Chemical Peels Dallas FAQs

What will I look like after the treatment?

The response to these treatments can vary depending on the patient's skin type and depending on how many peels the patient has had. Most will just have some mild redness of their skin right after the peel that will look like they have had mild sunburn. If desired, women are able to put on moisturizer and makeup directly after the treatment and can return to work and resume their regular activities. Over the next several days, there may be a fine peeling or scaling of the skin, very rarely some crusting or scab formation may form and oftentimes there is actually no visible exfoliation. However, even without visible peeling or irritation most patients will notice that their skin feels softer and smoother and will see fading of areas of discoloration.

How many treatments are necessary?

Depending on the reason the patient is having the chemical peels; most patients require a minimum of 6 treatments to see results from these light chemical peels. These treatments are separated by about 2 weeks. For tougher problems such as dark brown blotches or melasma, it may take up to 12 treatments to get the best results.

Who is a good candidate for light chemical peel?

Almost any patient and any type of skin is a good candidate for this type of peel, which has very few risks or problems associated with it.

What are the side effects from this peel?

There are very few side effects associated with this peel. It may sting or tingle when the acid is on the face but it doesn't really hurt. There can be some redness associated, but other than that we have had very few problems when administered properly and under medical supervision.

What is a moderate depth chemical peel?

If the patient does not want to come in multiple times for the light chemical peels and is able to take some time off from work or social activities, they may prefer a stronger chemical peel. At Dermatology Consultants, we perform a moderate depth chemical peel that is known as a Jessner's chemical peel.

What is a Jessner's chemical peel?

A Jessner's chemical peel is a deeper chemical peel that involves 2 different acid solutions. When the patient comes to the office for this chemical peel, the doctor performs it. The face is cleaned of all makeup and prepped with acetone. A solution called Jessner's Solution is applied to the skin usually in 2 to 3 layers. After this has been performed, we then follow with a layer of 35% trichloracetic acid (TCA) over the entire face.

What will my face look like after a moderate depth chemical peel?

After a moderate depth chemical peel, the skin will turn very red, and there may also be some swelling. In fact it is not uncommon for the eyelids to swell, but this usually doesn't occur until the following day. After the second or third day the skin starts to peel off in fairly large sheets. The peeling lasts for about 3 days and the whole process is usually over after 1 week. Therefore, the patient will need to plan on a one-week recovery period. At the end of one week, the face may look pink but there is usually new skin present and makeup can often be worn at this time. Makeup cannot be worn during the one week directly after the peel.

How does one care for the skin during this time?

An ointment such as Vaseline is used on the skin to keep the skin lubricated and only very mild cleansers are also recommended. It is then important after the first week to begin sunscreens and to avoid the sun.

Does this chemical peel hurt?

There is an intense burning and stinging that is associated with the 35% TCA but it only lasts for a few seconds. Most patients will tolerate this without any form of anesthesia.

Are there any risks with this peel?

The risks are minimal. It can result in some hypo pigmentation that is some lightening of the facial skin, which may make the facial skin look lighter than the neck. It can also be associated with hyperpigmentation, or brownish discoloration, particularly if the patient gets into the sun too soon after the chemical peel has been performed. In general it is recommended that sun be avoided for 3 months following this type of chemical peel, which is why we usually recommend it in the fall or winter.

How long do the results of the chemical peel last?

The answer to this question varies depending on how well the patient takes care of their skin after the chemical peel. We recommend that a daily sunscreen be used after any level of chemical peel and that glycolic acid products (specifically MD Forte products, which provide the greatest amount of glycolic acid) be used on a daily basis to maintain the improvement that is achieved with the chemical peel process.

How much does it cost?

The light chemical peels are $65-90 depending on the strength. The mid-depth chemical peel is $600 excluding any prescription or products used before the peel or after the healing.