Start the New Year off with a Rejuvenating Chemical Peel

What skin imperfections do chemical peels treat?

A chemical peel can solve many skin problems. If you have any of the following issues, a chemical peel can help you:

• Acne pockets or lesions
• Fine lines
• Wrinkles
• Hyperpigmentation
• Melasma
• Sun damage
• Drooping skin

What are the types of chemical peels?

Chemical peels range from mild to medium to deep. Dr. Polavarapu will examine your skin type and condition and provide options for you.

Mild

This type of peel, also called a lunchtime peel because side effects are minimal, uses a mild acid that exfoliates only your epidermis, or outer layer of your skin. If you’re troubled with fine lines, rough patches of skin, or mildly discolored skin, this peel is a good choice for you. After the peel, your skin will be more toned, have a smoother texture, and fine lines will be less noticeable.

Medium

Dr. Polavarapu uses a slightly stronger acid to reach the epidermis as well as the dermis, or second layer of skin. This peel helps improve fine lines and wrinkles, smooths out rough patches of skin, and treats moderate discoloration as well as some types of precancerous skin cells.

Deep

A stronger type of acid removes skin cells more deeply embedded in the dermis and your third layer of skin — the subcutaneous layer — than the medium peel. The deep peel is only appropriate for your face, and it is a one-time procedure. Your results will be the most dramatic with this peel.

How long does healing take after a chemical peel?

Depending on the depth of the work done, healing time can vary.

Mild

Your skin will be red and may be scaly, but you can apply makeup as early as the following day.  You should be able to get back to your normal activities with little to no downtime.

Moderate

Moderate peels require up to two weeks to heal. Significant aftercare will be necessary, and you’ll need to take a prescription medication. Soothing creams can lessen the side effects. You can wear makeup after one week.

Deep

Deep peels need 14-21 days to heal and require significant aftercare. Your face will be bandaged after this treatment, and you’ll need to schedule time off if you work outside your home.

Dr. Polavarapu will prescribe healing medicine to help reduce swelling and redness as your skin peels. You’ll take the prescription medication for up to two weeks, and you should be able to wear makeup after two weeks.

What should I know before getting a chemical peel?

Depending on the type of peel you get, you should avoid sun exposure for varying lengths of time. Don’t schedule a peel before a beach vacation. After a mild peel, avoid the sun until your new skin is in place. If you have a medium peel, avoid the sun for several months. A deep peel requires staying out of the sun for a lengthy period of time. Dr. Polavarapu will give you a time frame for how long you should avoid the sun.

Is a chemical peel right for me?

Dr. Polavarapu will examine your skin and your medical history, including all prescription medications you have taken. If you’re a candidate for a chemical peel, she’ll explain which one would work well for you.

If you would like a skin rejuvenation treatment, book an appointment online or over the phone with Polavarapu Plastic Surgery today.