This procedure uses chemical solutions to improve and smooth the texture of facial skin by removing the damaged outer layers. Improvement in facial blemishes, wrinkles, and uneven skin pigmentation can be obtained in varying degrees depending on the depth of the peel. Phenol, trichloracetic acid (TCA), and alphahydroxy acids (AHA's) give varying depths of peels and a precise formula is adjusted to meet each individual's needs. AHA's give the mildest peels and provide smoother, brighter looking skin for younger individuals and those who can't spare the time to recover from a deeper peel. TCA gives a medium depth peel and smoothes fine wrinkles and also treats blemishes and pigmentation problems. Recovery time for this peel is approximately a week. Phenol peels are much deeper and have been mostly replaced by C02 laser resurfacing.
