Chemical peeling involves the application of a chemical exfoliant (acid or base) to remove layers of damaged skin.  Chemical peels are graded (very superficial to deep) depending on the depth of penetration and the layer of skin that is removed with a peel.  Depending on the amount and depth of photodamage, real improvement in sun spots, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation may require different depths of chemical peels.  At Marotta Facial Plastic Surgery, we perform the entire complement of peels from very superficial glycolic peels to deeper peels.  In this manner, we are able to customize the treatment to your your skin's needs. 

What can be treated with a Chemical Peel?

• Sun damaged skin and age spots on the face, hands, shoulders/back, chest, and neck 
• Reduction of wrinkles - e.g. Crow's feet, lipstick lines (better with medium/deep peels)
• Hyperpigmentation
• Oily skin
• Acne scars (better with medium/deep peels)
• Destruction of skin lesions

General Procedure - Very Superficial to Superficial Chemical Peels

At Marotta Facial Plastic Surgery, we use glycolic acid in varying strengths (30-70%), Jessner's solution, and low strength TCA to perform these peels in the office.  The skin is thoroughly cleansed and degreased.  The agent is applied to the face evenly.  A mild stinging or burning is experienced which abates rapidly.

Recovery - Very Superficial to Superficial

Immediately following the procedure, the skin may appear red.  You may notice the skin peeling over the next 1-3 days.  The underlying skin will appear slightly pink and healthier.  Sunscreen and moisturizers are recommended.  Make-up can be used.  Improvement can be seen after just one peel and continues with subsequent peels, which can be performed weekly. 

General Procedure - Medium to Deep Chemical Peels

Medium depth chemical peels are performed using TCA (30-40%).  They may be performed under local anesthesia in the office or in the operating room under sedation.  The agent is applied to the face evenly and the depth of penetration carefully monitored.  Deep chemical peels are performed using Baker's solution under sedation and monitoring.  Deep chemical peels are only appropriate for select patients.

Recovery - Medium to Deep

The skin may appear red and swollen immediately following the procedure.  The swelling is more pronounced with a deep chemical peel.   The skin will turn brown over 48 hours and slough over the next 7-10 days.  Make-up and sunscreen/moisturizer can then be used.   The underlying skin will appear pinker and healthier.  This pink appearance completely fades in 2-3 weeks and easily covered with make-up.  Continued improvement from these peels can be seen even up to a year following the procedure.   A medium depth peel can be repeated every 6 months to 1 year.  A deep chemical peel can only be done once.