Chemical peels are among the best techniques out there for tackling many kinds of facial blemishes. There isn’t just one type of chemical peel, however, and different doctors have different approaches to using them. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what exactly they can treat, and what else you need to know before booking a consultation.
Light or Deep?
Standard chemical peels involve the application of an acidic solution to problem areas of your skin. This acid “burns”, or exfoliates, the outer layers of your skin, making blemishes less visible. The peels come in varying degrees of potency: the lighter ones, which are so safe that they’re available in health spas and retail stores, often create very superficial and temporary effects. “Deep” peels, which can only be administered by a qualified doctor, yield much more noticeable and long-lasting results.
The choice between the two is a difficult predicament for many patients. On the one hand, you want something that will noticeably improve your appearance. But on the other hand, not many people gladly welcome the idea of their face being burned by acid. Though the risk of complications is actually very small, the longer recovery time (six to eight weeks) associated with deep chemical peels often puts some patients off.
Is There An Alternative With Less… Burning?
Happily, there is in fact another variety of deep peel on the market. Dr. Siegel, in collaboration with a small pharmaceutical company, developed an acid-free, burn-free peel that can achieve similar results to the acidic variety. Unlike most deep peels, it is painless on application, and results can be seen in as little as a week.
What Can Deep Peels Treat?
The most important question of all! The good news is that deep peels are quite versatile in their effects. They can dramatically reduce the visibility of lines and wrinkles, including deeper ones. They can also soften the contrast of pigmented patches such as liver spots, reduce the appearance of pores, and counter the brutal cosmetic effects of sun damage. Additionally, they are an excellent antidote to unsightly acne and the scars that often result from it.
But you don’t need a specific, defined skin blemish to be a good candidate for deep peels. Their exfoliating mechanism can vivify your face, improve the overall youthfulness of your skin, and even combat excessive dryness or oiliness.
If you’d like to compare deep peels to other skin-enhancing techniques, it’s worth considering laser peels as well as other procedures such as the vampire facial. Rather than trying to narrow down these options yourself, it’s best to discuss your case with an experienced plastic surgeon, who will be able to guide you towards the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs.
Dr. Siegel is a facial plastic surgeon with expertise in all major cosmetic skin procedures. To find out whether deep chemical peels could be the solution you’ve been waiting for, contact him today!