Are Chemical Peels Painful?

Chemical peels contain anesthetics that numb the skin. A local anesthetic can be applied for deeper peels. After the treatment, patients should use the post-peel ointment that is provided.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Most people need a single appointment per chemical peel. Maintenance requires repeated treatment every one to two months for light peels, but deeper peels can last up to ten years. Peel results can be extended by ensuring the practice of good skincare and maintaining regular use of sunscreen.

How Long Until I See Results?

The skin will flake in one week, and the newer, rejuvenated skin beneath will begin to show.

Can I Combine Chemical Peels with Other Procedures?

Yes, you can! Our patients who have received chemical peels in Scottsdale, AZ, have considered combining them with other facial rejuvenation treatments, such as dermal fillers and skin rejuvenation. Patients are encouraged to share these ideas for combined procedures with their provider during the initial consultation so that they can be considered as the treatment plan is being designed.

What Are the Risks Associated with Chemical Peels?

Chemical peels are considered to be low-risk treatments. However, there are still some risks associated with them. Some of them include: Dryness Redness and inflammation Blisters Itching Allergic reactions Discoloration Burning sensation Discomfort Scarring While most of these effects are temporary, if you experience any long-lasting or unexpected reaction, please contact our practice immediately so that we may help.

Scottsdale, AZ

Chemical Peels

Introduction

Introduction to Chemical Peels

Chemical peels exfoliate the skin for a radiant, even tone. Board-certified oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Dustin Heringer recommends this safe, effective procedure for patients looking to enhance their overall appearance with a beautiful complexion. Schedule a consultation at Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ, to learn more about whether a chemical peel is right for you.

What Are Chemical Peels?

Chemical peel treatments apply trichloroacetic acid or another type of acid solution to the skin to remove damaged outer layers. A popular procedure with history reaching back to ancient Egypt, chemical peels exfoliate the outermost layers of the skin in a highly controlled manner. This process reveals new, smooth skin cells with improved texture and color. While typically administered as a facial peel, chemical peels can also treat other parts of the body. Our offices offer several different strengths of chemical peels, including light, medium, and deep, though the latter is only used in facial peels. Different effects can be achieved with various peels, and we will advise you on the appropriate type for your needs.

Our practice offers the following types of chemical peels:

Light Peel

A light chemical peel is the weakest peel strength. This is the best choice for clients who want to eliminate uneven pigmentation, dryness, acne, or fine lines. This peel exfoliates a tiny layer of the outer skin, resulting in glowing and refreshed skin.

Medium Peel

This peel is stronger than the light peel and goes deeper under the top layer of the skin, the epidermis, reaching down to the dermis. The targets are similar to those of the light peel. Clients who do not have very sensitive skin choose medium peels.

Deep Peel

A deep peel is the strongest type of peel available. It is applied with a local anesthetic. Deep peels require a six- to eight-week pretreatment that includes a topical application of a Vitamin A prescription gel to thin the skin’s surface layer and allow the peel to penetrate deeper. Clients choose deep peels to reduce deeper facial wrinkles, sun spots, scars, blotches, or even pre-cancerous growths.

What are the
benefits of Chemical Peels

A woman with long, dark hair and soft makeup poses in a white blazer, touching her neck against a light background. - Chemical Peels in Scottsdale, AZ

Chemical peels offer several benefits. As a non-surgical treatment, they are one of the less invasive alternatives currently available for improving your skin’s appearance. Recovery time varies depending upon the type of peel, but less intensive treatments can heal within a week or two. The procedure restores a youthful look by removing damaged skin layers and enhancing your overall appearance. While there are some associated risks, providing your doctor and medical-aesthetic team with your medical history and following after-care instructions greatly reduces these side effects. Used effectively, the treatment can:

Improve acne
Decrease effects of sun damage
Reduce or eliminate age spots
Even out pigmentation
Improve skin texture (rough skin, scaly patches, or scars)
Minimize blemishes
Non-invasive
Smooth wrinkles

Who are the
best candidates

The best candidates for a chemical peel wish to improve their skin’s appearance but have realistic expectations for the outcome. The procedure is designed to treat skin tone, texture, and color concerns. It will not sufficiently treat deep facial lines, change pore size, tighten loose skin, or eliminate deep scars.

