Chemical Peels

What is a chemical peel?

A chemical peel is the process of using a safe, carefully formulized chemical solution to improve the appearance of the skin on the face, neck or hands. It is generally one of the most cost-effective ways to improve the skin's radiance and texture, and it does so by removing damaged outer layers.

What does a chemical peel improve?

Skin of the face, neck, hands and chest can all benefit from chemical peels, and there are various types of chemical peels to improve skin in different ways.

A chemical peel can:

  • Reduce the appearance of fine lines
  • Rejuvenate the skin and give it a youthful glow
  • Address acne
  • Even out skin discolorations, or improve the appearance of skin marked with spots, scars or rough patches from sun exposure or aging.

How is the procedure performed?

Techniques differ somewhat, depending on each patient's aesthetic goals. A chemical peel is an outpatient procedure that can be done in the office setting.  There are light chemical peels with no downtime, medium chemical peels, which may be followed by light flaking, and deep chemical peels, which require the longest recovery time. The process involves cleansing and prepping the skin, the temporary application of a chemical solution to the skin, followed by the application of a retinol solution to stimulate the peeling process.

ULTIMATE Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery offers the:

Illuminize Peel: Often referred to as a "Red Carpet Peel" because it leaves skin with the perfect glow for special events, the Illuminize Peel is a noninvasive, superficial chemical peel with mandelic and malic acid - which are among the newer-generation hydroxyl acids. They're combined with phytic acid and the commonly used salicylic acid and resorcinol, both peeling agents. This process rejuvenates the skin with minimal irritation and no downtime. 
Cost: $100 | 30 minutes

Vitalize peel: This is the office's most popular peel and is a terrific option to turn back time and remove sun and environmental damage to the skin. This safe yet powerful peel exfoliates dead skin cells and is ideal to help with aging, sun-damaged and acne-prone skin. It leaves patients with a pink glow immediately following the procedure, and peeling often begins over the course of the next two days and lasts, usually, a couple more days. After the peeling process is complete, skin looks and feels spectacular, with a healthy tone, texture and brightness.
Cost: $150 | 30 minutes

Rejuvenize Peel: This option is best for patients who have already successfully completed the Vitalize Peel enough to build a tolerance, and who have specific skin types (Fitzpatrick Skin Types V-VI).  It's a good fit for clients with more sun damage, fine lines or wrinkles and it involves four or five days of peeling following the procedure.
Cost: $200 | 30 minutes

What are the risks?

  • Special precautions should be taken for clients who choose the Vitalize Peel and Rejuvenize Peel. Anyone who has been using retinol should stop three days before the peel and anyone who has been using acne medication should stop taking it six months prior to the peel.
  • In the days following a medium or deep peel, clients may experience mild irritation and skin will flake as it renews itself.

Is a chemical peel covered by insurance?

A chemical peel is generally a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance companies.

Questions?

Please contact licensed medical aesthetician Tammy Gue in Dr. Moosavi's office to schedule an appointment and determine which peel might help you meet your goals. She can be reached at 304.399.4220.