Treatment overview
Chemical Peels
Chemical Peels are usually applied to the face to treat wrinkles, discoloured skin, remove damaged skin cells, and even reduce acne scars. They are great for both men and women. Chemical Peels are safe to do alone or combined with other cosmetic treatments. There are different types or depths of Chemical Peels – light, medium, and deep.
The word “chemical” has negative connotations, but many chemicals, including those in chemical peels, are derived from natural sources. Not all chemicals are created equally. A chemical peel in trained hands is safe and beneficial to the skin, both as a remedy to problem skin and a preventative measure.
Starting from: $650 depending on the type of Chemical Peel. See pricing details
Recommended number of sessions: 4-5
Treatment duration: Approximately 30 minutes
Required maintenance: Every Every 6-12 months depending on the type of Chemical Peel
The benefits
Reduce Scars, Fine Lines and Wrinkles with Chemical Peels
For the Face
- Fades discolouration
- Lifts the skin
- Soothes scarring
- Treats acne and minimizes pores
For Anti-Aging
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Balances skin texture
- Smooths the skin for a glowing look
Results
- Non-Invasive treatment
- Non-surgical treatment
How it works
Chemical Peels Improve Skin Texture and Tone
Chemical Peels work with the help of acids within the peel to raise the acidity of the skin to around 3.8 pH level. Before your Chemical Peel treatment, if you have long hair, we will tie it back for you. Your face will be cleansed and protective eye goggles will be applied.
We may numb the area with a topical anesthetic for more comfort. A topical anesthetic will surely be applied if you’re receiving a deep Chemical Peel.
For Light Chemical Peels
During light Chemical Peel treatments, a cotton ball, gauze, or brush will be used to apply the chemical solution to the area being treated. Your skin will start to whiten and you may have a slight stinging sensation. Once complete, the chemical solution will be removed and at this point, we may apply a neutralizing solution.
For Medium Chemical Peels
During medium Chemical Peel treatments, we will use a gauze, special sponge, or a cotton-tipped applicator to apply the chemical solution to the treated area. The skin will begin to whiten, and we may apply a cool compress to the skin. You may feel stinging or burning for up to 20 minutes.
For Deep Chemical Peels
During a deep Chemical Peel treatment, you will be sedated. Similarly to a medium Chemical Peel, we will use a cotton-tipped applicator to apply the chemical to your skin. Your skin will turn white or gray as a result. The procedure will be done in 15-minute portions, as this limits the skin exposure to the chemical acid.
The treatment experience
Planning Your Chemical Peel Treatment
You will first schedule a consultation with a member of our highly qualified staff located in Vancouver. Our cosmetic treatments are always 100% personalized. During your consultation we will offer realistic expectations pertaining to your concerns, skin state, relevant medical history, and talk price estimates.
Your doctor will also want to know medications and your skincare regime. Once a plan is set, your consultant will review some post-procedure aftercare. The goal is to create a treatment plan with a maintenance frequency that best suits you.
Your Guide to Chemical Peel Treatments
Before the Treatment
Before your Chemical Peel treatment, we will clean your face, tie your hair, and cover your eyes with gauze or goggles. We will also offer a sedative and painkillers for medium Chemical Peels. For a deep Chemical Peel, we will numb the treatment area and fluids will be delivered through a vein.
During the Treatment
There are three types of Chemical Peel treatments - light, medium and deep. What happens during each procedure varies depending on the Chemical Peel type. To learn about what happens during each procedure, click the links below. During a light chemical peel:
- We will use a brush, cotton ball, gauze or sponge to apply the chemical solution, usually containing glycolic acid or salicylic acid. The skin of the treated area will begin to whiten.
- When the chemical solution is on your skin, you may feel a slight stinging sensation.
- When the procedure is complete, we will apply a neutralizing solution or wash to remove the chemical solution from the treated skin.
- We will use a cotton-tipped applicator or gauze to apply the chemical solution containing trichloroacetic acid, at times we may combine it with glycolic acid. The treated skin will then begin to whiten.
- After a few minutes, we will apply cool compresses to soothe the treated skin. As this is happening, you may be given a hand-held fan to cool your skin.
- You may feel a stinging and burning sensation for up to 20 minutes.
- You will be given intravenous (IV) fluids, and your heart rate will be closely monitored.
- We will use a cotton-tipped applicator to apply the chemical carbolic acid (phenol) to your skin. The treated skin will begin to turn white or gray.
- To limit your skin’s exposure to the acid, we will do the procedure in portions in 15-minute intervals.
After the Treatment
After your Chemical Peel treatment, despite the type, your skin will be red, tight, irritated or may even be swollen. We will recommend sunscreen and other skincare products to clean, moisturize and apply protective ointments to your skin. You should avoid picking, rubbing or scratching your skin. It may take several months before your skin color returns to normal and you can see the full results of your Chemical Peel treatment.
Pricing
What is the Cost of a Chemical Peel Treatment?
The cost of our Chemical Peel treatments start at $650.
The actual cost of our Chemical Peel treatments depends on the type of peel you get. Deep Chemical Peels cost more due to the use of anesthesia.
Chemical Peels are not for everyone. We will caution you against getting a Chemical Peel if you:
- Have taken an oral acne medication isotretinoin (Myorisan, Claravis, others) in the past six months
- Have a personal or family history of ridged areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue (keloids)
- You have open wounds
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a sunburn
- Are taking birth pills
- You have certain cancers or autoimmune diseases
- You have a frequent or severe outbreaks of cold sores
- You have active bacterial, viral, fungal or herpetic infection
Ensure you understand chemical peel contraindications. If you have any doubts about your candidacy because of skin problems, medications, or skin sensitivity, please let us know.
You are an excellent candidate for a Chemical Peel treatment if:
- Your skin colour is fair or light-haired
- Patients with darker skin colour may have to take precautions before getting a Chemical Peel to ensure the peel is safe for their skin tone. This is because Chemical Peels may increase hyperpigmentation in darker skin.
- You do not have severe wrinkles or skin sags as they do not respond well to Chemical Peels
Light Chemical Peels improve skin texture, tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The results from a medium Chemical Peel are more noticeable and your skin is much smoother. With deep Chemical Peels you will see a dramatic improvement in the look and feel of your skin in the treated area(s). For any Chemical Peel type results may not be permanent.
As the procedure’s name suggests, you may have a reaction similar to a sunburn. When the peeling happens, it usually involves redness followed by scaling that ends within 3-7 days. With medium to deep peels, when peeling it may result in swelling as well as blisters that may break, crust, turn brown, and peel off over a period of 7-14 days.
After your Chemical Peel treatment, you may need bandages for several days on treated skin areas. You will have to avoid the sun for several months after a chemical peel because your skin will be fragile.
Many people underestimate the importance of using, high-grade, dermatologist approved skin care on a daily basis. Purchasing a few recommended products that are chosen specifically for your skin type and issues, will not only maintain your results between facials but will set you up for a lifetime of younger-looking, healthier skin.