Chemical Peel: Q&A

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Chemical Peel Recovery Time

I am a professional, very busy. Cannot afford to be out of work for long recovering from a chemical peel. How much downtime can I expect from chemical peels of different depths?

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23 Doctor Answers | Asked by anon

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Chemical peels and downtime

IMHO, you simply cannot have your cake and eat it too. I am certain that others will disagree with me but the peels or the fractionated lasers that brag about being lunchtime or no downtime, are, in my opinion, not particularly effective either. On the other hand, a light-medium depth peel on a Friday might have you back to work on a Monday and still achieve a reasonable effect.

Lawrence Kass, MD

33 reviews

Saint Petersburg Oculoplastic Surgeon

www.kassmd.com

Downtime after chemical peels

The amount of downtime after a chemical peel depends on the strength of the peel. Depending upon your goals, and the condition of your skin, there are a number of chemical peels that are what I call 'low to no downtime." There include glycolic acid, salicylic acid, Jessner's and Vi Peel. The peeling process is usually over in a week. The peeling usually starts 1-3 days after treatment and is most noticable for about 24 hours after it starts. I... more

TCA peels recovery time

TCA peels are very effective for removing signs of photoaging and discolorations. The peel usually looks bad for 3-7 days. Some people heal quicker but I would not count on it. Assume you will be out of the public eye for 7 days.

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Chemical Peel downtime

The amount of downtime you have from a chemical peel really depends on the type (strength) of the peel. Superficial peels which include glycolic acid, salicylic acid and TCA 15% do not cause much downtime at all. Patients undergoing superficial chemical peeling can expect to have mild redness and peeling, both of which can be easily covered up. More aggressive peeling (medium strength and higher) can cause a lot more swelling, redness, crusting and peeling and therefore have greater... more

Chemical peel for busy professional

First you need to identify what you what to correct with the peel. Or could it be just "maintenance"? The type of peel that will meet your goals can then be selected. The recovery time depends on the peel. So, for example, if you have significant facial wrinkles, this will require a peel such as a TCA. You will be "out of commission" for about a week. If you have some areas of pigmentation, skin is dull, etc. you could do a series of glycolic peels with no downtime... more

Chemical peel downtime

Moderate or medium depth chemical peels with 35% TCA will get great results, but snake skin peeling starts 3 days after the peel and lasts 1 week. Superficial peels do not achieve the same results but can be done with little to no downtime. You may consider a series of fractionated erbium yag laser peels, as these can be done on Friday, and by Monday there is no real evidence of the treatment. However, remember this may require several treatments for optimal results, and the more aggressive... more

Different Strengths of Chemical Peels

In our office, we offer many different depths of chemical peels in order to accomodate any lifestyle. Our most minimal downtime comes from the SkinCeuticals Micropeel - which offers no downtime and with a series of these peels, you will get great results with reducing fine lines, pore size, and acne, all while making your skin more radiant. We also offer something called the "Party Peel" (SkinMedica Illuminize Peel), which is great to do the day of an event. It makes your skin glow and look... more

Chemical Peels

Chemical Peels are an amazing treatment to reduce the appearance of fine lines, brown spots and congested pores. There are many different strengths of peels available. A peel with minimal downtime is the PCA Sensi Peel. This peel is often done with Microdermabrasion and the results are amazing! You will have an immediate glow and slight flaking will possibly occur 2-3 days later whicah will only last a couple of days. You can return to work the same day as... more

Chemical Peel Downtime

There are different types of chemical peels with a different peel strength. The chemical solution is applied to your skin that causes it to pill off. The less aggressive peels are performed by the aesthetician in the spa. After that type of a peel, the downtime is usually short, from a few days to a week. Clients may return to work the same day or the next. The procedure can be repeated every few weeks. After receiving a superficial peel you will usually experience mild... more

It depends on which chemical peel you choose!

With a mild chemical peel, there is barely any down time required. Any mild resultant dryness or peeling can be treated with moisturizer. Deeper peels will need about a week or more for recovery. Discuss with your physician which peel will best meet your goals.

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

Chemical Peel: Q&A