As we get ready to head into the holiday season, we wanted to take a moment to talk about something we know many of our patients have often wondered about…the chemical peel. Have you ever thought about treating yourself to a chemical peel? If you’re not sure what you should expect, today we’re clearing the air of some common frequently asked questions about this luxurious skincare treatment.
What happens during a chemical peel?
Well, it’s basically what it sounds like…during a chemical peel, a chemical solution is applied to the skin that will ultimately result in removing the top layers of skin. This is done because it then allows the skin that grows back to be fresh and smooth.
What should you expect at your first chemical peel?
On the day of your peel, you will first be prepped for the treatment. This includes cleansing your skin thoroughly. Then, our staff member will carefully apply the peel to your skin and monitor it closely for the best removal time. We are proud to use PCA chemical peels at Savannah River Dermatology.
How long does it take to heal?
Since a chemical peel is essentially a “wound” that your skin is healing from, your after-care will vary depending on the level of your peel and your personal skincare goals. Healing time for a light peel may be 1-7 days, while a medium or heavy peel may require 7-14 days or more. During this time your provider will give you specific instructions to follow to help the healing process reveal the most beautiful skin possible. This may include soaking your skin, applying an ointment, avoiding the sun, or even taking an antiviral medication.
How soon can you expect results?
This will depend on the type of peel you receive. With a light peel, you may see results in as little as a few days. With a heavy peel, you may need several peels to get your desired results.
What are the risks?
Our team is very experienced with chemical peels, so we rarely see negative side effects. However, it would not be out of the ordinary for patients to develop:
- Persistent redness that may last for months.
- Temporary darkening of the skin.
- Lighter skin color (medium and deep peels).
If serious side effects occur, it is often because the patient did not follow the after-care instructions. Your risk for developing an infection or scarring increase dramatically if you:
- Fail to protect your skin from the sun.
- Fail to care for your wound as instructed.
- Scratch the treated skin or pick off a scab.
- Apply makeup before your skin heals.
- Don’t heed your dermatologist’s advice and use a tanning bed or other type of indoor tanning.
How do I get started?
Ready to take the next step in beautifying your skin? Make your appointment for a chemical peel by calling our office at 706-691-7079.
The information presented in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Sources for the above information include The American Academy of Dermatology. If you have questions or concerns, please call our office or make an appointment with a medical professional. Savannah River Dermatology is located at 575 Furys Ferry Rd in Augusta, Ga. Our office can be reached at 706-691-7079.
