About Chemical Peels
For the highest quality results from chemical peel facial treatments, St. Petersburg Center for Plastic Surgery provides you with several choices. Your individualized chemical peel with exfoliating solutions (such as salicylic, glycolic, trichloroacetic and lactic acids) will reveal smoother, healthier skin. At our St. Petersburg, FL office, plastic surgeon Dr. John J. O'Brien Jr. offers chemical peel treatments that decrease skin abnormalities like wrinkles, fine lines, scars, rough patches, hyperpigmentation problems, and more. Chemical peels clear away dead, damaged skin cells using an individualized peel on the skin that causes the surface layer to slough off. When your skin recovers and starts to repair and rejuvenate itself, you may see a smoother, clearer complexion. A chemical peel facial is a nonsurgical technique to make your complexion radiant and is used for the neck and face.
Variations of Chemical Peels
In our St. Petersburg, FL office, we perform chemical peels in various levels of strength (light, medium, and deep) to meet our patients' skin goals.
Light peels: You can receive a light peel during your lunch time and return back to your routine. This level of peel will remove the outer skin layer (the epidermis), giving your face a more radiant appearance and smoother texture. We usually recommend that you receive a light chemical peel about once a month for the ideal glowing results.
Medium-depth peels: This level of peel reaches further into the skin, and patients generally decide to have this strength of facial treatment during an extended weekend. You may also need to ready yourself for increased discomfort during and up to one hour following the peel. Medium-depth peels are designed for patients who have deeper damage to their skin including deeper lines and darker pigmentation problems.
Deep peels: The strongest of the three levels of peels is the deep chemical peel, and it does require the lengthiest recovery time. This is an aggressive procedure that can leave your face swollen, peeling, and itchy for 2 – 3 weeks. Patients who get a deep chemical peel typically have age or dark spots, sun damage, prominent acne scars, and deep scars. Since this level of chemical peel is usually uncomfortable for patients, your aesthetician can provide you with local anesthesia before your peel.
PRX-T33 BioRevitalization Treatment: Get the skin tightening, revitalizing, and rejuvenating benefits of a chemical peel without the exfoliation and discomfort. This advanced formulation of trichloroacetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and kojic acid is able to address multiple skin issues without damaging your skin. This comfortable treatment can improve everything from sagging skin and stretch marks to lines and wrinkles, a dull complexion, acne scars and more.
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Ideal Candidates for Chemical Peels
Getting the recommendations of a cosmetic specialist is the first part in the journey to healthy, smooth skin. A team member at St. Petersburg Center for Plastic Surgery will evaluate your skin during an exam at our St. Petersburg, FL office before selecting a chemical peel for best results. Chemical peel patients, both women and men, should have visible concerns on their skin including scars, rough patches, hyperpigmentation, flaky skin, sun spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and more. We may recommend varying strengths of peels to match your goals.
Procedure Technique for Chemical Peels
During your appointment at St. Petersburg Center for Plastic Surgery, we will have you lying in a comfortable position to administer your treatment. A team member will ensure the skin is cleaned prior to applying the personalized solution to the face, neck, or both. We will spread the solution onto the skin and allow it to work for an appropriate length of time that will be determined in your chemical peel consultation. Next, we will clean the peel off your skin and put on a neutralizing agent. Patients should bring a hat to wear outside following the peel to protect against UV exposure.
What to Expect for Chemical Peels
Based on the strength of the chemical peel you receive, you should expect the treated area to peel and itch from several days to two or more weeks. Dr. O'Brien or a member of his team will talk about ways to treat your face during your procedure. Please remember that no matter how badly your skin itches throughout the recovery, it's not good to peel the skin off. You may create scarring to your skin!
Frequently Asked Questions for Chemical Peels
How much does a chemical peel cost?
Dr. O'Brien can go over your costs during your consultation as soon as he has decided on your custom treatment plan. Costs for a chemical peel will vary depending on the formula you select. Our office takes several payments methods and there are often specials on treatments like chemical peels. Buying a package with several chemical peel treatments can also help you save money.
What level should I choose for my chemical peel?
Which level of chemical peel is best for you will vary based on your specific skin issues and aesthetic goals. In your initial consultation with Dr. O'Brien, he can help you choose which chemical peel is best for your skin. A few things you might consider are your general health, the type of skin you have, the depth of your skin concerns, the time you can commit to recovery, and what you want the peel to accomplish. Initially, it's better to select a light chemical peel and decide what you think of the results. After this, you and Dr. O'Brien may alter your plan to decide the best type of peel for your skin.
Will my face hurt after a chemical peel?
Based on the chemicals selected, you might feel mild discomfort during the application process. If you choose a light peel, you may notice a little discomfort; however, this can be alleviated with a small fan. Deep or medium peels are better for deeper issues and give you longer-lasting results; however, they usually cause greater discomfort. Numbing cream, medications, and ointments may be used to help you feel more comfortable during your chemical peel. Dr. O'Brien or a member of his team will discuss post-treatment skin care to help your skin heal.
Can I combine a chemical peel with other treatments?
You may consider combining a chemical peel with another skin treatment at our office. In your initial consultation, be open with Dr. O'Brien when describing your skin problems so he can develop a unique treatment plan to achieve your goals. Your plan might include an injectable treatment for wrinkles (such as Juvéderm or BOTOX) plus a chemical peel to refresh your entire face.
Great Skin Starts here
If you have never had professional facial treatments, St. Petersburg Center for Plastic Surgery can help you determine the best option for your needs. Your freshly revived skin will respond by looking bright and touchably smooth. Contact our office in St. Petersburg, FL to make an appointment for your skin consultation today for a professional chemical peel.