Deep Chemical Peel

Dr. Brock Lanier, MD, FACS  |   OncoPlastic Surgery in Newport Beach

How It Works

Chemical peels use acids to exfoliate the top layers of skin. These acids can range from mild to strong, depending on the desired depth of treatment. By removing damaged skin cells, chemical peels can improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and uneven skin tone.

Chemical Peels: at a glance

  • Peels can vary from extremely deep to very, very light. This ZO 3-step peel is considered a medium/deep peel.

  • Non-surgical, performed in the clinic.

  • Usually 60 minutes. This treatment is generally well tolerated and performed without the need for anesthesia. Patients may experience some discomfort, such as a warm or tingling sensation during application, but this is usually temporary.

  • Complications are rare but can occur.

    • Burning sensation: Some patients may experience a burning feeling, particularly in the days following the peel.

    • Redness and irritation: Temporary redness, swelling, and irritation are common after a peel.

    • Peeling and flaking: Expected side effects, especially with medium to deep peels.

    • Skin sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to light and sun exposure is typical following treatment.

    • Milia formation: Small white bumps may develop during the healing process.

    • Delayed healing: In some cases, the skin may take longer than expected to heal.

    • Skin color changes: Hyperpigmentation (darkening) or hypopigmentation (lightening) of the skin may occur, especially in people with darker skin tones.

    • Infection: Bacterial, fungal, or viral infections (including reactivation of cold sores) can occur due to compromised skin barrier. If you have a history of cold sores, they can be prevented with medication.

    • Scarring: While rare, scarring is possible, particularly with deeper peels.

    Due to these potential risks and complications, it is recommended to choose an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon.

  • At home. There is downtime after the ZO 3-step peel. It takes about 7 days to completely heal from this peel.

  • During the healing period you’ll need to rest by avoiding strenuous exercise - think staycation. You’ll be able to perform your everyday activities (eating, bathing, light chores). Walking around your neighborhood (10-15 minutes) at an easy pace is encouraged. It will be important to avoid direct sun exposure and wear sun protection.

  • You can expect to see improvements starting around the 2-week mark. The peel works progressively, with initial changes becoming apparent soon after treatment and continuing to develop over time. The final results from the ZO 3-Step Peel typically appear within 6 weeks.

  • Depending on a patient’s individual concerns, this treatment can be combined with many other options including Botox, fillers, and even BroadBand Light (BBL).

Keep in mind this is general information about a typical or usual experience. Individual experiences can vary.

Treatment Areas & Concerns

The most common area treated is the face. However, this versatile peel can also be performed on other areas of the body including the neck, chest, hands, arms, and legs.

What are the benefits and risk of a medium to deep chemical peel?

Chemical Peel Benefits

Peels offer several potential benefits, including…

  • Improved skin texture and tone: Chemical peels reveal a brighter, smoother complexion by removing dead skin cells and stimulating new cell growth.

  • Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles: The treatment stimulates collagen production, helping to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

  • Acne treatment: Chemical peels can help clear breakouts by deeply exfoliating the skin and unclogging pores.

  • Minimized pores: The exfoliation process can make pores appear smaller.

  • Fading of hyperpigmentation: Chemical peels can address various pigmentation issues, including sun damage, age spots, and melasma.

  • Improved skin cell turnover: The treatment stimulates new collagen and skin cell growth, resulting in firmer, more elastic skin.

  • Enhanced effectiveness of skincare products: By removing the top layer of dead skin, chemical peels allow for better penetration and absorption of skincare products.

  • Non-invasive treatment: Chemical peels offer significant benefits without the need for surgery or needles.

  • Customizable treatment: Different types of peels can be tailored to address specific skin concerns and skin types.

  • Long-lasting results: The effects of a chemical peel can last for several months, especially with proper skincare maintenance.

Chemical Peel Risks

While generally safe, peels carry some potential risks. Complications are rare but can occur.

  • Burning sensation: Some patients may experience a burning feeling, particularly in the days following the peel.

  • Redness and irritation: Temporary redness, swelling, and irritation are common after a peel.

  • Peeling and flaking: Expected side effects, especially with medium to deep peels.

  • Skin sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to light and sun exposure is typical following treatment.

  • Milia formation: Small white bumps may develop during the healing process.

  • Delayed healing: In some cases, the skin may take longer than expected to heal.

  • Skin color changes: Hyperpigmentation (darkening) or hypopigmentation (lightening) of the skin may occur, especially in people with darker skin tones.

  • Infection: Bacterial, fungal, or viral infections (including reactivation of cold sores) can occur due to compromised skin barrier. If you have a history of cold sores, they can be prevented with medication.

  • Scarring: While rare, scarring is possible, particularly with deeper peels.

Due to these potential risks and complications, it is recommended to choose an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon.

Who is it for?

Skin resurfacing using a chemical peel may be a good option for individuals who are in good overall health, have realistic expectations for the procedure, and are looking to address issues like:

  • Fine lines and wrinkles

  • Uneven skin tone or texture

  • Acne and acne scars

  • Sun damage and hyperpigmentation

  • Age spots and freckles

Chemical peels are commonly requested by both men and women in all age groups.

How is it performed?

  • Chemical peels are performed in the comfort of the clinic.

  • Before the procedure, the treatment area is cleaned.

  • The peels are generally well tolerated and anesthesia is not necessary.

  • It usually takes about 60 minutes to perform.

After your treatment…

After the procedure, the treated area may be red, swollen, and slightly crusty (depending on the depth of laser treatment). Cooling compresses and moisturizing creams are applied to soothe the skin. It is essential to protect the treated area from the sun with sunscreen and avoid harsh skincare products.

Recovery & Results

At home. There is downtime with the ZO 3-step peel. During the healing period you’ll need to rest by avoiding strenuous exercise - think staycation. You’ll be able to perform your everyday activities (eating, bathing, light chores). Walking around your neighborhood (10-15 minutes) at an easy pace is encouraged. It will be important to avoid direct sun exposure and wear sun protection.

You can expect to see improvements starting around the 2-week mark. The peel works progressively, with initial changes becoming apparent soon after treatment and continuing to develop over time. The final results from the ZO 3-Step Peel typically appear within 6 weeks.

Chemic Peel Skin Rejuvenation.

Chemical peels are a minimally invasive procedure that can help you achieve smoother, younger-looking skin by reducing the appearance of wrinkles, scars, and age spots.

Get customized treatment from a board-certified plastic surgeon.