What Is a Chemical Peel? A Brief Guide

If you’re considering undergoing an aesthetic procedure, you don’t need to feel ashamed. Over 1 million facial plastic procedures were conducted just last year in the United States. 

Maybe a friend of yours has gotten a nose job or jaw surgery and you like the results. However, maybe you don’t want to go through something as drastic as surgery. 

How do you find a reliable procedure that will get you the look you desire? We recommend chemical peel treatments. 

But what is a chemical peel? What are the benefits? 

Keep reading for more information. 

What Is a Chemical Peel? 

Chemical peels are procedures that involve using a chemical solution on the face to stimulate collagen production and skin regrowth to improve skin texture. It does this by creating a controlled wound on the face that heals over time to reveal a more pleasing look.  

Depending on the strength of your chemical peel, you can remove different layers of skin, which stimulates different levels of transformation. 

This sort of procedure is known to be effective at treating wrinkles, acne, uneven skin tone, and in the case of stronger procedures, deep wrinkles, scars, and precancerous growths. 

Sun damage, one of the most talked-about skin issues today, is one of the most commonly targeted areas in the world of chemical peels. 

How Does a Chemical Peel Differ From Surgery? 

Chemical peels are similar to surgeries in that you do need time to recover from them. However, unlike a surgery, you can do things while you’re recovering. 

The side effects of chemical peels mainly involve aesthetics and pain, and not a loss of function. It can take up to 3 months for the redness and swelling to subside (depending on the intensity). 

The risks are significantly less than those of invasive surgery and the results are quicker with much easier recovery. 

The Treatment

The treatment itself does not take very long. Lighter procedures can be done without sedatives, but heavier ones will use lighter anesthetics. In heavier procedures, sedatives are occasionally used to prevent discomfort. 

In lighter procedures, you’ll generally only feel a tingling, but in heavier procedures, you’ll feel a burning sensation. 

Generally, your medical aesthetic team will use a cotton-tipped apparatus to apply the chemicals to your face. The chemicals used will depend on the strength of the procedure, so talk to your doctor beforehand about what you’re comfortable with. 

Understand Cosmetic Procedures 

As you can see, there’s no shame in undergoing a cosmetic procedure. There are plenty of options besides the garden-variety facemasks that don’t involve surgery. 

Now you know the answer to the question “what is a chemical peel?”, and can determine whether or not it’s the right procedure for you. 

For more information on aesthetic procedures and treatments, contact us today and let our staff walk you through the process.