Additionally, because the treatment partially lightens the skin, it is generally a better option for fair-skinned and light-haired patients. However, patients with other skin pigmentation and hair color can also achieve pleasing results. Using acne treatments within the last year, including retinoids and certain oral medications, may affect the results of a chemical peel and even damage the skin. For patients who smoke or have a history of heart problems, Dr. Heringer or one of his trusted team members may recommend one of the alternative skin treatments we offer.

Your Chemical Peels Journey with Dr. Dustin Heringer

What’s the first step?

The first step in getting a chemical peel in Scottsdale, AZ, is to schedule an in-person visit at Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery. While chemical peels are safe for most skin types and tones, some clients may have better options. This is why patients must discuss their medical and aesthetic history, goals, and expectations. During your consultation, your provider will evaluate your target area and outline peels’ various strengths, associated risks, benefits, and recovery timeline.

At the end of the consultation, your provider will give you a treatment plan, which you can take to our patient coordinator for scheduling and pricing options.

What to Expect on the Day of a Chemical Peel Treatment

The procedure for each type of chemical peel follows the same general steps. Immediately before the treatment, the skin is thoroughly cleaned. The acid solution is then applied to the skin with a small brush, gauze, or cotton-tipped applicator. The length of the treatment depends on the type of chemical and procedure. Light treatments can take fifteen to thirty minutes to complete, medium peels can take thirty to an hour to complete, and deep peels can take an hour to an hour and a half, with a break between sessions. Water or alcohol is typically used to neutralize the acid before wiping it off.

Expectation

Your Guide to Post-Chemical Peel Care

Chemical Peels Recovery

Because medium and deep peels require stronger chemicals and are left on for longer, patients may be provided with a pain reliever and oral sedative. If you choose to undergo a deeper peel, be sure to arrange transportation home. While chemical peels are outpatient, these more intensive treatments may require a longer recovery time.

Following recommended skincare is very important after a chemical peel. Patients must follow the post-procedure instructions, including staying out of sunlight and using medical-grade sunscreen if they cannot avoid it. You will be sent home with a protectant ointment that needs to be applied regularly during the first few days as the skin starts peeling off. For optimal results, it is vital to follow the aftercare instructions.

How Much Do Chemical Peels Cost in Scottsdale, AZ?

The cost of chemical peels in Scottsdale, AZ, will vary depending on the strength of the chemical peel solution, the size of the target area, and the number of treatments needed for optimal results. Please schedule a consultation at Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery so that your provider can draft your treatment plan and help you estimate an accurate cost.

Cost

Why Choose Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery?

Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery is your one location for both surgical and non-surgical aesthetic needs. Founder and lead surgeon Dustin Heringer, MD, is a board-certified oculofacial plastic and cosmetic surgeon. He strives to achieve the most natural-looking results through the most conservative treatment methods. He provides men and women with carefully tailored treatments to enhance their aesthetic appearance and boost their self-esteem. Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery should be your choice for your chemical peel in Scottsdale, AZ.

Dr. Heringer is one of the few surgeons who is a member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS), the American Board of Facial and Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS), the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO).

Why us?

Chemical Peels FAQ’S

Yes, you can! Our patients who have received chemical peels in Scottsdale, AZ, have considered combining them with other facial rejuvenation treatments, such as dermal fillers and skin rejuvenation. Patients are encouraged to share these ideas for combined procedures with their provider during the initial consultation so that they can be considered as the treatment plan is being designed.
Chemical peels are considered to be low-risk treatments. However, there are still some risks associated with them. Some of them include:
- Dryness
- Redness and inflammation
- Blisters
- Itching
- Allergic reactions
- Discoloration
- Burning sensation
- Discomfort
- Scarring
While most of these effects are temporary, if you experience any long-lasting or unexpected reaction, please contact our practice immediately so that we may help.

Send a message to AO&FPS

Schedule a Consultation

If you are looking to refresh your facial skin, consider learning more about chemical peels at Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ. Contact our practice today to schedule your in-person consultation and get started on a journey to more rejuvenated skin.