Are Chemical Peels Safe?

Chemical peels are a great way to quickly change your skin's look to reveal a healthier and younger glow. However, the treatment requires a chemical on your face, which can cause significant side effects if you're not careful.

It's essential that you do your research before going forward with a chemical peel. Even though there are different types of peels, you should be aware of the side effects of each one on your skin.

The team at Meridian Plastic Surgery are experts in aesthetic treatments for your skin. Our two plastic surgery specialists are Dr. Mark Elliott and Dr. Lee Thornton. Dr. Elliott and Dr. Thornton assist you in deciding if a chemical peel is the best treatment for your skin and your goals.

What are chemical peels?

Chemical peels are aesthetic procedures where our team applies a chemical solution to the skin on your face, hands, or neck. The chemical solution damages the top layer of skin, forcing it to "peel" off, revealing smoother and healthier skin.

There are various forms of chemical peels that you can receive, which address multiple skin concerns, including the following:

• Scars
• Redness
• Uneven skin tone
• Wrinkles
• Fine lines
• Sun damage
• Melasma

Depending on the type of chemical peel you get, you may have some downtime and need to recuperate at home for several weeks. Healing time varies, with a light peel taking about seven days and a deep peel taking up to three weeks.

Our team provides post-peel instructions to ensure you get the best results. Home care involves treating your skin with moisturizers, avoiding makeup, and staying out of the sun while your skin heals.

The chemical peel process

There are different levels of chemical peels depending on what issues you want to address and how deep you want to go with the peel. 

Our team evaluates your concerns and your goals to determine which of the following peels is best for your needs:

Light peel

Also known as superficial peels, light peels only penetrate the top layer of your skin. They exfoliate lightly, leaving your skin refreshed and flawless after you heal.

Medium peel

Medium chemical peels are more effective than light peels in removing damaged skin. These peels can get to both the outer and middle layers of skin to give you a more dramatic result.

Deep peel

Deep chemical peels are the most aggressive form of peel. They can reach the entire middle layer of your skin, removing severe damage and revealing dramatically younger-looking skin underneath.

Are they safe for your skin?

Chemical peels are incredibly safe when a professional performs the procedure or under the supervision of a doctor. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, dermatologists have safely done chemical peels for over 50 years.

Our team takes special care to understand your skin and sensitivities to ensure your safety during a chemical peel. It's also okay to have repeated chemical peels to maintain your results, but you can only have one deep peel.

If you have any concerns about having a chemical peel, our team can help you with any questions. A chemical peel is a safe way to remove damaged skin cells to promote a healthier and glowing complexion.

Possible complications of chemical peels

Like any other aesthetic procedure, chemical peels have risks and side effects, mainly medium and deep ones. We discuss these potential risks with you before scheduling your appointment.

Most of the side effects of chemical peels are mild and go away independently. Some of the most common concerns you may notice after a chemical peel include the following:

• Redness
• Dryness
• Mild swelling
• Stinging
• Burning

In some cases, a chemical peel can lead to an infection or changes in your skin color. However, these side effects are rare.

Call our office at 601-693-7742 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Thornton or Dr. Elliott to discuss a chemical peel. You can also request an appointment online.