Modern life is stressful, and one of the first places where the stress shows up is your face. Combined with the rising pollution, this stress leads to dull, lifeless skin that makes you look older than your age and is also unhealthy for you. Proper skin care demands that this be taken care of, and one of the most popular ways to get rid of dull skin is getting a chemical peel.
Types of chemical peels
Chemical peel is a technique wherein chemicals are applied to the skin and left for a fixed amount of time. The time varies from a few hours to up to 14 days. In this time, the chemical peels off the skin, thereby removing dead cells and bringing fresh, youthful skin to the surface. It is a form of controlled chemical treatment as the dermatologist makes sure that the chemical is applied in the right areas and at the right concentration.
Dr. Steven Zimmet, dermatologist from Austin, TX tells us about the different kinds of peels you can get.
1. Superficial peels – These are mild peels generally containing glycolic acid or dry ice. This can be used on any skin type.
2. Medium peels – These peels go deeper into the skin and cause a 2nd degree burn of the skin. The agent used is trichloroacetic acid.
3. Deep peels – These are the strongest of all peel types and are used in extreme conditions. Also, remember that deep peels are not advised for people with darker colored skin as the chemicals used tend to bleach the skin. Even in case of fairer skin, deep peels are not used more than once as they can be harmful.
Cost of the treatment
According to 2013 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of a peel was $270. However, there is a lot of variation from state to state and this amount does not cover the following –
1. Anesthesia – The type of anesthesia you opt for will also be added to the cost discussed above. A local anesthesia is less costly than a general one.
2. Facility costs – The place where you get the peel also plays a part in the total cost of the treatment. A hospital will be more costly that a clinic.
3. Medications – Depending upon the type of peel you have used, the dermatologist will prescribe medications and you should remember to include this cost in the total.
Apart from these factors, the cost can also vary based on the qualification and experience of the person performing the procedure.
There are quite a few skin care precautions that you need to follow after you get a chemical peel. These include –
1. Clean the skin frequently. The frequency and material used to do so will be prescribed by your doctor.
2. Change the dressing regularly.
3. Keep the ski moisturized to avoid complications.
4. Avoid exposure to sun till the peel is not off completely and use sunscreen regularly once the peeling is done.
Advancements in the field of dermatology has brought to us the wonders of chemical peeling. It is a relatively simple and quick way to get younger looking skin and is much more effective than using creams and lotions. If you feel your skin is hiding your true age (the one you feel from inside), go ahead and try a chemical peel. You are sure to get a shot of confidence and discover a new you.
If you would like to learn more about the procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Dermatologist, Dr. Steven Zimmet, please contact us at (512) 485-7700.
