Chemical Peel

At Orange County Plastic Surgery, we offer chemical peels to improve the appearance of your skin. An acid peel is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment that corrects the most common signs of aging and skin damage. The chemical solution that is used on your skin helps remove layers of damaged cells and reveal healthier skin that has a smooth texture. A chemical peel also stimulates cell turnover, giving you a younger, healthier complexion. After the treatment, your skin has a smooth texture.

Peels can be used for a range of concerns, from exfoliation to softening deep creases. A chemical solution is chosen for your treatment based on how deep the peel needs to penetrate your skin to improve its texture and appearance. Before the procedure, your skin is thoroughly cleaned to remove any makeup, skin care products, and dirt. The facial peel chemical is applied in a thin layer, and it stays on your skin for a specific period. A neutralizing solution is applied to stop the peeling process.

Hyperpigmentation is a condition in which your skin produces too much melanin, a substance in your skin that gives it color. Some of the most common types of hyperpigmentation include dark spots, red or brown patches, freckles, and sun damage. Just under these areas of hyperpigmentation are cells that have an appropriate level of melanin. An acid peel for hyperpigmentation removes the darker cells to reveal skin cells that better match the surrounding skin. Our TCA peel is the best option for people with hyperpigmentation.

Generally speaking, there are three types of facial acid peels. A superficial chemical peel offers exceptional exfoliation by removing the outer epidermis of your skin. This helps with fine lines, acne, rough texture, and certain types of hyperpigmentation. The solution for the treatment may contain maleic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, hydroxy acid, and other mild chemicals. You can have a light chemical peel every month or two.

If you need more than the outer layer of skin removed, Dr. Bunkis may recommend a medium peel. Trichloroacetic (TCA) acid peels remove the outer and middle layers of skin to help with deep wrinkles, scars from acne, and uneven skin tone. You can have a TCA skin peel every 4 to 6 months.

Deep peels are the most advanced types of acid peels for your face. Due to the strength of the chemicals that are used for the treatment, you can have one deep peel over your lifetime. A phenol peel removes more layers of skin than a medium peel, and it is recommended for precancerous growths, deep wrinkles and creases, blotchy skin, deeper scars, and sun damage. You will need a sedative or general anesthesia for your phenol chemical peel treatment. There is also some downtime involved with recovery from a phenol peel.

Acid skin peel treatments are excellent options for people in Orange County who want to look younger without surgery, but not everyone is a good candidate. A chemical peel may not be ideal for people with darker skin and certain types of scars. If you use certain medications for acne or have extra sensitive skin, a chemical peel may not be the best option.

Call us today to schedule a consultation at Orange County Plastic to learn about the best type of chemical peel for your skin.

The results of a chemical peel are usually obvious right away, even if your skin is flaking or red. You’ll notice that your skin has a smooth texture and fresh radiance. It may take some time for you to notice other changes, such as lightening of hyperpigmentation and softening of wrinkles and creases.

There are some side effects of chemical peels that we discuss during your consultation. Infection is one of the most common risks of an acid peel treatment. Use a gentle cleanser each day as directed. Scarring is a rare side effect of chemical peels. Deep chemical peels cause some unique derma peel side effects, such as areas of the skin that no longer tan. If you have a history of heart disease, you may not be a good candidate for our acid peel treatment.