1805 N California Street, Suite 405 Stockton, CA 95204     (209) 870-7100
1805 N California Street, Suite 405 Stockton, CA 95204     (209) 870-7100

CHEMICAL PEELS

OVERVIEW

At the Plastic Surgery Center of Stockton, we offer a variety of chemical peel treatment options. A chemical peel is a facial rejuvenation treatment that removes the top layer of skin to reveal another fresh layer and promote new skin tissue growth. It achieves this through application of a chemical solution which works to peel away and destroy damaged or dead cells. It is a safe and effective way to attain a clear, softer appearance. There are a number of skin problems a chemical peel can resolve, such as smoothening fine wrinkles, helping with acne scars, uneven pigmentation, rough textures, and sun damage. There are different degrees of peels depending on the patient’s cosmetic goals and their skin condition prior to treatment.

PROCEDURE

Chemical peels can be categorized into three types:  superficial, medium, and deep peels.

  1. The superficial-depth peels are usually administered by an aesthetician and most commonly consist of alpha-hydroxy acids [lactic acid, glycolic acid].  Superficial peels can be applied to nearly every skin type. Superficial peels are usually administered in a series of six to eight peels, with each peel being given every two or three weeks apart. Superficial peels are performed by our aesthetician.
  2. Medium-depth peels are have greater penetrability into the skin and are used to treat deeper lines and wrinkles as well as sun-damage spots. The classic medium depth peel is TCA [trichloracetic acid].  Medium peels are usually administered at four to six month intervals.  Medium peels are performed by Dr. Burlin and Dr. Kludt
  3. Deep-depth peels have very deep penetration into the skin, are typically very caustic and are associated with many more side effects such as prolonged skin pinkness and late skin discoloration.  Deep peels, althought not as popular as they were in the past, are performed by Dr. Burlin and Dr. Kludt.

AFTERCARE

Recovery from a chemical peel depends on the type of peel, the planned depth of the peel, the specific method of application, how long it is left on the skin, the method and effectiveness of neutralization, the post-peel home instruction regimen, and how faithfully the patient follows those instructions.   In general, the patient satisfaction with chemical peels is excellent and a key indicator of that is the high rate in which patients come back for additional peeling procedures over time.