Chemical peels have been used for many years to create softer, smoother skin and to reduce wrinkling, breakouts, hyperpigmentation and acne scars.

A chemical peel basically uses a chemical agent to “wound” the skin in a controlled manner. This controlled wound may be superficial or deep, depending on the agent being used and the application process. As the “wound” heals, collagen reorganization and remodeling occurs, giving the skin a softer, smoother appearance. 

Chemical peels may be used to treat:

• acne and acne scarring
• pigmentation changes
• coarse, rough textured skin
• fine lines and wrinkles

Yes! While different conditions require different chemical agents and depths of peels, treatments can be tailored to your specific concerns and allowable downtime to help you achieve your skin rejuvenation goals. It is important to have your specific condition evaluated by a physician specifically trained in chemical peels. With many agents available, selecting the appropriate peeling agent for your condition is of vital importance, so that you may get the best treatment for you. After completion of his plastic and reconstructive surgery training, Dr. Walker completed special training on the use of chemical peels. At Allure Plastics, we have a large variety of chemical agents available that will allow Dr. Walker to create a treatment plan specific to your needs. Call to schedule your appointment today!

Chemical peels are safe for treatment of acne and acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, poorly textured skin and skin with pigmentation changes. Potential complications include poor wound healing, dyspigmentation, infection and scarring. Allergic reactions are rare but possible.

During your consultation, we will discuss chemical peel risks and treatment alternatives, and together we will develop a treatment plan suitable to your individual goals. 

While chemical peels are a safe treatment for most patients, there are certain conditions that would preclude an individual from being a chemical peel candidate.  These include individuals with:

• history of hypertrophic scarring
• use of Accutane (isotretinoin) within 1 year
• recent facial surgery
• recent waxing or laser treatments to the same area
• open wounds or infection in treatment area
• medical conditions including Diabetes, autoimmune diseases, sunburn or tanning of any type within last 2 weeks
• certain medications
• pregnant or nursing mothers

At the time of consultation, we will discuss your medical history and recent medications, and together we will design a treatment plan specific to you.

Because chemical peels are tailored to your individual skin condition and goals of therapy, you should expect to see improvement in those specific areas. Lighter peels may require multiple treatments to help you obtain your desired look. Other modalities of treatment, such as laser therapy or broad band light, may be needed to optimize your results. At Allure Plastics, our goal is help repair and restore your skin, giving it a soft, smooth appearance and a healthy glow.

*Individual results may vary

After a consultation to determine your goals with treatment, Dr. Walker will perform a history and physical exam to ensure that you are an appropriate candidate for chemical peeling and identify any factors that could lead to an undesirable result or put you at risk for complications.

If you are deemed a good candidate, the procedure will follow a few steps:

• the treatment area will be cleansed and de-greased
• the peeling agent will be applied to the treatment area and left for a short period of time. This step may be repeated, depending on desired depth of peel.
• depending on the agent used, it may be neutralized or washed off

Following the procedure, you will likely experience mild to moderate redness, skin tingling or slight burning sensation, and some skin flaking.   

You will need to protect the treatment area with sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) for a period of time. Moisturizers or other skin care products may be suggested to optimize your results. Timing of when to start these will be based on your specific chemical peel and will be discussed in detail during your consultation. 

You will need to avoid exfoliating for at least 1 week and should not use AHA’s, BHA’s, Vitamin A, retinols or retinoic acid during the recovery period. Dr. Walker will explain when you may restart your normal skin care regimen. 

There are a number of peeling agents available, which often times creates confusion to both patients and even physicans. Through my plastic surgery training and my additional training with the use of chemical peels, I have gained an understanding and appreciation for the many options available. The choice of the specific agent depends on an individual’s treatment goals, skin condition, skin type, and their tolerance for downtime. Together, we will create a specific plan to suit your personal goals. Skin rejuvenation is a process, and I will be available to you every step of the way to evaluate our progress, alter treatment plans as needed, and offer suggestions on products and alternative treatments that will optimize your result and help you achieve a smooth, fresh, rejuvenated look. I look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your skin rejuvenation goals.