All about chemical peels

Chemical peels are highly customizable. Our aesthetic team at Bloom Facial Plastic Surgery will meet with you before treatment to determine exactly the right peel for your needs, goals, and availability for downtime.

Although chemical peels come in different depths (superficial, medium, and deep), they all work the same way: by applying a chemical solution directly to the skin in order to remove the damaged outer layer of skin. The process uncovers the healthy new skin underneath. Chemical peels are typically categorized as phenol peels, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels, or alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) peels.

What can a chemical peel do?

  • Improves skin color, clarity, tone, and texture
  • Reduces fine lines
  • Helps control acne
  • Improves the appearance of acne scars
  • Fades light freckling 
  • Increases skin hydration
  • Improves the appearance of enlarged pores
  • Corrects skin discoloration
  • Improves sun damage and age spots
  • May remove pre-cancerous skin growths
  • Promotes new collagen production
  • Helps topical skin products work more efficiently

How a chemical peel works

When you arrive for your appointment, you may be given a local anesthetic, depending on the depth of your specific peel.

Once you’re properly numbed, your skin will be cleansed and prepped for the chemical peel and treatment will begin. The chemical solution (that has been chosen especially for you) will be carefully applied directly to your face. 

The tiny amounts of acid in the solution will help uncover healthy new skin and stimulate new collagen production, which results in firmer, tighter, more youthful-looking skin. During treatment — especially as the peel dries — the skin may start to slightly tingle or burn. This means that the treatment is working, but we encourage you to speak up if it becomes too uncomfortable for you. Once the chemical peel has done its work, it will be washed from your skin. After this, moisturizer and/or serums may also be applied to enhance results. Chemical peels take approximately 30 minutes, and although every patient is different, we generally recommend a series of six treatments scheduled 3-4 weeks apart for optimal results.

Downtime and recovery

Some chemical peels don’t require any downtime, but for others, you may peel for several days and have other restrictions. During your consultation with us, we will go over the chemical peel that fits your needs, and we will explain in detail what you can expect with downtime and recovery. If your chemical peel involves peeling, we will make sure you understand this. When peeling is involved, it typically begins 3-5 days post-treatment, and it’s very important to apply sunscreen every few hours so that no hyperpigmentation develops. To further prevent hyperpigmentation, do not use/take saunas, baths, hot showers, and hot tubs for about two weeks, and avoid sun exposure for one week. Your skin will be much more vulnerable to the sun after a chemical peel, so a strong SPF will be necessary when you do go back into the sun.

Chemical peels at Bloom Facial Plastic Surgery

If you’re in the Bryn Mawr and Philadelphia area and you’re ready for healthy, radiant, lit-from-within skin, we welcome you to contact us to schedule a consultation. At Bloom Facial Plastic Surgery, our mission is to deliver the most advanced cosmetic and facial surgery techniques and technologies to all patients, combined with the highest level of outcomes in a caring, safe atmosphere. Founded by double board-certified surgeon Dr. Jason Bloom, our practice only utilizes the most effective, proven, and safest procedures. As the premier facial plastic surgery office combining expert, highly trained, experienced surgeons with a fantastic aesthetician team, we offer a comprehensive facial rejuvenation experience. The comprehensive nature and synergy of our team provides our patients with unparalleled results.

Bloom Facial Plastic Surgery

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