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Chemical Peel
in Connecticut

A chemical peel is a skin resurfacing procedure where a chemical solution is used to smooth skin texture through the removal of the damaged outer layers of the skin. Even though they are primarily used on the face, mild chemicals or enzyme peels can also be used for the improvement of the skin on your hands and neck.

One of the least invasive of all cosmetic procedures for skin rejuvenation, Dr. Stanislaw uses chemical peels to treat wrinkles, acne scars, signs of aging, discolored skin, or damage caused by sun exposure.

What are Chemical Peels?

Chemical peels use a chemical solution to remove dead and damaged skin cells, revealing a fresh, healthier complexion underneath. There are three primary types of chemical peels—light, medium, and deep—determined by the strength of the solution and the depth of exfoliation:

  • Light (Superficial) Peels: These peels use mild acids, such as glycolic or salicylic acid, to gently exfoliate the outermost layer of the skin. Light chemical peels treat mild discoloration, fine lines, and acne with minimal downtime.
  • Medium Peels: Utilizing more potent acids like trichloroacetic acid (TCA), medium-depth peels penetrate deeper into the skin to treat more pronounced sun damage, wrinkles, and acne scars. Patients typically experience peeling and redness for several days.
  • Deep Peels: These peels, which use high concentrations of TCA or phenol, penetrate the deepest layers of the skin and are used to address severe wrinkles, significant sun damage, and deep scars. Due to their intensity, deep peels require longer recovery and are performed less frequently.

What are the Benefits of Chemical Peels?

Chemical peels offer a range of benefits, making them a practical option for non-invasive skin rejuvenation:

  • Improves skin texture
  • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  • Evens skin tone
  • Minimizes acne and acne scars
  • Enhances skin hydration
  • Reduces sun damage
  • Stimulates skin renewal
  • Customizable for individual needs

Am I a good candidate for a chemical peel?

If you are in Hartford, New Haven, Norwalk, Greenwich, or Avon and have acne scarring, mild sun damage, uneven skin tone, rough skin, or fine lines and wrinkles, you may be a good candidate for chemical peels. Patients with a history of scarring or sensitive skin types might not be candidates, especially for deeper chemical peels. We recommend that patients with cold sores or active acne wait to receive chemical peel treatments.

How does a chemical peel work?

A chemical peel uses a blend of exfoliating ingredients to slough off the surface layer(s) of dead or damaged skin cells. This deep exfoliation reveals brighter, healthy, and youthful skin. Depending on the texture and color of your skin, Dr. Stanislaw customizes the formula of the chemical peel based on your unique skin and needs. The peel may contain glycolic acid, salicylic acid, Trichloroacetic acid, and/or alphahydroxy acids.

Your treatment could be:

  • Light or superficial peels, which are performed by the aesthetician, can be done as a single peel or as a series of peels.
  • Medium-depth chemical peels, which is performed by Dr. Stanislaw, is a stronger peel and is usually performed as a single treatment.

What is the recovery period from a chemical peel?

The recovery from a chemical peel depends on the type of peel you opt for.

  • Light chemical peel – This is more of a superficial treatment and does not require any recovery time. You can return to your normal activities immediately after your procedure.
  • Medium chemical peel – After medium-depth chemical peels, you will have to use a Vaseline-like product on your skin for seven to ten days. After 10 days, you can wear mineral-based makeup until the mild pinkness of your new skin resolves.

How long will my results last?

To make your results last longer and protect your healing skin it is important to use a good quality sunblock with zinc oxide, as well as, topical retinoids, and topical vitamins C and E. After 10 days you can use mineral-based makeup, such as Jane Iredele. Since your face will be very sensitive, it is important to not use additional skin creams or makeup for one month.

With aging and continuous movement of the facial muscles, the wrinkles may eventually return. This depends on the location as well as the extent of the peel. Still, you will enjoy the results of improved texture and quality of your skin and a fresh and youthful appearance.

Patients interested in chemical peels can contact Dr. Stanislaw at Stanislaw Facial Plastic Surgery Center by calling 860-404-6133.

FAQs

How long does a chemical peel last?

Results from a superficially chemical peel can last between one and two months. A medium-depth peel's results can last between two and six months, and the results of a deep peel can last forever.

What is a chemical peel and how does it work?

A chemical peel is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure designed to enhance the appearance of the skin by using a chemical solution to remove its outer layers. This technique is commonly employed to address skin imperfections such as acne scars, wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. During the procedure, your provider applies a chemical solution to the skin, triggering controlled exfoliation. As the solution works its magic, it encourages the shedding of the outer skin layers, revealing fresher, smoother skin beneath.

How long do chemical peel results last?

Chemical peel results can vary greatly depending on the type and depth of the peel. Superficial peels, which often use milder acids like glycolic acid, typically provide results that last for a few weeks. Medium peels, which penetrate deeper using stronger acids like trichloroacetic acid, can produce results that last from several months to a year. Deep peels offer more dramatic results that can last several years, but they also require more recovery time. Factors such as individual skin type, aftercare practices, and sun protection can also influence the duration of the results.

Can you wear makeup after a chemical peel?

After undergoing a chemical peel, it's important to allow your skin time to heal properly before applying makeup. Chemical peels exfoliate the skin to increase cell turnover, often resulting in redness, sensitivity, and peeling. Generally, we recommend waiting at least 5 to 7 days post-peel before applying makeup, but the exact duration can vary depending on the depth and type of the peel. Light peels may allow for makeup application sooner, while deeper peels may require a longer recovery period. During this time, focus on keeping the skin moisturized and protected with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to help maintain the peel's results and protect the new skin.

How long does a chemical peel take?

The duration of a chemical peel procedure can vary depending on the type and depth of the peel being administered. Generally, light or superficial chemical peels take about 30 minutes to complete. Medium peels, which penetrate deeper into the skin, might take slightly longer, often about 40 to 60 minutes. Deep peels are more intensive and may require an hour or more.

How long does it take for your face to stop peeling after a chemical peel?

The duration of the peeling process after a chemical peel varies depending on the type and depth of the peel. Generally, for lighter peels such as superficial or glycolic acid peels, the peeling process can last around 3 to 5 days, with most of the peeling occurring on the second or third day. Medium-depth peels may take about 7 to 14 days for the peeling to fully subside. A deep peel may take 1-2 weeks before the peeling process is finished. Keeping your skin moisturized and avoiding direct sun exposure can help facilitate the healing process and enhance the results of your chemical peel.

Chemical Peel Gallery

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CHEMICAL PEEL EDUCATION

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