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Austin’s Finest Aesthetic Experts

At the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery our board certified surgeons have extensive training and experience in both surgical and non-surgical facial treatments. One tool often utilized in facial rejuvenation is a chemical peel which offers the opportunity to address issues like dry skin, uneven skin tone, texture improvement, or reducing the visibility of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, breakouts, and dark spots.

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What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a cosmetic procedure that involves the application of a chemical solution to the skin, which causes the skin to exfoliate and eventually peel off. This process promotes the growth of new skin cells, revealing smoother, less wrinkled skin. Chemical peels are used to treat various skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, acne scars, and sun damage. They are available in different strengths, ranging from superficial to deep, and the choice depends on the specific skin issues being addressed. 

What's a TCA Peel?

CO2 Resurfacing & TCA Peel

Why Choose The Buckingham Center?

The Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery brings over two decades of Austin-based proficiency, led by board-certified facial rejuvenation specialists. Our dedicated team uses the most advanced treatment technology in our state-of-the-art facility and employs a science-driven approach for results that harmonize with your aesthetic desires. Beyond the procedure, we prioritize lasting connections, fostering a supportive and friendly atmosphere from your initial consultation to realizing your chemical peel goals. Boost your confidence and enhance your complexion with precision, safety, and attentive, patient-centered care.

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About the Chemical Peel Procedure

In the 90s, many physicians replaced chemical peels in favor of full ablative laser and resurfacing techniques.

However, older laser resurfacing technology had a higher risk of scarring and pigmentation. The cosmetic field introduced fractionated CO2 laser technology and returned to chemical peeling to achieve significant skin rejuvenation with minimal risk.

Our surgeons have experience with many of the most popular peeling and laser resurfacing treatments on the market and only offer the most reliable and trusted treatments for use at the Buckingham Center. Each patient receives a customized treatment plan that is designed to meet their specific needs. People of every skin type and skin sensitivity can benefit from the wide variety of peels that are offered at the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery.

Physician-Administered Chemical and Laser Peels

TCA PEEL

The Buckingham Center offers medium-depth chemical as well as laser peels that are more surgical in nature. TCA, trichloroacetic acid, is utilized as the skin peeling agent, and fractionated CO2 is available as a surgical laser treatment. A TCA Peel is appropriate for patients who desire more remarkable improvement and have significant wrinkles or age spots. This chemical peel can be used with or without surgery to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin, addressing fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and uneven pigmentation.

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What to Expect During the Procedure

Our TCA peels are typically performed in our fully accredited ambulatory surgical center located within our office and typically involve a form of sedation to minimize discomfort during the procedure. Peels that are limited to the mouth and lip region are sometimes completed in the office. Retin-A and Hydroquinone may be used to prepare the skin for the treatment and may aid with the healing process.

Chemical Peel Recovery

The Buckingham Center provides each chemical peel patient with written instructions describing in detail how to care for the skin before the peel and during the healing phase. Different recovery levels can be expected based on the depth of the peel and the treated area.

A medium strenght TCA chemical peel treatment requires an ointment to be aaplied on the face continuously for ten days. A special cleanser will be used during this time. The patient must stay makeup-free for 14 days.

After this time, a tinted sunscreen provided by the Buckingham Center can cover any remaining redness. The Buckingham Center’s surgeons provide each patient with all necessary care items. In addition, the surgeon sees the patient regularly during the recovery process to help guide the patient through his or her healing.

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Chemical Peel Consultation

Our surgeons feel that positive treatment results are based on a good rapport between the patient, the surgeon, and the staff. Each consultation includes a complete facial analysis to determine the best skin resurfacing options. Surgeons take time to fully explain their recommendations, as well as to answer their patients’ questions and concerns.

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The Ideal Chemical Peel Candidate

The ideal chemical peel candidate is an adult male or female in good general health. The candidate needs to have realistic expectations. Patients who want to significantly reduce facial lines, pigmented spots, acne scars, and other age-related changes may be good candidates for a chemical peel. 

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Items Needed for Post-Operative Care

  • Aquaphor healing ointment, Cetaphil Cleanser, and sterile or distilled water (Provided by the Buckingham Center)
  • 4 x 4 sterile gauze or clean, soft wash clothes, Q-tips
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General Cleaning Instructions

  • Hydration of the body is essential for healing. Drink plenty of water during your recovery. Avoid caffeinated beverages, including coffee, soda, and tea.
  • Wash your face gently in a circular motion with cool/warm water and Cetaphil Cleanser (provided by the clinic).
  • Rinse off with water by gently splashing your face over the sink or squeezing a soft, damp cloth over the area.
  • Dry the area gently by patting off the water with a soft cloth.
  • Apply Aquaphor ointment evenly over the entire area, including the edges, with a Q-tip or clean tongue depressor (provided by the clinic). You may use a soft, clean cloth or sterile gauze to remove any excess ointment.
  • We recommend applying ointment at least three times a day. This prevents the skin from becoming too dry. In addition, be generous in your application. A thick coating ensures that all your skin is well moisturized.
  • For the first two days, cleansing should be done twice a day. We then encourage cleaning up to four times a day.
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Recovery Timeline

FIRST 48 HOURS

Apply cold packs to the treatment area for 20 min each hour for 48 hours.

AFTER THE FIRST 3 DAYS

After the first three days, you may rinse your face in the shower by letting warm water gently hit your scalp and run down your face. You should avoid any extremely hot water as this may cause a significant burn. The goal is to have your skin peel off easily. You may notice a yellowish build-up or crusting. Gently remove this build-up with a wet Q-tip. It is strongly advised that you apply or remove ointment, crusting, etc., using clean Q-tips. Do not use your fingers because you may contaminate your open wounds with bacteria. Listen to your skin. You do not need to be aggressive.

