Chemical Peels in Gainesville, FL

Chemical peels are used to improve the look of a patient's skin. They do this by removing the top layer of the skin, which holds old or dead skin cells. This stimulates the body to not only produce new skin cells but to produce its own collagen, which is a material that keeps skin elastic. As performed by Dr. Poser, a Gainesville chemical peel also reduces the looks of scars, wrinkles, irregular pigmentation and freckles, sun damage and fine lines.

Three types of chemical peels:

During the treatment, Dr. Poser will paint the patient's face with an acid to exfoliate the top layers of the skin. An acid isn't what you may think! These are acids that are derived from milk, fruit and Vitamin A.

Superficial Chemical Peel

During a superficial chemical peel, the doctor will clean the patient's face then brush the acid onto the skin. It will be left on for a few minutes. Then, the acid will be washed off.

The patient will feel a bit of stinging when the acid is applied. There may also be irritation and redness. But these after effects go away, especially after the patient has had a few treatments.

Medium Chemical Peel

This peel not only removes the upper, dead layer of skin cells but part of the dermis, which is the layer of skin beneath. The acids used in a medium depth chemical peel are trichloroacetic and glycolic acid.

The initial cosmetic procedure is very much like what happens during a superficial chemical peel, though the sensations of stinging may be more intense, and the area treated might turn a grayish color. The acid is neutralized with a compress dipped in cool salt water.

The skin might be discolored for as long as a month and half before the patient sees the good results of the peel. During that time, the patient needs to keep out of the sun or use a strong sunscreen if he or she must go out.

Deep Chemical Peel

This type of peel uses a strong chemical called phenol to penetrate deeply into the dermis, which is the second layer of skin. Phenol might be contraindicated for some people with pre-existing medical conditions.

Dr. Poser may need to give the patient a sedative to be able to manage any discomfort. Again, the non-surgical procedure is the same as with a superficial and medium peel, but at the end ointment, tape or a medicated piece of gauze is applied to the skin. The skin will swell, peel and crust over for a few days after the treatment, but the doctor will prescribe medication for the pain.

Gainesville Cosmetic Surgery Center

Depending on the depth of the peel, the treatment can last from 15 minutes to two hours. If the patient is having a superficial chemical peel to remove old acne scars, he or she will probably need to have three or four sessions. To remove wrinkles and fine lines, two medium depth chemical peels may be needed.

People who are interested in having Gainesville chemical peels shouldn't hesitate to contact Dr. Poser at our center for cosmetic surgery.