Improve Your Image, Without Going Under the Knife

By George K. Verghese, MD

Mid-Atlantic Skin Surgery Institute

. https://midatlanticskinsurgery.com/

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Improve Your Image, Without Going Under the Knife

If you're unhappy with the appearance of your skin and are looking for a way to make some small improvements, plastic surgery isn't your only option. A chemical peel is a simple and inexpensive approach to adjusting your skin without going under the knife.

A chemical peel is a procedure that uses a chemical solution to exfoliate the damaged outer layers of your skin, revealing the new, regenerated skin underneath. It is typically performed on the face, neck, and hands.

A peel is one of the least invasive ways to negate the effects of sun damage and rid your skin of scars, age and liver spots, wrinkles, crow's feet, freckles, irregular pigmentation, and rough, scaly patches.

According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, there are three basic types of peels. A superficial or lunchtime peel only affects the outer layer of the skin. This treatment is best for refreshing your skin and addressing mild discoloration or roughness.

A medium peel penetrates the outer and middle layer of the skin and removes damaged skin cells. In addition to improving superficial damage, it can also treat some precancerous skin growths and reduce the appearance of age spots, wrinkles, and freckles.

A deep peel is the most intense, and it can remove moderate lines, age spots, freckles and shallow scars. This treatment will yield very visible results, but is only used on the face, and can only be done once.

A chemical peel is a great option for minor to moderate skin damage, but it is not a complete solution for serious damage. If you have deep facial lines or scars, loose or sagging skin, broken capillaries, or large pores, you should consider a more intensive treatment.

To find out if a chemical peel is the right choice for you, consult with a dermatologic surgeon to evaluate your condition and determine the best treatment. Your surgeon will also be able to explain what to expect if you do opt for the procedure, and walk you through the recovery process.

Generally, peels only cause mild discomfort (stinging, redness, irritation, crusting), and they are not excessively painful. Depending on the type of peel you undergo, you will need to allow ample time for your skin to heal, and you will also need to apply cream or medication as directed.

With the help of a dermatologic surgeon, you should have no trouble finding the best procedure to rejuvenate your skin to leave you looking younger and healthier.