Chemical Peels
Chemicals peels are performed to rejuvenate your skin. They can correct facial wrinkles, sun damaged skin, acne scarring, freshen the skin's appearance, and improve skin coloration. Peels are performed alone or in conjunction with other procedures in order to maximize results. They may be performed around the entire face and neck or in specific areas such as around the mouth or around the eyes.
There are many different types of peels available. Performed for thousands of years, they are the most time-tested methods of skin rejuvenation. Formulas have improved significantly over the years. Peels vary according to the type of chemical used and its strength. These factors determine how deep (into the skin) the peel will penetrate. Generally speaking, the more superficial (weaker) the peel, the shorter the recovery. While the deeper the peel, the greater the effect. Dr. Steiger will help you determine the type of peel that will best achieve your goals and desires.
Superficial peels work on the very surface of the skin. They will freshen the appearance of your skin, producing a healthy-natural glow. They may also improve very fine lines/wrinkles and even out the pigmentary changes associated with aging. Superficial peels like certain types of glycolic acid peels cause very little skin irritation. For this reason they are often referred to as "lunch-time peels." The peels can be repeated monthly, and multiple sessions are recommended to achieve the maximum benefit. We offer a glycolic acid peel program that is customized to your skin.
Trichloracetic acid- TCA peels and Phenol peels are used alone or in combination with other agents as medium or deep chemical peels. They penetrate down to the deeper layers of the skin and stimulate the skin to produce new collagen. These types of peels often require only one treatment to produce a dramatic improvement in skin texture and color. Within 10 days, the old skin peels away leaving behind fresh, "new" skin. Over the ensuing months, collagen is produced. Recovery time can range from as little as one week depending on the agents used. Dr. Steiger will customize a chemical peel program based on the severity of your skin's damage and your skin type.
Peels are performed in the comfort of our office procedure room. They can also be performed in the operting room where they are often combined with other surgical procedures such as blepharoplasty (eyelid lift), facial fat grafting, and facelifts.
Superficial peels have no period of visible skin healing since they do not penetrate past the most superficial layer of the skin.
Medium and deep chemical peels take between 5-10 days to heal. During this time period you must follow the specific instructions given by our office to maximize healing. We will also place you on topical and oral therapy prior to the peel in order to maximize the results.
Improvement in skin color, tone and texture can be seen immediately after the skin heals and will improve over the next several months. Medium and deep chemical peels induce the skin to produce new collagen. You will notice an improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles up to one year after the peel.
Superficial peels are not associated with pain. There may be a slight stinging sensation on your skin at which point the peel is ended.
Medium and deep chemical peels are tolerated very well and can be performed in the office. We will prescribe medication for you to take prior to the procedure in order to make sure you are comfortable and at ease during the procedure. If the peel is performed in the operating room, at the same time as another procedure, there will be no discomfort. Patients rarely complain of any pain after the procedure. Any discomfort is well controled with over the counter anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, naproxen).
This depends on the problem being treated and the amount of skin damage that you have. Dr. Steiger uses a variety of different peel solutions which he has found to work best on certain skin types. This will be determined during your consultation,
Yes. Superficial peels should be repeated monthly. This will maximize and maintain the improvement.
Medium depth peels and deep peels give long lasting results. They can be repeated 1 year or more after the peel, though this is often not necessary for at least 3 years. Deep peels rarely need to be repeated.
Medium depth and deep chemical peels should only be performed by a qualified physician who is experienced in treating patients with chemical peels.
Superficial peels (fruit acid peels) are often performed by either a physician or an aesthetician.