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Chemical Peels Frequently Asked Questions

What types of Chemical Peels are available?
What is a Chemical Peel?
What are the benefits of Chemical Peels?
How long do Chemical Peel treatments take?
Are there any side effects to Chemical Peels?
What are the risks to Chemical Peels?
How many Chemical Peels treatments will I need?
Is it safe to combine Chemical Peels with Microdermabrasion?

What types of Chemical Peels are available?
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Chemical peels are administered for a wide variety of skin problems. If you have uneven pigmentation, your chemical peel treatment would differ from someone who wanted to remove blemishes or wrinkles.

Superficial chemical peels are the mildest of chemical peels that can be used on all skin types. Glycolic acid or salicylic acid is typically used to improve rough, dry skin or uneven pigmentation. These light chemical peels can also aid in the improvement of mild acne and sun damage to skin. Multiple treatments may be needed.

Medium chemical peels are ideal for patients who have fine lines and wrinkles, blemishes or uneven pigmentation. This type of chemical peel uses trichloroacetic acid and can be used on most any part of the body.

Deep chemical peels are ideal for removing blotching that is a result of aging, sun damage and birth control pills. This chemical peel is not recommended for darker skin types, as it can result in hypopigmentation, or bleaching of the skin. A deep chemical peel can be done only once in most cases and is to be used only on the face.

Acne chemical peels can help smooth acne scars caused by severe acne. The acid used in this type of chemical peel will depend on the condition of the patient’s skin. Acne chemical peels may also improve wrinkles and skin pigmentation.

What is a Chemical Peel?
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Chemical peels are administered by a physician applying alphy hydroxyl acid, trichloroacetic acid or phenol to the patient’s skin in an effort to reduce and/or eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage and a host of other skin ailments. The application removes the outer layers of the skin to reveal a new layer of skin. Depending on which type of chemical peel is used, recovery time could be as little as a few hours or up to two weeks of at-home rest.

What are the Benefits of Chemical Peels?
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Patients who receive chemical peel treatments can enjoy the elimination of fine lines, deep wrinkles, sun damage, uneven skin pigmentation, blotchiness and a variety of other skin conditions. Chemical peels remove dead skin cells to allow a new layer of skin to flourish.

How long do Chemical Peel treatments take?
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Typical chemical peels take approximately 15 to 30 minutes, giving it the widely known nickname “the lunchtime peel”. Times may vary depending on the severity of the skin condition.

Are there any side effects to Chemical Peels?
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Patients who receive chemical peel treatments may experience temporary redness, tenderness, stinging and burning sensations, and flaking and peeling. Talk to your physician about the type of chemical peel you are considering and its possible side effects. Every patient is different.

What are the risks to Chemical Peels?
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While chemical peels rarely result in serious complications, risks may include scarring, infection, changes in skin color and/or tone, and swelling. You can help reduce any risks by following your doctor’s recommendations for care following your chemical peel.

How many Chemical Peels treatments will I need?
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You will likely see improvement after just one treatment; however, many patients see a need for one chemical peel every four to six weeks.

Is it safe to combine Chemical Peels with Microdermabrasion?
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Patients may use chemical peels in combination with microdermabrasion to improve skin’s appearance.

Would you like to schedule your free consultation? Contact us today for more information about our physician-administered chemical peels in Los Angeles.