Deep Chemical Peel

Deep Chemical Peels in Jackson, MS

Chemical peels, in general, are a safe and effective method of removing dead skin cells, dirt, debris, and oil, from clogged pores to reveal a healthier, more youthful complexion. At Faces, PLLC, our team of elite skincare specialists can customize a chemical peel to help you reach your specific aesthetic goals. So whether your primary concerns are fine lines and wrinkles, scars, hyperpigmentation, textural issues, or enlarged pores, there is a chemical peel solution waiting for you.

But what about those deeper, more severe wrinkles caused by years of over exposure to the sun or smoking? In addition to the superficial chemical peels performed by our aestheticians, Faces also offers, what is known as a “deep” chemical peel, to address and improve the appearance of more severe wrinkles that typically do not respond to injectable dermal fillers.

What Is a Deep Chemical Peel?

A deep chemical peel is a non-surgical procedure that helps to resurface sun damaged, wrinkled, or discolored skin by effectively removing the damaged top layers. Modern chemical skin peeling actually started around World War I when a physician noted that while using phenol (an organic compound) as an antiseptic, that the surrounding skin also had reduced wrinkles. This was then adopted by “lay peelers”, primarily in France, as a cosmetic treatment that eventually made its way to the United States.

Many different agents have since been used for skin peeling, most of which are naturally occurring organic acids such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and others. Chemical peels can be classified as superficial to deep, depending on the depth of skin removal. Superficial peels are typically performed by aestheticians and will remove the outer layers of the epidermis. This results in a fresher appearance, but will not significantly improve deep wrinkles.  Moderate to deep chemical peels are performed by physicians and are considered a more aggressive form of skin resurfacing. At Faces we use chemical peeling solutions of different strengths in accordance to the severity of the wrinkling of the skin.

What Are the Benefits of a Deep Chemical Peel?

Deep chemical peels exfoliate the skin layer by layer. When applied to the skin’s surface, the chemical exfoliant can penetrate the skin at varying levels of depth to address damage caused by age, sun, and other harsh elements. Chemical peels help to promote the body’s natural production of collagen, which helps to smooth wrinkled skin.

Deep chemical peels can typically help improve the appearance of

  • Deep Wrinkles
  • Skin Laxity
  • Acne Scarring
  • Age Spots
  • Fine Lines
  • Textural irregularities (bumps, dry patches, rough texture)
  • Skin discoloration
  • Dull skin tone

Benefits differ between individuals, but in general, lines that are present when the face is at rest can be improved, if not removed. Fine wrinkling around the mouth and eyes responds particularly well to deep peels.

What To Expect From A Deep Chemical Peel Treatment

At Faces, PLLC, we make it a priority to keep you as comfortable and relaxed as possible. For that reason, we will give you a sedative to help relax you, along with a local anesthetic to numb your face. Once your skin is numbed, your face will be thoroughly cleansed before starting the chemical peeling process. A phenol solution is then brushed onto the area being treated and left there for a specified  amount of time. During this step, the phenol exfoliates away the damaged surface of your skin, tightening the skin, and closing pores. After only a few minutes,  a thick ointment is applied over the skin to help prevent dryness and irritation.

What is Recovery Like After a Chemical Peel?

Depending on the type of peel, results vary from just a general removal of the outer layers of older skin cells and a general brightening of the skin tone, all the way up to removal of most wrinkles, even some of the very deep ones. All chemical peels involve the removal of some layers of the skin and some peeling will be seen. The deeper peels cause severe swelling and prolonged redness and you must be prepared for this.  For more mild peels, most patients can return to regular activities in a day, but deep peels will require 10-14 days before make-up can be applied to cover the redness that will gradually fade over several months.

During this healing time, it’s imperative that you properly care for your skin and follow your doctor’s instructions. When cleansing your skin, be sure to use lukewarm water with a gentle cleanser. Pat the skin dry with a soft towel or paper towel. Apply a moisturizer recommended by your doctor to help keep your skin hydrated and protected. Keep your skin out of direct sunlight by wearing a wide brimmed hat or staying indoors until your skin is completely healed. Even after you’ve healed, the fresh new layer of skin will be susceptible to the sun and should be protected with a high quality sunscreen (preferably mineral) of SPF 50 at all times.

Who Makes a Good Candidate for A Deep Chemical Peel?

During your consultation at Faces, PLLC, our facial rejuvenation specialists will evaluate your skin to determine the best type of chemical peel to target your specific skin concerns. Almost all skin types can have mild peels with little concern for side effects. Deep peels are limited to those with a lighter skin complexion.

You will be asked to stop smoking several weeks before your treatment and to discontinue any acne medications. Hormones of any kind must be avoided immediately before and after a peel, as they have been associated with darkening of the skin after peeling. Those with active skin infections may not be good candidates for a deep chemical peel and should first consult their physician before moving forward with any skin treatment. If you have a history of frequent fever blisters, you will be given an antiviral medication to take before and after the deep peel.

Why Choose Faces, PLLC For a Deep Chemical Peel?

Our team of facial rejuvenation and skincare specialists have created a practice where cutting-edge technology and procedures meet compassion, integrity, and masterful artistry. Our desire is to assist you in making educated and realistic decisions towards attaining your goals. Our approach is always personal, and we strive to treat each patient as individuals, tailoring the procedure to suit their comfort level, anatomy, and aesthetic goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Deep Chemical Peels

At Faces, PLLC, we offer several different types of peels, including:

Light Chemical Peels- Light peels are for gentle exfoliation of the skin’s more superficial top layers. These peels are typically made with alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) or salicylic acid.

Medium Chemical Peels- Medium peels offer a deeper exfoliation by penetrating deeper skin layers to help remove debris and damage below the surface of the skin. They are usually composed of trichloroacetic or glycolic acid.

Deep Chemical Peels- Deep peels involve the longest recovery time but can be instrumental in revitalizing a complexion that has become dull, depleted, and showing the most signs of aging. A deep peel is usually composed of phenol or phenol-croton oil.

Since sun exposure must be avoided after a peel of any type, winter is an optimal time for most peels.

Complications following chemical peels are not common, as long as instructions are carefully followed. The most common complaint is prolonged redness that can sometimes last for months, but rest assured this is only temporary. Pigment changes, usually a lightening of the skin color, are seen more frequently. Scarring is a rare complication.

The results of a deep chemical peel are generally very long lasting, often for many years. Skin which is deeply wrinkled may require a second peeling or touch-up in spots. Lighter peels are usually repeated more frequently, as needed.

Deep chemical peeling will tighten skin to some degree, but will not produce the degree of lifting seen with a facelift. Ideally, a facelift is performed first and then a deep peel several months afterwards. Think of it as you would if renovating a house – repair the structural problems first, and then a nice fresh coat of paint is the finishing touch!

There is really no other form of skin resurfacing that rivals the improvement in deep wrinkles as seen with deep chemical peeling.

Treatments are always tailored to individual patient’s needs, but typically a full face deep chemical peel would cost $3,000 to $3,200.

Deep chemical peels are performed by Dr. Jordan at our clinic in Ridgeland, Mississippi.

Beautiful, youthful skin is attainable with chemical peels. If you want to learn more about deep chemical peels, please contact our Ridgeland, MS facial plastic surgery practice at (601) 607-3033 or contact us through our convenient website portal today.