A Medium Chemical Peel May Be Right for You
![Patient receiving chemical peel treatment](https://www.metropolitanmds.com//files/2018/11/Patient-receiving-chemical-peel-treatment-e1704794549935.jpeg)
Are acne scars, fine lines, and an uneven skin tone bothering you? A medium chemical peel can address all of these common aesthetic issues and leave your skin looking younger, refreshed, and vibrant.
Chemical peels are perfect for exfoliating different layers of the skin and stimulating the growth of new and healthy skin cells. While the old skin peels away, the new skin cells bring back the lost glow and youthfulness.
What Is A Medium Chemical Peel?
Chemical peels are applied on the skin to remove acne scars, spots, and fine lines and also helps to rejuvenate the look and feel of the skin. The peels contain acids as the active ingredient and when applied on the skin and peeled off, acts as an exfoliating agent. Dead and damaged old skin cells are removed along with the peel, leaving behind a layer of refreshed skin that is free from those unsightly blemishes.
There are different types of chemical peels and your dermatologist will recommend the right treatment based on your skin type and the extent of the damage shown by your skin.
A light or superficial peel usually contains a gentle acid like alpha-hydroxy acid that can enter the outer skin layer to exfoliate it. The mild peel is used to correct discoloration or uneven tone on the face, hands, neck, or chest.
A deep peel contains stronger chemicals such as phenol or trichloroacetic acid which penetrates deep into the middle skin layer. Damaged skin cells, age spots, moderate lines, and freckles on the face can be removed with the deep peel.
As these peels contain the strongest chemicals, it can take anywhere between 14 to 21 days for the skin to heal after the deep peel treatment. This particular treatment is also best suited for treating facial skin as opposed to other areas of the body.
Medium chemical peels contain a chemical called trichloroacetic acid or TCA as the active ingredient. People treated with medium peels experience dramatic and pleasing results as compared to light peels. The other advantage with medium peels is that the recovery time is shorter. The skin heals within two weeks, but patients should still keep themselves protected with sunscreen.
The Medium Chemical Peel Procedure
A medium chemical peel treatment takes just minutes to complete and patients can usually return to their normal activities right away. Your dermatologist will conduct a thorough skin evaluation before recommending the number of sessions required for your skin.
At the initial visit, your medical and medication history is also reviewed by your doctor. The treatment area is cleaned thoroughly before applying the medium chemical peel. The chemical solution is then applied and left on for few minutes while it works its magic. It is then removed with a neutralizing cool saline solution. A cold compress may be applied to minimize any stinging sensation.
What Kind of Results do Chemical Peels Produce
You can see dramatic and pleasing results on your skin within a week after the treatment. Within two weeks, you will see a drastic improvement in your facial skin quality as it heals completely. Not only will your skin be free of unsightly blemishes like sun spots, scars, and wrinkles, it will also appear more vibrant and youthful than it did before.
Your dermatologist will advise you on the steps you need to take in order to properly care for your new and improved skin after the medium chemical peel treatment. Using a broad spectrum sunblock and wearing a hat when you have to step out are highly recommended.
Contact Our Office
If you would like to learn more about chemical peels, please contact MetropolitanMD Chicago’s Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Center to schedule an appointment with Dr. John D. Rachel today!