A chemical peel is a cosmetic treatment used to remove old and dead skin cells, making way for new and young-looking skin that is free of imperfections. It can resolve skin issues to create a rejuvenated look.

A chemical peel makes use of chemical solutions that are applied on the skin, where they encourage exfoliation. There are three types of chemical peels: superficial, medium, and deep.

These classifications are based on how deep the chemicals penetrate into the skin layers. For someone who has severe imperfections like serious sun damage, acne scars, or coarse wrinkles, a deep chemical peel would be ideal.

What Is a Deep Chemical Peel?

A deep chemical peel is able to eliminate harsh imperfections by working in the deep layers of the skin. This can produce dramatic rejuvenation. A deep chemical peel is done only for the face. It makes use of the chemical phenol to ensure the old skin is peeled off and new skin appears.

Facts About Deep Chemical Peels

• They are suitable for those with severely sun-damaged skin, scarring due to acne, deep wrinkles, and age spots. While a medium skin peel is helpful in moderate cases, for extreme ones, a deep peel is a must, as it reaches down to the innermost layers of the skin.
• A major advantage of deep chemicals peels is that they can also be used to treat pre-cancerous facial growths.
• Carbolic acid (phenol) is the chemical used for these procedures. It is strong enough to reach down to the deepest layers of the skin.
• They cannot be used to treat specific areas of the face; instead, they must be applied to the entire face.
• They can be completed in one session, which usually takes a couple of hours.
• They are suitable for people with lighter skin tone than those with darker skin tone.
• The patient may need to use prescribed creams prior to the procedure.
• During the procedure, the solution is applied to the face for a duration determined by Dr. Chung. A neutralizing solution is then used to stop its effects. The face will then be bandaged.
• Deep chemical peels take more healing time than lighter peels. Ointments and cold compresses help in healing and alleviate the burning symptoms caused by the chemical.
• Those who undergo these treatments need to avoid exposure to sunlight for a time and use effective sunscreen. This is because the tissues will be especially sensitive for a time while they are healing.
• Because a deep chemical peel is so strong, a patient can only get a deep peel once.
• It will take a couple of months for recovery to be complete and to see the full results of the treatment.

Contact Us

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of a chemical peel, contact our office to schedule a consultation with skilled board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jane Chung. She will examine your skin imperfections and then decide whether a deep peel is right for you. With her expertise and guidance, she can help you achieve a beautiful and flawless complexion.