Recognized as one of “Boston’s Most Trusted Doctors” by Boston magazine, Richard A. Bartlett, M.D. is a board certified plastic surgeon in practice for over 30 years Dr. Bartlett is considered a “doctor’s doctor,” and is a favorite choice of New England medical professionals when referring family and friends for cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery in Boston, Massachusetts.
Chemical peels are cosmetic treatments that can remove the early signs of aging from the skin. The procedure involves the use of chemicals in a controlled manner to improve and enhance the skin’s appearance. The old skin peels slowly after the application of the chemical solution. The new skin that will emerge in its place will be smoother and more youthful.
Chemical Peels – Types and Benefits
Superficial or mild peels enter only the outermost skin layer. Mild peels can remove rough skin, mild discoloration, and rejuvenate the treatment site. It is also useful in controlling acne and reducing blotches.
Medium peels can work on both outer and middle skin layers. The treatment can help with skin problems such as fine lines, deep wrinkles, age spots, freckles, discoloration, and blotchiness. It can also fade birthmarks, acne scars, and damage caused by excessive sun exposure.
Deep peels work on the middle skin layer. Deep peels can offer improvements with one treatment session alone. It is useful for correcting severe wrinkles and deep acne scars. Deep peels can also remove or fade age spots and skin growths.
The difference between medium and deep peels is in the depth. Even if the same chemical is used for both treatments, the difference is in the chemical’s concentration, the application method as well as the duration of time the chemical remains on the skin.
Chemical peels are safe procedures when performed by qualified and experienced doctors. You can discuss your skin problems and expectations from chemical peels with your doctor. Depending on the skin’s condition and the results desired, your doctor can choose the type of peel and the chemical. Mild peels use glycolic, fruits, salicylic, and alpha-hydroxy acids. Phenol or trichloroacetic acids are used for deep peels.
You can use chemical peels to refine your skin and make it look more youthful and vibrant. Chemical peels can remove dull, rough, and damaged skin. As long as you take good care of your skin after the treatment, you can expect to have results that last for a long time.
What to Expect During a Chemical Peel Treatment
Your doctor will clean your skin and apply the required chemical solution to the treatment areas. You may experience a slight stinging sensation on your skin after the chemical application, but this is temporary and will subside within a few minutes after the treatment is over. The process can be completed within an hour’s time and you can leave the clinic soon after.
After the application, the chemicals will begin to work on the skin. The peeling occurs over a few days. You may need to use bandages to manage the peeling process. Your skin can heal from mild peels within a week’s time. For medium peels, you may need around two weeks of recovery time, and it can be a bit longer for deep peels. You will need to avoid long-term sun exposure until your skin completely heals. Your doctor can prescribe antiviral medications and mild lotions to aid the skin’s healing process.
You may need to repeat sessions depending on the severity of the skin problem you wish to address through chemical peels. With the right peel, you can get beautiful skin that will make you feel happier and more confident.
Contact Our Office
Contact our office to learn more about the benefits of chemical peels. During a consultation with Dr. Richard Bartlett, you can ask any of the questions you have and receive a customized treatment plan that will satisfy your unique needs.
