Benefits of Chemical Peels

By removing older, damaged layers of skin, we can reveal smoother, youthful layers underneath with natural-looking results. Chemical peels at our Fairfield County med spa are generally performed with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and target deeper layers of skin than more conservative treatments, such as glycolic peels. TCA peels are considered medium-depth chemical peels and can reduce acne, scarring, and signs of aging such as brown spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.

We are also able to perform deep chemical peels. These procedures are usually performed with phenol. This treatment is used to remove precancerous growths as well as address more severe aesthetic concerns, such as deeper scars and more pronounced lines, wrinkles, and skin discolorations. However, this procedure is only suitable for the face.

Fairfield County chemical peels patient model smiling with head wrapped in a towel receiving med spa services

Are You a Candidate?

To qualify, your skin should be healthy overall with no untreated lesions or abnormal growths. Patients with fair skin and light hair are generally able to achieve better results with this procedure. However, TCA chemical peels are less likely to result in uneven skin tone for patients with darker skin than deeper peels. Our experienced Fairfield County plastic surgeon, Dr. Passaretti, will discuss your goals and the issues you wish to treat, and can recommend other surgical and non-surgical procedures if a chemical peel is not the best option for you.

The Chemical Peel Procedure

Because a chemical peel targets deeper layers of skin, you may require pretreatments such as creams or other more conservative peels to prepare your skin.

For patients at our med spa receiving a chemical peel Fairfield County plastic surgeon, Dr. Passaretti, will apply the chemical solution to the treatment area. The solution will be applied in multiple layers and left on the skin for a predetermined amount of time to achieve the results you want. We will then apply a neutralizing solution and cleanse your skin. Sedation and anesthesia will often be administered for a deep peel.

Multiple TCA chemical peels can be performed with treatments usually spread about two to three months apart. A TCA chemical peel can also be combined with other treatments, such as microdermabrasion, to achieve optimal results. After a chemical peel, smoother, suppler skin can be revealed, restoring a youthful appearance.

Types of

Chemical Peels

Lunchtime Chemical Peel

A light chemical peel is very gentle and involves little discomfort. Therefore, patients can usually return to their normal activities immediately following treatment. For this reason, the procedure is commonly referred to as a “lunchtime peel.” A light peel may be appropriate if you have minor skin blemishes, such as fine lines, small acne scars, or mild sun damage.

To perform the treatment, Dr. Passaretti or a member of his team will apply a mild chemical solution to your skin. Although you will receive a local anesthetic, the treatment does not require general sedation. Your practitioner will leave the solution on your skin for a short amount of time, and the entire process should not last more than an hour. Typically, you will need five to eight light peels to achieve optimal results.

Medium-depth Chemical Peel

Medium-depth peels use stronger chemicals. Therefore, they are typically appropriate for moderate imperfections. If you want to address wrinkles, scars, sunspots, uneven pigmentation, or circles under your eyes, this type of peel may be right for you. Your practitioner will apply trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to your skin, leaving it on for the appropriate amount of time. After the medium peel, your skin will become crusty and flake off, typically in three to seven days.

You may experience some redness and inflammation, which you can control with mild, non-prescription medication. The doctor will work with you to determine which type of chemical peel will best rejuvenate your skin to achieve a refreshed and youthful look. You can resume your normal activities immediately after a medium peel, although redness will persist for about a week. You will likely require several treatments for maximum results, depending upon your skin and its response to treatment.

Deep Chemical Peel

A deep chemical peel is a more intensive procedure that may be appropriate for significant imperfections. If you have pronounced wrinkles, serious sun damage, or large scars, this treatment may be the right solution. In some cases, a deep chemical peel can even help to remove precancerous growths.

Unlike light and medium peels, a deep peel does not target isolated areas. Instead, your practitioner will treat the entire face. Immediately after a deep peel, a crust will form on your skin, which you will gradually shed over seven to ten days. Redness may persist for two to three months. Although recovery time from a deep peel is longer than for other types of peels, you will require only one treatment, and you will enjoy dramatic results that may last for years.

Recovery and Risks

The recovery period after a TCA chemical peel will generally last about seven to ten days. During this time, you may experience redness and swelling, and your skin will begin to tighten before cracking and peeling. After a deep chemical peel, recovery will usually last 14 to 21 days, with redness and swelling as well. The skin may also blister before hardening and peeling. Dr. Passaretti can recommend creams and treatments if you experience discomfort or extra sensitivity.

After a chemical peel, smoother, suppler skin can be revealed restoring a youthful appearance. However, you will also be more sensitive to sunlight and must wear moisturizer as well as broad-spectrum sunscreen, and avoid large amounts of direct sunlight.

There are limited risks associated with chemical peels:

Patients susceptible to cold sores may experience new outbreaks after treatment.
Chances of scarring are minimal. However, any scarring that may occur can generally be treated effectively.
There may be permanent changes in skin tone, usually a lightening of color as new skin cells can be unable to produce pigment.
Infection is possible, but Dr. Passaretti can prescribe oral and cream antibiotics for your safety.

Chemical Peels in Fairfield County, Connecticut