Chemical Peel Overview
Light chemical peels gently exfoliate only the more superficial layers of skin, while medium and deep chemical peels work to more notably reduce the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation. Although they are the safest option, light chemical peels deliver only minimal results. Only medium and deep peels can produce significant skin renewal. These more intensive treatments, however, are considered a medical procedure, rather than a cosmetic treatment. Medium and deep peel solutions cannot be purchased over the counter or applied by an unlicensed physician.
Light chemical peels produced very minor results, and many patients were afraid to undergo medium to deep chemical face peels because of their perceived complications. So, in combination with a small pharmaceutical company, Dr. Siegel formulated the only non-acid skin peel. By removing the water component and neutralizing the pH, he essentially removed the “burning” component. This allowed for the exclusive development of a treatment that typically causes no discomfort upon application, eliminating the need for sedation or numbing.
At our Houston cosmetic surgery office, Dr. Siegel performs chemical peels using a proprietary blend of pharmaceutical grade and high-purity elements to produce exfoliation, remove skin pigmentation, reduce discoloration, and stimulate collagen to increase the skin’s elasticity. All these, without the burn and prolonged recovery associated with traditional chemical peels, offer stunning results in as short as one week.
The Chemical Peel Process
Consultation
If you’re interested in facial chemical peels, the first step is meeting with Dr. Siegel. Once you schedule an appointment, he will explain how chemical peels for face skin work, answer any questions you may have about the procedure, and design a customized treatment plan for you. He may also use our software to generate a three-dimensional model of your face before and after chemical peels so you can better imagine your potential results. Dr. Siegel will meet with you for as long as you need to feel fully informed and confident about your facial rejuvenation treatment.
Preparation
Properly caring for your skin prior to your procedure can improve your chemical peel’s effectiveness. Dr. Siegel will give you detailed, personalized instructions based on your particular treatment. Generally, you should stay away from other skin treatments, take precautions to prevent sunburns, and drink plenty of water to remain well-hydrated.
Procedure
With Dr. Siegel’s innovative solution, most patients don’t need any anesthesia or sedation. The length of time for your facial chemical peel can vary depending on your specific cosmetic concerns, medical needs, and other factors. Dr. Siegel will work on your face for as long as it takes to safely achieve your desired results.
Recovery
You should be able to return to work and your regular activities immediately following your chemical peel, although some patients take the rest of the day off to rest. Since Dr. Siegel’s formula does not burn the skin in the way that traditional solutions do, there should be minimal irritation following the procedure, although you may notice some redness, inflammation, and itching. These symptoms should dissipate within a few days. Dr. Siegel will give you customized instructions to follow after your chemical peel to speed your healing and optimize your outcomes. Most patients recover fully within one week.
Chemical Peel FAQ's
Both chemical peels and laser resurfacing seek to rejuvenate the skin by removing dead cells. While a chemical peel does so with a topical solution applied to the face, laser resurfacing uses the power of a laser to revitalize facial skin. Dr. Siegel offers chemical peels with his proprietary formula. He can also perform laser resurfacing, or a laser peel, using his advanced Lumenis® Ultrapulse™ Fractional CO2 laser. If you want to handle the effects of sun exposure or pore size, a laser peel may be more appropriate. If your goal is to reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles or dry skin, a chemical peel could be right for you. However, both treatments offer outstanding anti-aging benefits. Dr. Siegel will help you determine which facial skin procedure best suits your medical needs and aesthetic preferences at your initial consultation.
The effects of a chemical peel will depend on your particular cosmetic concerns, skin type, dermatological health, and other factors. This treatment is often effective in reducing the appearance of acne, blackheads, dark spots, sun spots, melasma, and large pores. Dr. Siegel will discuss the outcomes you can expect from your customized chemical peel treatment at your first appointment.
There is no standard answer to this question. Since each chemical peel treatment plan is different, so is the timeline for each of these procedures. Typically, you should wait at least two weeks between chemical peels. At your initial consultation, Dr. Siegel will outline your particular chemical peel schedule.