Chemical Peels

The desire to reverse the aging process and remove facial blemishes has generated tremendous interest throughout history. Chemical peeling is a procedure to improve the texture of the skin. The goal of chemical peeling is to remove a controlled thickness of damaged skin in order to stimulate normal healing and skin rejuvenation. 

The effects of chemical peeling are similar to what can be achieved with other skin resurfacing methods, with a few important differences. Laser resurfacing and dermabrasion also achieve rejuvenation of the skin, and you are encouraged to read about those alternative procedures as well. 

Chemical peels involve the application of solutions to the skin to cause exfoliation of the damaged, outer layers. Chemical peels are generally the least expensive of the three methods available for improvement of the quality of your facial skin. There are many types of chemical peels available today. Dr. Revis is able to offer his patients a variety of options to address the concerns of each individual. Links to each of the types of chemical peels offered by Dr. Revis may be found at the bottom of this page.

Following chemical peeling, the healing process begins immediately. With superficial peels, there is no downtime. You may apply your makeup immediately following the treatment. With deeper peels, the shedding of the outer layers is completed by seven to ten days. Your new skin will be more soft and supple, will appear more youthful, and will have fewer wrinkles and discolorations.  

If you think you might be a good candidate for a chemical peel or other skin rejuvenation technique, this page will give you a basic understanding of the procedure and the results you can expect. However, Dr. Revis feels it is extremely important to individualize treatment to your specific circumstances and goals, therefore it is recommended that you visit our office for a complimentary consultation. You are also invited to email Dr. Revis with your questions, or we will mail you more detailed information regarding the procedure.

The Consultation

During your initial consultation, Dr. Revis will inquire about your medical history, prior procedures, medications, allergies, and your motivations for seeking plastic surgery. It is very important that you be thorough when providing your medical history, as this information helps to prevent complications during your care. When asked about medications, be sure to include any vitamin or herbal preparations, as these can affect your blood pressure and clotting ability. Honesty regarding your use of tobacco and alcohol is also very important, as these may have a profound impact on your recovery period and your ability to heal following your procedure.

If you have a history of cold sores or Herpes simplex infection, it is extremely important to inform Dr. Revis. Facial resurfacing by any method increases your risk of a cold sore outbreak. Dr. Revis will give you a short course of antiviral medication to prevent an outbreak if you have such a history. 

After reviewing your medical history, Dr. Revis will discuss your concerns, priorities and motivations for pursuing plastic surgery, as well as your fears. After examining you, Dr. Revis will be able to offer advice and options to help you achieve the appearance you desire. He will explain the advantages and disadvantages of the different options you have before you. 

At the completion of your consultation, Suzanne, our Patient Coordinator, will give you a written estimate of the cost of your procedure. At this time, you will also have the option to schedule your procedure if you so choose. The decision to undergo a procedure is a very important one, and the final decision should be given very careful consideration. Dr. Revis realizes the importance of this decision, and at no time will you be pressured to make a decision. You are also encouraged to bring your spouse, significant other, family member, or a friend to your consultation.

Where Your Procedure Will Be Performed

Dr. Revis performs most chemical peels in a fully accredited ambulatory surgery center (Oakridge Outpatient Center). 

Type(s) of Anesthesia

Most chemical peels require no anesthesia and are actually quite pleasant. Deeper peels may require oral sedation or the injection of local anesthetics to numb the area to be treated. Dr. Revis will discuss these options with you more thoroughly at the time of your consultation, and please ask him about anything you do not understand.

Details of the Procedure

You should thoroughly cleanse your face with a nonresidue soap on the evening before and morning of the procedure. Dr. Revis will instruct you not to wear makeup, sunscreen, or any other product on your face the morning of your procedure, because these must be removed prior to the procedure being performed. 

After you are appropriately anesthetized, Dr. Revis will apply the solutions to your skin. Afterwards, Dr. Revis will apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to encourage healing. 

After Your Procedure

Chemical peels are performed as an outpatient procedure. You will be able to go home following your procedure.

Not all patients actively peel following a chemical peel, despite the name. After deeper peels, you will experience peeling in two days that will be complete by seven to ten days. With lighter peels, if you peel at all, you will also have completed peeling by seven days. If you do not peel, it does not mean that the chemical peel did not work. The chemicals applied by Dr. Revis have been absorbed by your skin and will improve the shedding of dead skin layers too small for the eye to see, which is the way the skin is normally shed. 

The Results You Can Expect

With superficial peels, you should be able to resume your normal daily activities immediately following your procedure, including the application of makeup and sunscreen. Within minutes to days, depending on the type of peel chosen, you will notice that the treated area is more smooth with less wrinkles, having a more youthful appearance. Your newly rejuvenated skin should have a healthy glow and appear soft and supple.

With deeper peels, you will go through a process of shedding and healing that should be complete seven to ten days following your peel. At this time you will notice a marked improvement in the quality of your facial skin.

Please select one of the following links to read more about specific types of peels.