Chemical Peels

in Indiana

Exfoliation of our skin occurs every day as the old, dead cells are shed and replaced by new and healthy cells. A chemical peel is an accelerated form of exfoliation brought on by the application of chemical agents to the skin surface. Depending on the type and concentration of the chemical, it may just remove the superficial layer of dead skin cells or it may affect the living cells of the epidermis and the dermis.

In a superficial peel, only the dead skin cells and the superficial living cells, the epidermis, are removed. There is some redness and mild swelling which resolves in a couple of days. This technique, using either glycolic acids or dilute TCA, achieves general improvement in the color and texture of the skin and may improve the appearance of fine, superficial lines.

For a medium depth peel, TCA (trichloroacetic acid) is used in a higher concentration so that the dermis of the skin is reached. As you heal, the old, damaged skin will be replaced by new, healthy skin, and a layer of collagen will form below to help tighten and smooth the skin.

Healing is typically complete within two weeks. Some redness, which can be covered with makeup, may persist for 3 to 4 weeks. A medium depth peel can effectively improve facial wrinkles and sun damaged skin. TCA is particularly effective for darker skinned individuals because it is less likely to cause a lightening, or bleaching, of the skin.

In certain instances of severely sun-damaged skin with deep wrinkles, a deep chemical peel may be necessary. For a deep peel, we use the chemical agent phenol to penetrate to the deep layer of the dermis. The phenol peel targets deep and widespread wrinkles and extremely rough skin. It is used only in selected cases because it tends to have a bleaching effect on the skin, which is permanent. An alternative to the deep phenol peel (which we often choose at Renaissance Plastic Surgery) is Laser Skin Resurfacing.

Dr. Joseph Fata performs chemical peels on his patients in Indianapolis and Carmel, Indiana. To assist you as you gather information on the procedure of chemical peels, Dr. Fata has compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions based on his extensive experience with patients who have had a chemical peel.

Please feel free to call or email us at Renaissance Plastic Surgery. We serve patients throughout the Midwest as well as Carmel and Indianapolis, Indiana, and will be glad to schedule a confidential consultation for you.

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