Chemical Peels
Are you thinking about doing something for your skin, but don’t know where to start? You may want to consider chemical peels. There are many different types of peels to use on the skin and Dr. Twigg will evaluate your skin to decide on the best one for you after discussion of your skin care desires and needs. Chemical peels fall into different categories from light peels that affect the more superficial layers of the skin and medium chemical peels that extend into the dermis of the skin.
All chemical peels begin with microdermabrasion included with the chemical peel to smooth the epidermis, or the outer layer of the skin, to allow the chemical peel to be evenly absorbed.
Many different chemical peeling agents can be used to do light chemical peels. These peels are meant to be done in a series of 6-8 treatments to gain the desired results and are done to make the epidermis more porous maximizing nutrient delivery for products. They reduce fine lines for softer, smoother skin and to minimize scarring. Light chemical peels will also rejuvenate the appearance, improve skin texture, decrease the appearance of photodamage and decrease melanin content which can improve blotchy sun damage and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (brown spots from acne or other damage) and can also improve acne. These light peels have a very quick recovery time, so can be done over lunch or after work. Many patients do light chemical peels every 4-6 weeks for years with very good results.
For others, a more suitable type of peel may be the medium-depth chemical peel. These peels extend into the dermis of the skin and require a longer recovery period of 7-10 days typically (or longer). These peels are designed to address more extensive skin problems such as advanced age-related damage, skin laxity, pigmentation, deeper wrinkles and lines, and acne scars. They must be done by a medical professional fully licensed in chemical peels. Pre-treatment is necessary with topical medications and/or light chemical peels.
Oftentimes, light and medium chemical peels can be combined to achieve results you desire, for example a medium peel on the face, light peel on the neck.
Chemical peels are also done on various parts of the body, such as the décolleté, back, hands, and forearms with very good results.
Types of Specialized Peels:
Salicylic Acid Peels, Glycolic Acid Peels, TCA Peels, Miami Peels, Jessner's Peels, Modified Jessner's Peels, Combination Peels