We Know How Important Your Skin is to You

Type of Peel:

GLYCOLIC ACID or BETA Peel
(Superficial Peel)

TCA
(Medium-depth Peel)

Phenol
(Deep Peel)

Peel Goal:

Freshens the skin. Does not alter skin's normal architecture.

Further helps skin via a slightly deeper peel. Does not alter skin's normal architecture.

Helps severely photo-aged skin that has deep wrinkles.

Condition of Pre-treated Skin:

Little to moderate wrinkling; Mild scaring; blotchy skin

Moderate aging; early wrinkling; parallel smile lines; mild scarring; slight yellowing of the skin

Advanced photo-aging of the skin; moderate acne scarring; heavy wrinkling

Where Performed:

Outpatient

Usually outpatient. Some situations may require an overnight stay.

Discomfort & Swelling:

Slight stinging upon application of the solution that lasts for several minutes. Usually no further pain.

Can expect some scabbing and moderate swelling of the treated areas which usually peaks around the second to third day and subsides rapidly.

Can expect much scabbing and moderate to severe swelling in the treated areas. Peaks by the second or third day then quickly subside.

Length of Procedure:

15 to 30 minutes

30 minutes to one hour

One to two hours

Anesthesia:

Usually none

Usually mild sedation

IV sedation with a local anesthesia

Procedure:

Glycolic acid is applied. May be done more than once over period of weeks, at about 2-4 week intervals.

A concentration of trichloroacetic acid is applied. Unlike glycolic peels, TCA peels are usually not repeated.

A phenol solution is applied.

After surgery Recovery:

Redness usually subsides by the end of the same day.

During the first 7 days, your new skin is toughening up. Continued healing will take place over the next few weeks.

A bandage mask is usually used; it will be removed in about 2-5 days. New skin will form in 7 to 21 days. It will turn from red to pink and then to normal over 6 to 8 weeks. Your skin will likely be a permanently lighter tone after a phenol peel.

Returning to Normal Activity:

Procedure can be done in one day and return to work the next day. These peels can be done more than one time.

Avoid strenuous activities for the first week. You can expect to go out socially in about 5 to 7 days, but will depend on individual circumstances. Avoid sun exposure.

Avoid strenuous activity for the first two weeks or more. You can expect to go out socially in about 14 days after the peel, but will depend on your particular circumstances and peel depth. Avoid sun exposure.