Chemical Peel Cost

If you’ve ever wanted to do a chemical peel at a specialized office, you’ve probably wondered what this procedure entails and what its advantages are. Chemical peeling is part of a range of dermatological treatments and is used to combat or improve some skin conditions, with visible results. You can perform a chemical peeling if you want smoother skin, with fewer wrinkles.

Although this article talks about specialized treatments, before performing the first chemical peeling session, you need a dermatological consultation. Only the doctor can tell you whether there are contraindications for this procedure or whether you can perform it safely.

Since chemical peeling brings numerous benefits to the skin, find out what they are and what information you should take into account, before knocking on the specialist’s door.

How much does a chemical peel cost?

There are several factors that affect the cost of a chemical peel, such as the geographic location of the office, the qualifications and expertise of the person performing the procedure, the effort and time required by the treatment or procedure, and the type of chemical peel performed. According to the most recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of a chemical peel is around $550.

The cost of a chemical peel procedure may include the facility expenses, the anesthesia costs (when performed with anesthesia), and the prescribed medication. Before having this procedure done, make sure you ask your surgeon about all the costs involved.

What is a chemical peel?

Chemical peeling is a medical procedure performed by dermatologists that aims to correct a few common skin problems. It involves the application of a combination of chemical substances to the affected area, the effect being exfoliation, removal of dead cells, and stimulation of the skin’s natural regeneration process. Depending on the problems presented by each patient, the doctor will decide the type of peeling necessary to solve the problem – fine wrinkles, post-acne scars, dehydration of the skin caused by the sun and smoking, hyperpigmentation, etc.

Types of chemical peel

Depending on the substances used and the intensity of the procedure, we can differentiate between three types of chemical peeling. Commonly used chemical solutions are alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA), trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and phenol.

Deep peeling

The technique involves the use of trichloroacetic acid or phenol to penetrate deep into the middle layer of the skin. The treatment removes moderate lines, spots caused by the aging process, freckles, and superficial scars. The procedure is used on the face, can be performed only once, and leads to an important improvement in the appearance of the skin. It is rarely used nowadays, being replaced by other procedures such as laser or fractional radiofrequency.

Medium peeling

Glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid are used to penetrate both the superficial layer and the middle layer of the skin, eliminating damaged cells. This type of peeling is used to treat skin spots caused by the aging process, fine lines, wrinkles, freckles, and moderate skin discoloration. Also, the technique can be used to smooth rough skin and treat certain precancerous changes, such as actinic keratoses.

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Superficial peeling

Alpha-hydroxy acids or other weak acids are used to penetrate only the superficial layer of the skin in order to gently exfoliate it. The treatment is used to improve the appearance of depigmented skin or rough skin, as well as to give a younger appearance to the face, neck, chest, or hands. Superficial peeling is accompanied by slight discomfort during the procedure, leads to fine peeling that can last 3-7 days, and allows the resumption of activity in a short time. To obtain optimal results, the procedure can be repeated at intervals of 3-6 weeks.

What does the chemical peel procedure involve?

Before starting the actual peeling, it will be necessary to clean the skin and ensure the protection of the eyes, by using special glasses or covering them with material. Then, if necessary, a local anesthetic can be applied. This is usually recommended if the type of peeling is stronger or if the intervention will be on a larger area.

The next step is to start the chemical peeling by applying the substance in question to the area that needs treatment. Depending on its type, it will have to be left to do its magic from 10 minutes to 2 hours. During this interval, slight sensations of tingling and pricking may appear, and the skin will acquire a lighter color.

In the end, the chemical substance used will have to be removed from the skin. If necessary, an additional solution might be applied, to neutralize the effect of the one used for the treatment.

The recovery period after chemical peeling

After performing a chemical peeling, the skin will be more sensitive than before. It is essential to avoid exposure to ultraviolet rays during and after the healing process. It should be mentioned that the skin may remain sensitive to the sun for a certain period after the cosmetic procedure.

Depending on the type of chemical peeling, a reaction similar to that of sunburn will appear on the skin. Peeling usually leads to reddened skin, followed by a period of controlled exfoliation, which ends in three to seven days.

Superficial peelings can be repeated at intervals of one to four weeks, depending on the desired result. On the other hand, medium-depth peelings require a longer recovery period and are repeated at longer intervals.

When is chemical peel recommended?

If you are thinking about chemical peeling, it means that you need to correct some skin problems. Here it’s when it is indicated:

In the case of clogged pores;
For reducing the sebaceous secretions;
In the case of fading fine, medium, or deep wrinkles;
In case of correction of pigment spots;
For treating acne marks.

What are the benefits of a chemical peel?

Chemical peeling can offer the following benefits:

Stimulating the skin’s natural regeneration process;
Fading of fine expression lines around the eyes and around the mouth;
Correction of imperfections and scars caused by acne;
Correcting the premature aging process caused by genetic factors or excessive exposure to the sun;
Reduction and elimination of pigment spots;
Reducing the signs of premature aging, mainly caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Possible risks or adverse effects

Such a procedure can sometimes cause certain adverse effects, more or less serious. It is important to be informed about them before going for the peeling. After this, redness will appear, which can be temporary or more persistent. Sometimes, the skin can become slightly pigmented (generally after superficial peelings) or discolored (after deep peelings).

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Other somewhat more severe, but rare, risks include the appearance of inflammation or the formation of crusts and scars and, at other times, even infection may occur. If this happens, contact your doctor and follow the treatment he will prescribe.

Contraindications

Chemical peeling is not a procedure that absolutely anyone can use. There are certain contraindications that you should take into account. If you have very dark skin, it is possible that the peeling will not have the desired effect. It should also be avoided if you have problems with acne and are either under treatment for it or have followed such treatment in the last 6 months.

Contraindications include the presence of scars. If over time, you have had to deal with types of scars that evolve over a longer period of time (keloid scars), chemical peeling is, again, not recommended. The same is true for people often affected by skin irritations or rashes.

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Alec Pow

Alec Pow is a thorough and methodical Financial and Business Analyst with over 15 years of experience in financial statement analysis, Foreign exchange derivative hedging instruments analysis, modeling, and risk management, with a long history of writing for big news publications like Forbes, MSN.com, Washington Post, and many more.