Chemical Face Peels in Miami, Florida
The Basics of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels for acne scars and other texture and complexion issues are effective treatments to reduce fine lines, fade away mild scars and certain types of acne; correct skin discoloration and imperfections; and refresh skin texture and color in areas such as your face, neck, chest, hands, arms or legs.
A chemical solution is applied during a chemical peel, which painlessly speeds up skin cell turnover and shedding. Peeling agents include:
- Glycolic acid
- Trichloroacetic acid
- Salicylic acid
- Lactic acid
- Carbolic acid (phenol)
The final results depend on a a few factors, including the depth of the peel (superficial, medium, or deep) and targeted concerns. Newly-revealed skin appears smoother, less wrinkled, and more even in tone after the allotted healing time.
Dermatologists may enhance the results of a chemical peel with laser or light-based techniques. They can also combine the peel with another procedure, such as dermal (soft tissue) fillers or botulinum injections.
At the Greater Miami Skin and Laser Center, licensed estheticians offer only the highest quality, industry-leading chemical peel and facial solutions to find the perfect treatment for your skin type after a thorough evaluation.
What Should I Expect During My Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel treatment should only be administered by a licensed professional in a safe, sterile environment like your dermatologist’s office. Most patients feel warmth or heat that may last about five to 10 minutes. A deeper peel can be more uncomfortable, and you may require numbing medicine during the procedure and pain medication afterward. You also may require more than one treatment to achieve desired results.
To begin your peel, your provider will wipe your skin with pads soaked in a special solution that removes all oil from the epidermis. They then apply the chemical agent using gentle brush strokes. Depending on the strength of your peel, this agent may remain on your skin for as little as three minutes. You'll know how long the solution will stay on your skin after your consultation. Once the designated time has passed, your provider will gently cleanse your skin and may apply sunscreen or a nourishing moisturizer.
How Long is the Recovery from a Chemical Peel?
The time it takes for the sloughing process to occur may vary for everyone. Your provider will discuss their expectations with you during your consultation. If you have a stronger peel, more layers of your skin will be affected by the chemical solution. This could mean that you notice flaking or peeling for up to five days. Usually, these effects don't occur for a day or two after the peel. If you've had a stronger peel, you may need to avoid strenuous exercise and other activities that cause you to sweat. Your provider will give you care instructions for washing and moisturizing your skin. These should be followed carefully to avoid unnecessary inflammation and irritation.
Why Didn't I have much Peeling After My Peel?
Chemical peels are relatively sophisticated! Although the process is straightforward, the concentration and types of acids that are included in various peels make this treatment very customizable. Flaking and peeling are the most common effects of chemical peels, and the degree of these effects will depend on the strength of the peel. Regardless of whether or not you experience noticeable side effects from your chemical peel, you can trust that the process is working. The purpose of the peel is to accelerate cellular turnover. This can happen subtly without significant peeling. That said, the stronger your peel, the faster your cosmetic concerns may improve.
How Do I Prepare for a Chemical Peel?
Because chemical peels are somewhat irritating to the skin, it's important to prepare well ahead of time. If your skin is already in a vulnerable state due to tanning or other circumstances, you may have a greater risk of prolonged redness and inflammation. Suggestions for precautions before a chemical peel include:
- Do not undergo laser hair removal, waxing, electrolysis, or other hair removal treatments during the week before a chemical peel.
- Avoid using Retin-A and other strong exfoliating agents beginning three days before your peel.
- Avoid using benzoyl peroxide for three days before a chemical peel.
- Do not receive dermal fillers or laser treatments before a chemical peel. Wait until all sensitivity has resolved.
After-Treatment Care
Depending on the type of peel, there may be a mild to severe sunburn-like reaction. The gentlest type of peel, a superficial “lunchtime” peel, most often causes some redness. Some patients experience scaling of the skin that can last three to five days.
Medium-depth and deep peels may cause swelling and blisters. These blisters may break, crust and turn brown, and then cause the skin to peel off. Deeper peels take seven to 14 days or longer to heal completely. If blisters occur, you may need protective surgical tape on the treated skin to help prevent infection.
After treatment, dermatologists advise the daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen to help lessen the formation of new spots and lines.
People with certain skin types are at risk of having a temporary or lasting change in skin color after a chemical peel. This risk may increase if you take birth control pills, have been pregnant or have a family history of brownish spots (hyperpigmentation) on the face.
Although very low, there is a risk of scars after a chemical peel. If scarring does occur, there are many treatments to decrease scars.
People with a history of fever blisters (cold sores) or keloids (raised scars) are at higher risk for complications after a chemical peel. Talk to your dermatologist if you have these problems so that he or she can take proper precautions.
The Miami Peel
The Miami Peel (Salicylic Acid Peel) is a proven and patented light-to-medium peel formula that effectively exfoliates bleaches and inhibits pigment production. This type of peel is also effective in the treatment of Acne and will simultaneously help to reduce the inflammatory hyperpigmentation associated with Acne lesions.
The Miami Peel is a great option for patients who want to correct melasma, sun damage and pigment discoloration of any kind. It is also beneficial in the treatment of Acne.
The S-30 Miami Peel
This is a light to medium peel containing salicylic acid 30% ascorbic acid (vitamin c), green tea extract and other antioxidants. It effectively exfoliates and removes dead skin cells, helps stimulate natural skin renewal, diminishes the appearance of pores and helps to lighten and even skin tone.
The Miami Peel S-30 formula works best for patients who want to achieve a more youthful and even skin tone and, is very beneficial as part of a physician-supervised treatment course to correct photoaging, sun damage and pigment discoloration of any kind. It is especially effective in the treatment of Acne, as it helps to regulate the sebaceous glands and oil secretions.
Video: Watch Our Patient Testimonial for Chemical Peel Treatment
Contact Us In Miami Beach
If a chemical peel interests you, please contact our board-certified dermatologists today by calling 305.532.4478 or by scheduling an appointment online.
