What is a Chemical Peel? Find the Younger-Looking You Waiting to be Revealed

Sun exposure, acne, and the natural aging process can leave your skin tone uneven, wrinkled, spotted, or scarred.

If you want your skin to look smoother and younger, consider a chemical peel, which uses a chemical solution to smooth the texture of your skin by removing the damaged outer layers.

A chemical peel, also called chemexfoliation or derma peeling, is one of the least invasive ways to improve the appearance of your skin. Although chemical peels are usually applied to the face, they can also improve the skin on your neck and hands. The new, regenerated skin is typically smoother and less wrinkled and is also temporarily more sensitive to the sun. Ask today about how a chemical peel in Nashville can help your skin.

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Chemical Peels are a Safe and Effective Way to Improve 

  • Acne or acne scars
  • Age and liver spots
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Irregular pigmentation
  • Rough skin and scaly patches
  • Sun-damaged skin
  • Splotching due to taking birth control pills
  • Skin that is dull in texture and color
  • Certain scars
  • Freckles

What are my Treatment Options for Chemical Peels in Nashville, TN?

Chemical peels can be divided into three categories: light, intermediate, and deep, or multi-level. As a general rule, the deeper the chemical peel, the longer the recovery period – and the more profound the results. 

When considering a chemical peel, you can consult with Dr. Moran to determine which level of peel is best suited to your skin concerns and lifestyle. The choice of peel will depend on your specific goals and the extent of correction required. Regardless of the type, chemical peels can help you achieve smoother, more radiant skin, and enhance your overall complexion.

Light Chemical Peels

Light peels are the mildest option and are typically used for superficial skin issues. They involve the application of a gentle acid solution, such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), glycolic acids, retinol, resorcinol, and kojic acids, among others to exfoliate the outermost layer of skin. Light peels have minimal downtime, and patients can often return to their daily activities immediately after treatment. They are effective for improving skin texture, addressing mild pigmentation issues, and providing a refreshed appearance.

Intermediate Chemical Peels

Intermediate peels are more intensive than light peels and often use 20-35% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or a combination of acids. These peels penetrate deeper into the skin, targeting moderate sun damage, wrinkles, and uneven pigmentation. Recovery time is longer compared to light peels, with a few days to a week of potential redness and peeling. The results are noticeable and provide a significant improvement in skin texture and tone.

Deep or Multi-Level Chemical Peels

Deep peels are the most aggressive and are typically performed with phenol or high concentrations of TCA. These peels penetrate deeply into the skin and are used to treat severe sun damage, deep wrinkles, and significant skin imperfections. The recovery period is more extended, often spanning several weeks, during which the skin may peel, crust, and gradually heal. Deep chemical peels can produce dramatic results, effectively addressing deep-seated issues and providing a more youthful complexion.

My Chemical Peel Treatment: What to Expect

Dr. Moran tailors the procedure to each patient’s skin type and concerns. She performs chemical peels in the Nashville greater area on an outpatient basis.

The actual experience will depend on the type of peel you’re having done. A light chemical peel takes less time and doesn’t require any anesthesia, whereas we may administer a sedative and a local anesthetic with a deep peel.

Dr. Moran will apply the chosen chemical solution to your skin during the procedure. During this process, you may feel a slight tingling sensation if you’re having a light or medium peel or a burning sensation if you’re having a deep peel.

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After Your Chemical Peel

Following a light or medium chemical peel, patients typically experience minimal downtime. The treated skin may appear slightly red or flaky, resembling a mild sunburn, which usually subsides within a few days. It's essential to follow post-treatment instructions provided by Dr. Moran, which may include gentle skincare and sun protection to promote optimal healing and maintain the results.

In contrast, deep chemical peels require a more extended recovery period due to their deeper penetration and more aggressive treatment. After a deep peel, Dr. Moran will carefully apply a thick layer of protective ointment over the treated area. The treated skin will gradually peel and regenerate over the next several days or even weeks. It's crucial during this time to avoid sun exposure and adhere strictly to the provided post-peel care instructions to ensure the best possible outcome.

Is a Chemical Peel Right for Me?

The best Nashville chemical peel candidates are men and women who want to address surface imperfections that the procedure can correct – such as acne scars, complexion issues, sun damage, and fine lines. 

Dr. Moran can discuss candidacy with you during your initial consultation. However, you may need a different solution if you:

  • Are of Afro-Caribbean or Asian descent
  • Have facial warts, abnormal pigmentation, or a history of skin scarring
  • Have red hair and pale, freckled skin
  • Used certain acne treatments within the last year

It’s important to note that a chemical peel is not a solution for deep facial lines, sagging skin, broken capillaries, large pores, or deep scars. 

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Mary Lynn

Moran MD

Meet Dr. Moran

With over 28 years at the helm of our concierge practice, Dr. Mary Lynn Moran is one of the nation’s top plastic surgeons. She is the only female Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon in Tennessee, and the first woman elected as president of the AAFPRS. She’s a renowned educator, speaker, and surgeon, and an assistant clinical professor in the department of otolaryngology at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

Discover Your Options

To learn more about what our chemical peels can do for you, please contact our Franklin, TN office today and schedule a consultation.  

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