Chemical peels are skin resurfacing procedures using acid solutions such as alphahydroxy acids or trichloroacetic acid to dissolve the upper layers of your facial skin, leaving behind new, younger-looking cells which reduce fine lines and wrinkles, fade discoloration, lighten scars and improve your complexion.
Botox (botulinum toxin) is an injectable treatment used to relax muscles that cause wrinkles and lines, safely treating almost all skin types and tones.
Botox is a neuromodulator
Botox, an FDA-approved injectable made of botulinum toxin, can soften facial expression lines and wrinkles by blocking nerve-muscle connections to stop contractions that lead to facial wrinkles over time. As a non-surgical procedure that does not require sedation or painkillers, botox treatments offer quick relief with little downtime involved.
Chemical peels are an acid solution-based skin-resurfacing procedure used to diminish pigmentation, hydrate the surface of your skin, and remove dead cells. You may opt for a light chemical peel following Botox; however, for deeper peels you’ll want to wait several days after treatment.
To achieve optimal results from Botox treatments, avoid massaging the area being treated and refrain from any skin resurfacing treatments such as microdermabrasion or chemical peels for 24 hours after Botox administration. Also inform your physician of any medications or supplements being taken as they could increase the risk of bruising at injection sites; additionally avoid rubbing or scratching this area to achieve maximum effects.
Chemical peels are a skin resurfacing treatment
Chemical peels are a skin-resurfacing treatment used to address dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles, large pores, uneven texture and other cosmetic concerns.
Chemical peels may also be combined with laser skin resurfacing treatments to enhance results; both require some recovery time afterward depending on intensity of peel and your individual skin type.
Light chemical peels are minimally invasive and may be done at home or at a spa, while medium and deep chemical peels involve higher concentrations of chemicals that penetrate deeper layers of skin and should only be performed by dermatologists or plastic surgeons to ensure safe and effective procedures.
Your chemical peel may leave you with redness and scabbing for a few days after treatment, with your doctor providing topical ointments to aid your skin in healing. As with any procedure involving sunlight exposure, prior and after undergoing the chemical peel process it is advised that tanning beds be avoided as well as daily sun protection cream use.
They can be performed before or after Botox
Chemical peels can be used in tandem with Botox procedures to further enhance their cosmetic results. Before proceeding, however, you will need to discuss your desired look with an experienced aesthetic injector and ensure you are an ideal candidate for both treatments – this means examining how your skin reacts to chemical peels as well as discussing any medications or supplements which may hinder results.
Chemical peel depth will depend on your skin type and treatment goals. A superficial chemical peel utilizes alpha hydroxy acids to gently exfoliate outer layers of skin for minor discolorations improvement as well as rough skin conditions, while deeper peels use various combinations of chemicals to remove damaged layers from underneath and potentially produce sunburn-like reactions that require oral analgesics for relief.
Chemical peels can treat many skin issues, from sun spots and age spots to liver spots and precancerous actinic keratosis patches on actinic keratosis patches to rough skin and dull complexions. Chemical peels also help brighten dull complexions and refresh facial structures like neck, face and chest areas; deep scars do not respond as well so other cosmetic surgical procedures might be more suitable.
They are safe
Chemical peels are generally safe when administered by a qualified plastic surgeon; however, some risks can still exist. For instance, certain types of chemical peels can cause scarring or darkening in those with darker skin tones, particularly if too much chemical solution was applied at one time. Pregnant women and those who have heart conditions should not undergo chemical peels due to increased cardiovascular risks; also not advised for those suffering from cold sores or skin conditions such as vitiligo.
Chemical peels are typically performed as outpatient procedures at a doctor’s office or surgery center as an outpatient process, with facial cleaning followed by application of chemical solutions such as glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid or salicylic acid to cause controlled injuries to the top layer of skin. Your physician may use topical anesthesia as needed. After treatment it is important to avoid sun exposure by wearing sunscreen with SPF 50 protection at all times.