Posted August 20, 2015 in Blog
You’ve probably heard a lot about chemical peels lately, with stars like Jennifer Aniston listing peels as the top reason for their beautiful, glowing skin. But if you spend anytime searching the internet for information on this popular treatment, you’ll also likely come across a few horror stories. So why are doctors recommending chemical peels even though it has bad reviews?
If your doctor has recommended a chemical peel to address your skin concerns, you may be wondering why she or he would a chemical peel that has bad reviews. But you can rest assured: in the hands of an experienced and trained professional, chemical peels are very safe and can give your skin a big boost.
WHAT CAN YOU REALISTICALLY EXPECT FROM YOUR CHEMICAL PEEL?
With any cosmetic treatment or procedure, it’s important to be both optimistic and realistic about your results. When it comes to non-invasive treatments, chemical peels are one of the most effective ways to improve your skin. They can reduce hyperpigmentation and sun damage, improve acne and acne scars, and even reduce the appearance of fine lines.
However, it’s important to note that if you desire more dramatic changes, it may require more invasive treatments or procedures. A chemical peel will improve the overall health and appearance of your skin, but it will not drastically improve more severe skin concerns, such as deep wrinkles and large scars. This is why working with an extensively trained and highly skilled plastic surgeon and medical aesthetician is important—they can listen to your concerns, evaluate your skin, and help design a treatment plan that provides you with your desired results.
SO, WHAT IS IT LIKE TO GET A CHEMICAL PEEL?
Depending on the type of chemical peel you receive, your treatment may vary from completely comfortable to slightly irritating. Lighter peels are easier on your skin and require less downtime, though they provide more subtle results than deeper peels. Deeper peels involve about a week of peeling, redness, and tenderness, but offer more dramatic results.
Because skin peels involve chemically resurfacing the skin to remove damaged outer layers, you may experience a tingling or burning sensation during the application of the solution. The process should never be unbearably uncomfortable or painful—if you do experience extreme discomfort, you should alert your provider immediately.
After your treatment, there are some short-term side effects to keep in mind. For deeper peels, your skin may be tender and red for several days after treatment, followed by a period of peeling. Many patients say compare the resulting look and feel to a moderate sunburn.
It’s important to fully understand the natural process of a chemical peel to avoid frustration and surprise. If you are uncomfortable returning to work or socializing while your skin is still pink and peeling, be sure to plan accordingly ahead of time.
Makeup can typically be worn within 5 – 7 days, though you don’t want to irritate your new, healthy skin by applying certain products too early. Be sure to speak in depth with your provider about any questions you have regarding recovery, side effects, and the healing timeline before your treatment.
GETTING STARTED
The first step is to seek out a consultation and skin evaluation with a skilled medical professional. If you’re in the greater Atlanta area, the Plastic Surgery Centre of Atlanta offers a wide range of skin care treatments and chemical peels performed by medical aestheticians under the supervision of Atlanta plastic surgeon Dr. Brothers.
Our skin experts can answer all of your questions and help you figure out which peel is the best fit for your skin. So give us a call to find out if a chemical peel can help you achieve brighter, healthier, and more beautiful skin.
