Chemical Peel Scottsdale

Here at Caniglia Facial Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale, we offer a variety of different treatments to meet our patients’ needs. Our chemical peels range from mild alpha-hydroxy to stronger TCA peels. Treatments are customized to your specific skin type and condition and can improve the appearance of fine lines, brown spots, and acne. Multiple treatments are recommended to achieve the desired result.

To learn more or to book an appointment, contact our Scottsdale facility today.

Chemical Peel Procedure

A chemical peel involves applying a chemical solution to the surface of the skin, for the purpose of causing it to go through a process of exfoliation. Your peel will be performed here at Caniglia MD Med Spa in Scottsdale. A chemical solution will be applied to the surface of your skin, then left on for a set amount of time before being removed. You may notice a mild tingling or stinging sensation, a feeling of warmth, or a tightness in the skin during your chemical peel. This sensation will disappear once the chemical is removed.

There are several different types of peels, and which one is right for you will depend on what types of skin problems you’re looking to address with your peel. An alpha-hydroxy acid peel, sometimes known as a “lunchtime peel,” results in the least amount of downtime, but the results are not as dramatic. A deeper peel, such as a trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel, produces more dramatic results, but it also requires more downtime. You’ll feel more stinging with a deeper peel, while you may not notice anything with a lighter peel.

In general, people see the most benefit when they have peels on a regular basis.

Chemical Peel Benefits

A chemical peel can offer benefits to people with many different skin types and conditions, including:

• Improves hyperpigmentation, sun spots, or uneven skin tone
• Reduces the appearance of small scars (such as acne scars)
• Leads to more even skin texture
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Improves acne
• Promotes tighter and brighter skin
• Helps to enhance the effects of other aesthetic treatments (such as facials and peels), by promoting deeper penetration of the product into the skin

Chemical Peel Recovery

After your chemical peel, your skin may appear red and irritated, much like it would if you had a bad sunburn. For the first several days to two weeks (depending on the depth of peel), you’ll need to keep a strong neutral moisturizer on your skin. (During this time, ensure that you don’t apply any product containing acids or other exfoliants, as this could cause further irritation and interfere with your skin’s healing process.)

Next, the top layer of skin will slough off – again, similar to the peeling of a sunburn. As long as you keep your skin well-moisturized, the peeling won’t be too noticeable, and you can still go to work and social activities without worrying about how it looks. In fact, some people don’t even notice the peeling – the old skin may flake off more gradually, even in microscopic bits, so that there isn’t an obvious peel. As the old skin is removed, the new skin beneath will look smoother, more even, and more radiant.

After a chemical peel, it’s extremely important to be careful about sun exposure. You should avoid sun exposure until your skin has completely finished peeling, and after that you should ensure that you’re diligent about wearing sunscreen when you’re outside in the sun.

Chemical Peel Risks

Chemical peels can cause certain undesirable side effects. If the chemical is left on the skin for longer than the prescribed time, it can cause small areas of chemical burning, which may even lead to scarring. Those who have a history of cold sores may find that their cold sores reactivate after a chemical peel.

In some cases, a chemical peel may cause changes in skin color. This is more likely for women who are pregnant at the time of their peel, or who become pregnant shortly afterward. Even birth control pills increase the risk of this problem. The skin color changes may be temporary, but they can also be permanent. It’s very important to be honest and complete when giving your medical history to your provider, because if you have a condition that increases the risk of a permanent change in facial skin color, then you may be a better candidate for a different skin treatment rather than a chemical peel.

Learn More about Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can help to rejuvenate your appearance and help with certain skin problems. To learn more about peels, or to schedule a consultation, contact our Scottsdale practice today.