Chemical peel before & after photos
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How Long Does a Chemical Peel Last?

Hi, I have been researching types of chemical peels, but I am confused about some things: Once you have a peel done, how long does it last? Does this vary by type? When they say 'recovery period' , i.e. 7 days, does that mean you have to stay in for 7 days? Thanks.

Asked 60 months ago by SDstarfish in 92110
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+3

Chemical Peels and Fruit Washes for refreshing and rejuvenating skin

Chemical peels are usually divided into superficial, medium, and deep peels. Medium peels, using combinations of acids, such as trichloroacetic acid and Jessner's solution, among others, penetrate to the dermis and are effective for improving mild to moderate photodamage and wrinkling. Healing generally takes about 7-10 days and is accompanied by some oozing, scabs and crusts. The results may last for at least a year or more and with continued sun protection far longer. Deep... more
Nelson L. Novick, MD
New York Dermatologic Surgeon
+3

Information on Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can be used to get rid of acne, as well as scarring. They remove the top layers of the skin, where the most dead skin cells are and prevent pored from getting clogged. Most peels deliver results within two weeks. Chemical peels can last for about 2 months. The recovery period is probably referring to the time before the results are seen. However if you are younger I would look into an facial, if you go to a good place a facial will do the trick, and many plastic and cosmetic... more
Kimberly A. Henry, MD
Greenbrae Plastic Surgeon
+2

Peels vary a great deal

Hello, The down time for a peel varies quite a bit. Light chemical peels have essentially no downtime but do not change things much. Heavier peels make you look like your face is a mummy's face for a week or so. The results last depending upon how deeply the skin was treated. Light peel results last a few weeks. Deeper peels last months to years.
John P. Di Saia, MD
Orange Plastic Surgeon
+2

Chemical peel longevity and recovery

It is good to ask yourself what are the goals you seek for your skin. If it just signs of aging, a bland complexion, or light acne, then very superficial to superficial peels plus a strong home regimen is worthwhile. There is almost no recovery with these. If there are heavy lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation and you want your face back, then you would want to take the time for preparation seeking a deeper peel, and some recovery of up to 2 weeks, plus a maintenance regimen. Chemical... more
Donn Hickman, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Chemical peels and recovery

The type of chemical peel chosen for your skin depends on the underlying condition being treated and your skin type. The depth of the peel chosen depends on these things, location, and the amount of "down time" the patient is able to have. Lighter peels are chosen with the understanding that the desired results may be acheived after a series of peels, instead of one. This is done if the patient is not able to have a long "recovery" period. The "recovery"... more
Purvisha Patel, MD
Germantown Dermatologist
+1

Chemical Peels and Downtime

Typically, the longer it takes you to heal the better result you will get. The ones performed by physicians are medium to deep peels, ask to see some pictures of the recovery process.
Melanie L. Petro, MD
Alabama Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Several Types of Chemical Peels

A chemical peel is a chemical solution applied to the skin’s surface to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration of the skin (such as sun and age spots). They can also be usedf for acne and acne scarring. A chemical peel also refreshes skin texture and color creating a youthful and rejuvenated glow of the skin. Chemical peels fall into three categories: superficial, medium and deep peeling. Superficial peeling is traditionally the least aggressive, while medium and deep... more
Channing R. Barnett, MD
New York Dermatologist
+1

Duration depends on depth of peel

Light peels that affect only the superficial layer of the skin called the epidermis can be expected to show improved texture and tone for about 1-2 months. This is because it takes the skin cells approximately 30 days to repopulate the epidermis. Chemicals used for light peels include salicylic acid, glycolic acid (lower percentages), TCA 15%, Jessner's solution. Medium peels can have effects lasting anywhere from 2-6 months because they affect the epidermis and a portion of the... more
Michael Contreras, MD
Denver Dermatologist
+1

Chemical Peel Results will vary

The results of a chemical peel will vary with your skin type and the type of chemical peel that is performed. Most chemical peels are done in a series of treatments to achieve the best results. For example, a glycolic peel can be done once every 2-4 weeks for a series of about 6 treatments depending on your skin type and your goals/areas of concern. Typically after a series of treatments your results will last for about 6 months if well maintained with home care products and daily use of an... more
Armando Soto, MD
Orlando Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facial Chemical Peels

Chemical peels range from the simple glycolic acid peels that you can do at home to the Obagi or similar phenol peels or high concentration TCA peels that require general anesthesia to handle. Peels that don't cause any discomfort help minimally. Whereas peels that require anesthesia take 2 or more weeks to recover from. I'm a fan of the inbetween. I use the VI or Vitality peel that can be used every 3 months. It gives a great result that patients are happy with. By adding the... more
Christopher L. Hess, MD
Fairfax Plastic Surgeon
+1

Chemical Peel result duration

Cosmetic results from a chemical peel are mostly dependent on depth of peel, chemical agent, and your skin quality. Patients get better results with deeper peels; however, the recovery time and potential risks are higher. Any location where skin care takes place must be clean & sterile. Generally speaking fruit peels, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid are very superficial and do not go deep into the skin. Some of the home peels are available for patients to self-administer. Consequently,... more
Houtan Chaboki, MD
Washington DC Facial Plastic Surgeon
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