Depending on the depth of the peel, a noncomedogenic petrolatum-based gel may be applied to promote faster healing.

For enhanced comfort, IV sedation is administered during Deep Chemical Peels.

Light Peels - Typically, the downtime after a Light Peel is four to six days. Immediately following treatment, a petrolatum-based gel will be applied to your face to promote healing. You will reapply the gel as necessary over the next several days as the damaged layers of skin darken and peel off, revealing a softer, smoother complexion.

Medium Peels - After a Medium Peel, a petrolatum-based gel will be applied to your face to promote healing and to minimize scabbing. You will reapply the gel as necessary for the next nine days. The recovery period associated with a Medium peel is approximately two weeks.

During this period, you'll experience varying degrees of swelling, which is common. The damaged skin will dry and peel off in layers within three or four days. As the new skin emerges after about a week, you may resume normal activities, however, your skin will be very pink before fading to a normal color. A Medium Peel does not lighten the skin so it will still be able to produce pigment again. It is important, however, that you avoid sun exposure for several months after the peel to protect the newly formed layers of skin. Swimming in chlorinated pools should be avoided for four to six weeks. Daily use of a sunblock with both UVA and UVB protection is essential.

Deep peels - After a Deep peel, a petrolatum-based gel is applied to your face to promote healing and minimize scabbing. You will reapply the gel periodically for several days. The initial recovery period with a Deep Peel is approximately 10 days to two weeks. You may be prescribed a mild pain medication to relieve any discomfort, however, over-the-counter pain relievers are usually all that is needed.

During your recovery, swelling and oozing is common as the damaged layers of skin dry and peel off during the first week. As the new skin cells emerge, your face will be very red at first, gradually fading to a pinkish color over the next few weeks. It may take up to three months for the pinkness to completely subside; however, it can be corrected with the camouflage makeup we provide after your treatment.

After about two weeks, your skin will be healed enough that you can resume normal activities and begin to wear makeup. To protect the delicate new skin, a UVA and UVB sunblock must be used at all times to prevent uneven skin color. Chlorinated pools should be avoided for six to eight weeks.

Keep in mind, although a Deep Chemical Peel can be a difficult process to endure, the end result… smoother, younger skin, can last 15 years or more, when properly maintained.

• You must be free of active skin infections, including most kinds of acne and any type of cold sore, including herpes simplex.
• You must discontinue use of Retin-A type products two weeks prior to a Medium and Deep Peel.
• You should not have taken Accutane® for the previous 18 months.
• Darker skin poses special considerations due to increased chance of skin pigmentation changes.
• It's important that you are not prone to scarring problems such as keloids.
• Make sure your doctor is aware of any medical conditions or allergies you may have and any medications, herbal supplements or natural supplements you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription).

Alternatives that work beneath the surface to build collagen in the dermis and correct pigment conditions include the CoolTouch III Gentle Laser and FotoFacial Skin Rejuvenation, respectively.

Regular use of prescription-strength topical creams and serums play an important role in maintaining the result of a Chemical peel and also help in the prevention of further skin damage.

You can help minimize certain risks by following instructions both before and after your Chemical Peel.

Pre-existing conditions may also put you at risk. If you have a history of heart disease or herpes, or you have a tendency to form large or unusual scars, be sure to discuss this with your doctor before you have a chemical peel. Also tell your doctor if you have undergone considerable amounts of radiation or facial x-rays.