What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel involves an application of a solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation. Phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are used for this purpose.

Who is a good candidate?
Men or Women who:

• Are in overall good health
• Have not use Accutane in the last two years
• Do not have specific dermatologic medical conditions that would preclude peels
• Have fine wrinkles, mild hyperpigmentation, and diminished skin tone

Preparing For Your Chemical Peel
Dr. Stephenson will instruct you on how to prepare for your peel treatment during your consultation.  Sometimes Retin A - a prescription medication derived from Vitamin A - is used to pre-treat the skin especially if a TCA peel is going to be used.  The Rein A thins out the skin's surface layer, allowing the TCA solution to penetrate more deeply and evenly. Hydroquinone, a bleaching agent, is sometimes used in conjunction with Retin-A especially if you have blotchy skin areas or pigmentation problems. Dr. Stephenson may recommend that you spend a month or more in the pre-treatment phase before your peel is performed to obtain the best possible results.

The Chemical Peel Procedure
The vast majority of chemical peels may be safely performed in a plastic surgeon's office.   Dr. Stephenson will select the best chemical or chemical mix for the individual patient. A solution is applied using a sponge, cotton pad, cotton swab or brush to the areas to be treated (or the entire face, avoiding the eyes, brows and lips). After the peel Dr. Stephenson will apply an after peel ointment to complete the treatment.

Chemical Peel Recovery
After an AHA peel, it is common to experience some temporary flaking or scaling, redness and dryness of the skin. However, these conditions will disappear as the skin adjusts to treatment.
After a TCA peel, Dr. Stephenson may prescribe a mild pain medication to relieve any tingling or mild discomfort you may feel. TCA peels may cause some swelling depending the strength of the peel used.  An after peel ointment will be applied to the face and you will be instructed of the frequency of application of this ointment as part of your home care. To help your face heal properly, it is essential that you follow your doctor's specific post-operative instructions. 
The use of sunscreen is strongly recommended after your peel.  NIA24® 100% Mineral sunscreen offers effective protection.  Additionally, the other NIA24® skin therapy products provide excellent protection and maintenance of your new healthy skin.

SIGNATURE INTRODUCTION!

Now offering VITALIZE PEEL®!! Requires minimal downtime Only superficial peel for all skin types! Unique blend of alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, resorcinol and retinoic acid Predictable and noticeable results!

View 3D Animations of Chemical Peel

Deep Peels

Medium Peels

Superficial Peels

Chemical Peel Credentials
Credentials matter. Dr. Stephenson is board certified in two important surgical specialties for providing chemical peel treatments.  His certifications include the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Stephenson will be happy to discuss how a chemical peel may be beneficial to you. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Stephenson at Signature Plastic Surgery, call (770) 466-4700.