Procedure name:
Chemical Peels

Anticipated result of the procedure:
A chemical peel is a chemical solution used to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation. Chemical peel is most commonly performed for cosmetic reasons -- to enhance your appearance and your self confidence. Chemical peel may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne.

Procedure Description:
Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids are the mildest of the peel formulas and produce light peels. These types of peels can provide smoother, brighter-looking skin for people who can't spare the time to recover from a phenol or TCA peel. AHA peels may be used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne. Various concentrations of an AHA may be applied weekly or at longer intervals to obtain the best result.

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be used in many concentrations, but it is most commonly used for medium-depth peeling. Fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes and pigment problems are commonly treated with TCA. More than one TCA peel may be needed to achieve the desired result

Length:
The less abrasive AHA and TCA peels take only 10 to 15 minutes.

Anesthesia:
No anesthesia is required, but sedatives may be used for the patients comfort.

In/Outpatient:
Outpatient treatment performed in our office.

Temporary Side Effects:
Flaking, redness, and scaling of the skin may occur. With the strong peels you may experience mild pain and tingling of the skin.

Recovery:
Recovery is quick with AHA and TCA peels.

Duration of Results:
AHA peels may need to be preformed frequently since the results are short-lived. TCA peels have a greater longevity.

Risks:
AHA peels may cause stinging, redness, irritation and crusting. However, as the skin adjusts to the treatment regimen, these problems will subside. TCA-peel patients are advised to avoid sun exposure for several months after treatment to protect the newly formed layers of skin. TCA may also produce some unintended color changes in the skin.

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Top Duke specialists:
Jeffrey R. Marcus, MD
Michael Robert Zenn, MD
L. Scott Levin, MD
Gregory Georgiade, MD
Julie Woodward, MD

FAQS

What are alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)?
Alpha-hydroxy acids are nontoxic substances derived from various sources, including citrus fruits, apples, sugar cane and sour milk. AHAs affect both the epidermis and dermis, causing cells to shed more quickly and certain layers to thicken. The two most common AHAs are glycolic and lactic acids.