Chemical Peel in Dartmouth , MA

To provide the best results from chemical peel treatments, Caroline J. Plamondon, M.D. Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery provides you with numerous options. Your individualized facial treatment with chemical solutions (such as glycolic, salicylic, lactic, and trichloroacetic acids or Jessner peels) will give you healthier, smoother skin. At our Dartmouth, MA office, plastic surgeon Dr. Caroline Plamondon offers chemical peel treatments that help to decrease skin irregularities, such as wrinkles, fine lines, scars, dry patches, hyperpigmentation issues, and more. Chemical peels clear away damaged, dead skin cells using an individualized treatment on your skin, which causes the surface layer to peel off. As your skin heals and begins to rejuvenate and repair itself, you will notice a clearer, smoother complexion. A chemical peel treatment is a noninvasive technique to make your skin luminous and is used for the face and neck.

At our Dartmouth, MA office, we offer chemical peels in various strengths (light, medium, and deep) to accommodate our patients' skin care goals.

Light peels: You can have a light chemical peel on a lunch hour and go right back to your day. This type of peel will remove the top layer of your skin (the epidermis), giving your facial features a brighter appearance and softer texture. We typically suggest that you schedule a light peel at least once a month for the best glowing results.

Medium-depth/Jessner peels: This type of chemical peel goes deeper into your skin, and you'll usually prefer to do this type of facial rejuvenation treatment over a long weekend. You may also want to prepare yourself for more discomfort during and about an hour after treatment. Medium-depth peels are for patients who have significant damage to their skin, like deeper wrinkles and darker pigmentation issues.

Deep peels: The most advanced of the three types of chemical peels is the deep peel, and it will require the longest recovery time. This is an aggressive treatment that may leave your face swollen, peeling, and itchy for a few weeks. Patients who have a deep peel typically have dark age spots, sun-damaged skin, entrenched acne scars, and/or deep-seated scars. As this type of peel is generally uncomfortable for most patients, we may provide you with anesthetic as a part of your treatment.

Seeking the advice of a skin care professional is the first step in the journey to smooth, healthy skin. A team member at Caroline J. Plamondon, M.D. Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery can assess your skin in an examination in our Dartmouth, MA office before choosing a chemical peel treatment for optimal results. Chemical peel candidates, both men and women, will have noticeable issues with their skin, such as scars, rough patches, hyperpigmentation, flaky skin, sun spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and much more. We can suggest different levels of chemical peels to meet your goals.

On the day of your procedure at Caroline J. Plamondon, M.D. Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, we will have you lying down in a relaxed position to administer your peel. We will make sure your skin is cleansed before applying the customized solution to your face and/or neck. We will brush the solution onto your face and let it set for a specific amount of time, which will be discussed in your treatment planning session. Then, we will wash the solution off your face and apply a neutralizing agent. You may want to bring a light sunscreen and a hat to wear outside after the treatment to avoid sun exposure.

Depending on the type of the peel you have, you can expect your skin to itch and peel from a few days to a couple weeks. Dr. Plamondon or a member of her team will talk about how to care for your skin during your appointment. Please keep in mind that no matter how much your skin itches during the healing process, it is never a good idea to pull the skin off. You could cause scarring to your facial skin.

How much does a chemical peel cost?
Dr. Plamondon will discuss your costs in your consultation once she has decided on your personalized treatment plan. The cost of a chemical peel can vary based on the intensity you choose. Caroline J. Plamondon, M.D. Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery accepts many payments methods and we often run specials on skin treatments, like chemical peels. You may also consider buying a package of several chemical peel treatments.

What level should I choose for my chemical peel?
The best chemical peel for you will depend on your unique skin concerns and cosmetic goals. During your consultation with Dr. Plamondon, she will help you decide which peel is right for your skin. Some factors you may want to consider are your overall health, your skin type, how deep you want the peel to work, how long you can spend in recovery, and what concerns you have about the appearance of your skin. For your first peel, it is better to try a lighter peel and see how you like the results. From there, you and Dr. Plamondon can adjust your treatment plan to find the best chemical peel level for you.

Will my face hurt after a chemical peel?
Depending on the peel used, you may have some discomfort during the application process. If you get a lighter peel, you will feel some stinging, but it goes away quickly with the use of a handheld fan. Medium and deep peels are good for deeper skin damage and longer-lasting results, but they can be more uncomfortable. Topical anesthetics, skin medications, and soothing ointments can be applied to minimize your discomfort during the treatment. Dr. Plamondon or a member of her team will discuss how to care for your skin after a peel to maintain your results.

Can I combine a chemical peel with other treatments?
A chemical peel may be combined with another nonsurgical skin treatment at Caroline J. Plamondon, M.D. Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. During your consultation, be honest with Dr. Plamondon about your skin and cosmetic concerns so she can create a comprehensive treatment plan that delivers your best results. This may include adding injectable wrinkle treatments (like BOTOX or Juvéderm) along with your chemical peel to rejuvenate your whole appearance.

Even if you are new to professional facial treatments, Caroline J. Plamondon, M.D. Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery will help you find the perfect pampering for your skin. Your newly rejuvenated skin will thank you by looking radiant and caressingly soft. Call our office in Dartmouth, MA to schedule your skin assessment today for a chemical peel. We look forward to meeting you.