Are Chemical Peels Safe?

Chemical peels have been around, one way or another, for not just decades, but centuries. Egyptians used oils, lactic acid in milk, and other ingredients to improve skin imperfections.

Modern technology has made chemical peels a safe procedure when performed in the hands of a qualified medical professional. Dr. Matthew Baker,  board-certified plastic surgeon with H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery, understands the science involved in chemical peels, and when and where they’re appropriate. 

What skin imperfections can chemical peels improve? 

Chemical peels are a popular cosmetic procedure because they’re effective at remedying a myriad of skin problems: 

• Sun damage
• Melasma, brownish patches on the skin
• Dull skin
• Dry skin
• Uneven skin texture
• Acne scars
• Fine lines 
• Wrinkles

Are chemical peels safe for you? 

While chemical peels benefit many skin conditions, they’re not right for everyone. Dr. Baker reviews your medical history, examines your skin, and consults with you on the issues you’re concerned about. Dr. Baker lets you know if a chemical peel is going to benefit you. 

Chemical peels aren’t recommended in the following circumstances: 

• Frequent cold sores (chemicals can reactivate the herpes virus if you have it)
• Abnormal scarring 
• If psoriasis or atopic dermatitis is present 
• Strong risk of hyperpigmentation 
• You are undergoing oral acne treatment 
• Pregnancy 
• Weak immune system 
• Certain presentations of rosacea

Dr. Baker lets you know if a chemical peel would help your skin. If it would improve your skin, Dr. Baker reviews the chemical peel process with you. We want you to understand the temporary side effects of a chemical peel. 

You’ll have redness and some swelling after a chemical peel. After a medium or deep peel, you’ll feel some stinging. We provide prescription pain relievers after a deep peel. 

If a chemical peel isn’t right for you, don’t worry. Dr. Baker recommends alternative cosmetic procedures that whisk away your skin imperfections. These include lasers, radiofrequency energy, and more.  

Different types of chemical peels 

If your skin is going to benefit from a chemical peel, Dr. Baker recommends the type that’s best for you: a light, medium, or deep peel. Your expert H/K/B cosmetic surgeon knows how to apply the peel and exactly how long to leave on each type of peel. When time is up, our staff washes the chemical solution off of your skin. 

For a light or medium peel, we apply a soothing ointment on your skin after the peel and provide written instructions for caring for your skin in the days after the peel. For a deep peel, we apply a surgical dressing and provide instructions for caring for your skin and applying a special ointment during the days following the procedure.  

Call or message H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery today for an appointment. We specialize in skin transformations.