Frequently Asked Chemical Peel Questions

Q – What is a chemical peel and who is a good candidate for a chemical peel?

Chemical peels come in many different varieties and can treat many different conditions. We offer a full range of chemical peels from PCA skin products to treat different skin concerns as well as a full strength physicians peel which requires anesthesia. The PCA peels are performed in the office by our trained staff and usually have very limited recovery time. The physicians peel is often performed with other surgical procedures and while it produces fabulous results for facial lines, pigmented spots and other age related changes, it also requires 14 days of recovery. Because of the variety of chemical peels we offer many patients can benefit.

Q – What is the difference between the kind of chemical peels that you perform and an aesthetician performs?

The chemical peels that an aesthetician performs are light in nature and are by law only allowed to affect the epidermis. While a series of these peels can be very beneficial to the skins tone and texture they cannot provide the degree of improvement that a peel performed by Dr. Buckingham can achieve. That is a peel that penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin. We do however offer a full range and depth of chemical peels at our office.

Q – Where is the chemical peel performed?

The lighter PCA chemical peels are performed in the office. The deeper, surgeons strength peels are usually performed in an accredited ambulatory surgery center, however on occasion peels limited to the mouth and lip region are performed in the office.

Q – What type of anesthesia is used for a chemical peel?

Only the deeper chemical peels require anesthesia. When anesthesia is utilized the procedure is performed in an ambulatory surgery center and intravenous anesthesia a.k.a monitored anesthesia care is utilized.

Q – Do you have much pain after a chemical peel?

Regardless of the depth of peel utilized there is very little to no discomfort after the peel. The deeper peels are painful to deliver and require anesthesia, however after the peel the skin only feels a little warm and tight, but not painful.

Q – What is the down time for a chemical peel?

The PCA peels vary from 1-3 days of light flaking and slight redness. The surgeons peel requires an ointment to be used on the face continuously for 10 days and no makeup can be worn for 14 days. Following this time period a special mineral based make-up will be provided that will cover any residual redness.

Q – Do I need to discontinue any products before the chemical peel?

There are certain types of products such as Retin-A that need to be discontinued prior to the peel. Additionally, you may not have received Accutane in the past year. Prior to the peel a detailed medical history will be conducted to verify that the appropriate agents have been discontinued in a timely fashion.

Q – How do I take care of myself after the chemical peel?

We will provide you with detailed written instructions describing how to take care of your skin prior to the peel and during the healing phase. The deeper peel requires an ointment to be worn for 10 days and a special cleanser to be used. We provide all of the necessary care items to our patients. We additionally see all of our patients frequently during the recovery process to walk them through exactly how to care for their skin.

Q – Can I wear makeup after a chemical peel?

Some of the lighter peels allow make-up to be worn immediately after the peel. The deep physicians peel however does not allow makeup to be worn for 14 days.

Q – Do I need to stay out of the sun after a chemical peel? How long?

Regarding the deep surgeons peel, you will need to stay out of the sun completely for 14 days following the peel. Once makeup can be applied, the makeup has a sunscreen included which will allow for sun exposure for normal daily activities with limited exposure. Activities such as tennis and golf which require prolonged sun exposure cannot be undertaken until the face will allow more potent sunscreen, which is usually at one month. After sunscreen can be introduced sun exposure is completely allowed and not limited in any way, however, the sun is a large contributor to facial aging and so can undo some of the results of the peel. We are huge advocates of a healthy outdoor lifestyle, but strongly encourage all of our patients to protect their skin with sunscreen and clothing.

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