A chemical peel is one of the oldest cosmetic treatments performed in the world, and according to the American Society for Dermatology Surgery, “A chemical peel is a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin on the face, neck, or hands. A chemical solution is applied to the skin that causes it to exfoliate and eventually peel off. The new, regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin.” https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/Chemical-Peels, and according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons more than one million people received chemical peels in 2012.
Per the 2012 ASPS President Gregory Evans, MD, “For the third consecutive year, the overall growth in cosmetic surgery continues to be driven by a significant rise in minimally-invasive procedures, while surgical procedures remain relatively stable…” According to the report the statistics for minimally invasive procedures were: Botox® (6.1 million procedures, up 8 percent); Soft tissue fillers (2 million procedures, up 5 percent); Chemical peel (1.1 million procedures, up 2 percent); Laser hair removal (1.1 million procedures, up 4 percent); Microdermabrasion (974,000 procedures, up 8 percent).” https://www.medicaldaily.com/botox-fillers-and-chemical-peels-soar-new-heights-2012-244475.
Per the American Society for Dermatology Surgery, there are three types of chemical peels.
- 1. Superficial/lunchtime peel: Alpha-hydroxy acid or another mild acid is used to penetrate only the outer layer of the skin to gently exfoliate it. The treatment is used to improve the appearance of mild skin discoloration and rough skin as well as to refresh the face, neck, chest, or hands. Superficial peels take 1 -7 days to heal.
- 2. Medium peel: Glycolic or trichloroacetic acid is applied to penetrate the out and middle layers of skin to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment is used to improve age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. Requires 7 – 14 days to heal.
- 3. Deep peel: Trichloroacetic acid or phenol is applied to deeply penetrate the middle layer of skin to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment removes moderate lines, age spots, freckles, and shallow scars. Patients will see a dramatic improvement in skin appearance. The procedure is used on the face and only can be performed once. Requires 14 – 21 days to heal.
https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/Chemical-Peels