of acne scars
- Addressing hyperpigmentation
- Reduction of age spots
- More youthful skin
- Softening of lines and wrinkles, such as crow’s feet
- Repair of sun-damaged skin
- Fewer wrinkles
- Firmer skin overall
- Removal of precancerous skin lesions (i.e., actinic keratosis)
There may be additional benefits from receiving a Chemical peel treatment. To learn how this procedure can improve your skin concerns, call us today to schedule a consultation.
Who are the best candidates for Chemical Peels?
Determining your candidacy for a Chemical Peel is assessed against the type of peel you are looking to receive, and the issues you are keen to address. We recommend superficial peels for all skin types. For the medium and deeper peels, the treatment is not generally recommended for some darker skin tones, as there could be a greater risk of experiencing a darkening of your skin after treatment. This condition is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Dr. Raggio and his team assess each prospective patient’s skin to determine if there is a risk of hyperpigmentation, or if you will be a good fit for the treatment.
For any abnormal scarring or other medical issues, we will likely also advise against a Chemical Peel until it is deemed safe for your skin.
What’s the first step to a Chemical Peel?
What are the first steps?
If you are interested in how a Birmingham Chemical Peel can offer you stunning results, the first step is to call our practice and speak with one of our trained team members. Dr. Raggio will work with you to achieve your ultimate aesthetic skin goals. During a consultation session, Dr. Raggio or a member of his team will examine your skin, perform a personalized assessment, and discuss your main concerns and issues you have. From this assessment, Dr. Raggio will determine your candidacy and which Chemical Peel is best for you.
In preparation for your chemical peel, you will be given a set of detailed instructions curated by Dr. Raggio that will ensure a safe procedure, including:
- Avoid tanning and direct sun exposure for two weeks before and after each treatment.
- Prep the skin for a peel with the application of topical products (such as hydroquinone and tretinoin) as instructed before and after treatment
- Don’t use any harsh exfoliants or products containing retinoids (such as tretinoin) one week before and after treatment.
- oral antibiotics or an oral antiviral medicine if you have a history of or tendency to get cold sores
- Peeled areas must be free of any open sores, lesions, or skin infections.
What to expect on the day of a Chemical Peel treatment
On your Chemical Peel procedure day, we will first make you feel comfortable and cozy in our new state-of-the-art Birmingham cosmetic clinic. A designated team member will begin by thoroughly cleansing your skin to eliminate any excess oil and debris. To further enhance your comfort, Dr. Raggio may recommend you receive light sedation with oral medications to calm any nerves. We also offer nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”), and topical numbing medication to optimize your experience. Your comfort is our top priority.
Following this, the preferred chemical peel solution as decided by you and Dr. Raggio is carefully applied to your skin. Common chemical solutions used may include glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, or carbolic acid (phenol), amongst others. These different chemicals induce a controlled dermal injury, each penetrating to varying depths of the skin to reveal a fresh, stimulatory layer underneath.
During the procedure, you will experience a warm sensation, followed by a light stinging feeling. Finally, the chemical solution is rinsed off, and a soothing ointment or emollient is applied, and your treatment will be complete. Read below regarding the downtime after a Chemical Peel and when you can get back to your regular activities.
Chemical Peel Recovery
After you have returned home from your Birmingham Chemical Peel, here is what to expect during recovery, all of which is based on the depth of peel you received.
Recovery after LIGHT chemical peel:
- You’ll experience redness followed by scaling that lasts between three and seven days.
- Apply lotion or cream as directed until your skin heals.
- It is safe to apply makeup and sunscreen the next day.
- Schedule additional follow-up treatments, between 3-5, spaced 6 weeks apart, to achieve and maintain consistency in results.
Recovery after a MEDIUM chemical peel:
- Expect some redness, swelling, stinging, and flaking of your skin. Swelling may last and/or worsen for 48 hours. Skin may initially blister, then crust and peel off over 1-2 weeks.
- Perform daily vinegar soaks as directed by Dr. Raggio.
- Apply ointment liberally, as directed
- Don’t expose your skin to sunlight until completely healed at 2 weeks
- You can wear makeup after the skin is healed.
- Additional medium-depth peels may be repeated at six-month intervals to maintain results.
Recovery after a DEEP chemical peel:
- Expect a healing time of 14 to 21 days.
- Perform daily soaks and ointment applications as directed
- Protect your skin from the sun for several weeks
- Antiviral medication will be provided
- Wait at least 14 days before using any makeup.
- Follow-up appointments to assess wound healing, with additional treatment appointments every 6-12 months.
It is important to note that your new skin is quite delicate after having a Chemical Peel. Taking care of your skin by avoiding harsh chemicals, and using sun protection will go a long way to maintaining your stunning results.
How much does a Chemical Peel cost in Birmingham, AL?
The cost of a Chemical Peel in Birmingham will vary based on the following factors:
- The depth of the peel being used
- Your skin issues
- How many treatment appointments will be needed in total
When you discuss your Chemical Peel with your assigned provider during your consultation, they will connect you with our patient coordinator who will break down the costs of your treatment based on the custom plan created for you.
Why choose Dr. Raggio for a Chemical Peel?
By placing your trust in the capable hands of Dr. Blake Raggio, you are choosing a double-board certified facial plastic surgeon who is an authority in the arena of face surgery. Whether a patient is seeking surgical or non-surgical rejuvenation for the aging face, Dr. Raggio relies on his unique and comprehensive training, as well as his artistic eye and appreciation for beauty, to help restore and create a more attractive and youthful appearance to the face in a subtle but natural way. Whether the issue is functional or cosmetic, Dr. Raggio closely and carefully listens to each individual’s concerns to design a personalized treatment plan for each and every patient. Above all else, Dr. Raggio is passionate about his work and enjoys making others feel more confident about themselves.
Contact us
Schedule your Skincare consultation with Dr. Raggio
To schedule a consultation for a Chemical Peel in Birmingham with Dr. Raggio, call us today, and one of our patient coordinators will guide you through the steps. Alternatively, you can also contact us through the patient portal on our website, and our coordinator will respond to help schedule your initial consultation.
