Chemical Peels Charlotte, NC

Our skin is one of the very first things that others notice about us — and over time, the complexion can start to become damaged by blemishes, hyperpigmentation, scarring, and other flaws that can make us feel self-conscious about how we look.

Chemical peels are among the most potent and effective weapons in the anti-aging arsenal. They can be customized to target your unique trouble zones and provide you with a more healthy, youthful, glowing aesthetic. During a chemical peel in our Charlotte, NC office, the outermost layer of damaged skin cells is exfoliated, revealing a pristine new layer below.

What is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel can be instrumental in removing dirt, debris, oil, and makeup from the skin. The topmost layer of dead skin cells is peeled away, revealing a fresher, more revitalized complexion underneath. Chemical peels leave the skin softer, healthier, and more inviting, boosting your self-image so you feel less self-conscious in social situations.

Different Types of Chemical Peels Available

AHA peel: This type of chemical peel is ideal for patients seeking minimal downtime and a seamless, stress-free experience. Using glycolic acid, fruit acids, and lactic acid, an AHA peel helps to minimize wrinkles and fine lines while correcting hyperpigmentation and rough skin patches. The AHA chemical peel is safe and non-invasive enough to be used with your daily skincare protocol.

Phenol peel: The phenol peel is the most stringent and aggressive type of chemical peel. It penetrates the skin deeply, targeting entrenched wrinkles, folds, and creases that are a result of sun damage over time. It can also correct pre-cancerous lesions. Because a phenol peel requires a significant amount of downtime and has the potential to scar the skin, it should only be performed by an experienced and precision-minded practitioner. After treatment, you will need to stay out of the sun and wear sunblock continuously.

TCA peel: The TCA peel is a middle-ground chemical peel between the AHA and the phenol peel. It can help reverse wrinkles, fine lines, uneven skin texture, and blemishes. While it does have a slightly longer recovery than the AHA peel, the TCA peel can accomplish remarkable anti-aging results without the lengthy downtime of the phenol peel. The TCA peel can be repeated several times to accomplish the same goals as a phenol peel without the more intense recuperation required.

Benefits of a Chemical Peel

Treatment can be customized to your skincare needs
Helps to combat age-related skin conditions (wrinkles, crow’s feet, and fine lines)
Corrects acne scarring
Addresses hyperpigmentation, melasma, and light freckles
Improves skin texture and tone
Helps control acne breakouts
Improves dry, rough, or oily skin
Increases the skin’s hydration
May correct pre-cancerous lesions
Shrinks enlarged pores
Corrects sun damage and age spots
Brightens the complexion
Promotes new collagen production
Enhances self-confidence

Preparing for a Chemical Peel

Before your chemical peel treatment, we will perform a physical evaluation and review of your medical history. It’s important that you disclose any medications or previous treatments. We may recommend several creams, gels, or lotions to use prior to your chemical peel that can help prepare the skin for exfoliation. You may also need to take antiviral medications if you have a history of cold sores.

If you’re a smoker, you’ll need to stop smoking about six weeks before your chemical peel. You’ll also need to avoid aspirin and other medications we talk to you about. Make sure you drink the proper amount of water in the week before your chemical peel. Staying well-hydrated is imperative to the procedure and can help ensure a smooth, stress-free experience. Lastly, you may want to arrange for someone to drive you home if you’re having a deeper peel, since the discomfort can make it difficult to drive safely.

What Happens During a Chemical Peel?

Before your chemical peel begins, we will cleanse your skin and give you a mild local anesthetic, depending on the level of the peel you’re having done. We will then apply the peel directly to your skin, and as it begins to dry, you may experience some tingling or burning. This is normal and means that the peel is doing its job, but do let us know if you’re too uncomfortable. Once the peel has been on your skin for the right amount of time, we will remove it and begin infusing your skin with topical products to enhance your results. Treatment time is approximately 30 minutes.

Risks Involved with Chemical Peels

Complications with chemical peels are very rare. Our team will discuss the specific risks associated with your type of peel during your confidential consultation. Risks may include scarring, poor healing, cold sores, blotchiness, whiteheads, and others. You can help to minimize these potential risks by carefully following the instructions we give you before and after your chemical peel.

Ideal Candidates for a Chemical Peel

If you’re in the Charlotte, NC area and you’re interested in a chemical peel to improve the appearance of your skin, you may be a great candidate. Smokers and those taking Accutane® will need to check with the doctor before embarking on a chemical peel procedure. Your candidacy will be reviewed in depth during your private consultation for chemical peel in Charlotte, NC, but in general, those who make good candidates for a chemical peel are those who:

Aren’t achieving the results they seek with over-the-counter skincare products
Want to prolong the results of other skin rejuvenation procedures
Do not have a history of abnormal skin scarring

What Happens After a Chemical Peel?

The recovery time for your treatment will depend on the depth of your chemical peel. With a light peel you can return to normal activities right away, whereas a deep phenol peel will require prolonged healing. After all peels, you’ll need to avoid sun exposure until the redness in your complexion has faded — and going forward, you’ll need to use sunscreen to help preserve and protect your results.

Why Choose Beck Aesthetic Surgery?

A chemical peel can shed years of sun damage and aging, helping you to feel more confident in how you look. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Joel Beck is a sought-after authority when it comes to any cosmetic procedure thanks to his skill, artistry, and exceptional attention to detail. His background in reconstructive techniques and burn surgery make him the ideal physician to oversee your chemical peel, ensuring it is performed safely and correctly. Dr. Beck is currently a member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the California Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the American College of Surgeons. He is also a frequent guest speaker at professional meetings, as well as a published author of several scholarly works in the field of plastic surgery.