AFTER THE FIRST 8 TO 10 DAYS

After the first 8-10 days, a new outer layer of skin will have formed. After we have seen your progress and instructed you to do so, you may be able to stop applying Aquaphor to your face. Additional moisturizers will then be provided by the Buckingham Center. If any areas of dryness persist, Aquaphor may be added to those areas.

Do not wear any makeup or other chemicals, including sunscreen, until cleared to do so by your surgeon. Makeup and perfumes may cause significant irritation to your new skin and may lead to chronic dermatitis, where areas of the skin stay red for a prolonged period of time. Do not take chances. After 14 days, you will be given a tinted sunscreen to use on your skin, which contains a physical sunblock.

What to Watch Out For

Your skin will remain a light red to pink color for several weeks but may return to your normal skin tone earlier. If you notice that your skin becomes significantly redder (or bright red) or becomes irregular in contour (lumpy-bumpy), you may be experiencing dermatitis (i.e., an allergic reaction). Should you notice these changes, stop applying whatever agents to your skin that might be irritating it, and contact us immediately. If you begin to notice little white bumps (known as Milia) in the peeled area, these will usually resolve. However, occasionally, Milia must be addressed with treatment. If you notice any areas that appear darker after three weeks, you must contact us. This is a temporary and easily treatable condition known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. A prescription lightening cream will control this reaction, but the sooner it is started, the more quickly it resolves.

Chemical Peel Cost

Chemical peels vary in cost depending on the type of treatment and the depth of the peel. At the Buckingham Center, there are payment options available that can fit most budgets.

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Chemical Peels FAQ

What is a chemical peel?

Where is chemical peeling performed?

What type of anesthesia is used for a chemical peel?

How is the chemical peeling procedure performed?

What is the downtime for a chemical peel?

Do I need to discontinue certain products before the chemical peel?

Can I wear makeup after a chemical peel?

Do I need to stay out of the sun after a chemical peel?

Is a chemical peel painful?

What is the chemical peel aftercare like?

Am I a good candidate for a chemical peel?

Is a chemical peel safe for young people?

What is a chemical peel?

A chemical peel is a process that is used to rejuvenate the skin and remove dark spots, acne scars, wrinkles, and other skin issues. There are different skin resurfacing treatments available at the Buckingham Center, and the surgeon will provide you with a treatment that matches your expectations and recovery tolerance.

Where is chemical peeling performed?

Our surgeons perform chemical peels in our fully accredited ambulatory surgical center located on site at the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery.

What type of anesthesia is used for a chemical peel?

Our TCA chemical peels require the use of sedation. When anesthesia is needed, the procedure is performed in our ambulatory surgery center along with intravenous, monitored anesthesia. It is also performed in conjunction with a surgical procedure such as a facelift or necklift.

How is the chemical peeling procedure performed?

During the procedure, a solution is applied to the skin that removes dead skin and smooths the texture. Next, the chemical solution is applied until the appropriate effect has occurred, at which time the peel is completed and any additional procedures scheduled may be completed.

What is the downtime for a chemical peel?

Chemical peel recovery and downtime vary. Our surgeons provide patients with specifics about their procedure during the initial consultation. A deeper peel treatment will require a 10-14 day recovery period, and an ointment must be applied to the facial skin continuously for ten days. Makeup can not be worn for 14 days. After this time, a gentle tinted sunscreen will be provided that can be used to cover any residual redness.

Do I need to discontinue certain products before the chemical peel?

Patients receive a list of products that should be discontinued before their treatment, including products with Retin-A. Our surgeons also conduct a detailed medical history before the procedure to verify that all appropriate agents have been discontinued for the correct length of time.

Can I wear makeup after a chemical peel?

A 35% TCA chemical peel will require that no makeup be worn for 14 days. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions, makeup, and product details for aftercare.

Do I need to stay out of the sun after a chemical peel?

Your surgeon will provide you with specifics about your chemical peel, but on average you should plan to remain out of the sun for 14 days after the peel. The Buckingham Center’s surgeon will then provide sunscreen and limited sun exposure can be resumed. Prolonged sun exposure is not permitted for at least one month.

Is a chemical peel painful?

There is little to no discomfort after the chemical peel is completed. The skin will feel warm and tight but not painful.

What is the chemical peel aftercare like?

You will be provided with detailed written instructions on how to care for your skin before and after the peel. A deeper peel will require you to use a special cleanser and an ointment that must be applied for ten days.

Am I a good candidate for a chemical peel?

You may be considered a candidate for a chemical peel if you are in good general health and desire smoother, healthier, and younger-looking skin or a better complexion. There is a variety of chemical peels available at the Buckingham Center. Your surgeon will provide you with a treatment option to help you meet your cosmetic goals. Call today for a consultation with one of our surgeons. During your consultation, you will learn if you are a suitable candidate for a chemical peel. If you are a viable candidate, your surgeon will determine which chemical peel can provide the best results.

Is a chemical peel safe for young people?

Chemical peels among younger individuals can be a beneficial choice for those seeking skin rejuvenation or addressing mild concerns such as scarring, wrinkles, or discoloration. The treatment is notably minimally invasive, making it an accessible option for those looking to refresh their skin with a subtle yet effective approach.

Schedule Your Chemical Peel Consultation in Austin Today

Our surgeons are recognized for the exceptional results that they provide for their patients. Call 512-401-2500 to request a consultation with one of the experienced surgeons at the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery in Austin, Texas. We look forward to meeting you!

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