Chemical Peel in Atlanta, GA

To provide the best results from chemical peel aesthetic treatments, Marisa Lawrence Plastic Surgery provides you with multiple options. Your individualized facial treatment with chemical solutions (such as glycolic, salicylic, lactic, and trichloroacetic acids) will give you healthier, more radiant skin. At our Atlanta, GA office, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Marisa Lawrence offers chemical peel treatments that help to decrease skin flaws, including wrinkles, fine lines, scars, uneven patches, hyperpigmentation issues, and more. Chemical peels clear away dead or damaged skin cells using an individualized solution on your skin, which causes the surface layer to peel off. As your skin heals and begins to rejuvenate and repair itself, you should notice a clearer, smoother complexion. A chemical peel treatment is a noninvasive technique to make your skin bright and is used for the face, neck, and décollatage.

At our plastic surgery facilities, we provide chemical peels in various levels (light, medium, and deep) to fit our patients' skin care goals.

Light peels: You can have a light chemical peel on your lunch break and get back to your day. This strength of peel will remove the top layer of skin (the epidermis), giving your complexion a brighter appearance and softer texture. We typically suggest that you get a light treatment around once a month for the best glowing results.

Medium-depth peels: This strength of chemical peel penetrates deeper into your skin, and you'll usually prefer to do this level of facial rejuvenation treatment over a long weekend. You may also prefer to prepare yourself for more discomfort during and around an hour after a chemical peel. Medium-depth peels are best for patients who have significant damage to their skin, such as deeper wrinkles and darker pigmentation issues.

Deep peels: The most advanced of the three types of chemical peels is the deep peel treatment, and it will require the most recovery time. This is an aggressive cosmetic treatment that could leave your face swollen, peeling, and itchy for several weeks. Patients who receive a deep peel typically have dark age spots, sun-damaged skin, significant acne scars, or deep-seated scars. As this strength of peel is typically uncomfortable for most patients, we will provide you with mild anesthesia prior to your procedure.

Receiving the suggestions of an aesthetic professional is the first step in the journey to healthier skin. A team member at Marisa Lawrence Plastic Surgery can assess your skin during a consultation at one of our offices before choosing a chemical peel treatment for ideal results. Chemical peel candidates of both genders typically have noticeable problems in their skin, like scars, rough patches, hyperpigmentation, flaky skin, sun spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and much more. We will suggest multiple types of chemical peels to fit your goals.

During your procedure at Marisa Lawrence 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 treatment areas. We will massage the solution onto your face and let it set for a specific amount of time, which will be discussed in your treatment planning session. Finally, we will wash the solution off your face and apply a neutralizing agent. You are encouraged to bring a light sunscreen or a hat to wear outside after the procedure to protect from environmental exposure.

Depending on the level of the peel you choose, you can expect the face to itch and peel from a few days to a couple weeks. Dr. Lawrence or a member of her team will talk about methods to care for your skin during your consultation. Please keep in mind that no matter how much your skin itches during the post-treatment process, it is never helpful to pick the skin off. You could cause scarring to your delicate skin!

How much does a chemical peel cost?
Dr. Lawrence will talk about your costs in your consultation after she has decided on your chemical peel treatment plan. The cost of a chemical peel can vary based on the level you get. Marisa Lawrence Plastic Surgery accepts many payment methods and you can ask about current specials on facial 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 needs and cosmetic goals. During your consultation with Dr. Lawrence, she will help you select which type of peel is right for your skin. Some factors you may 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 first time patients, it may be better to start with a lighter peel and see how you like the results. From there, you and Dr. Lawrence might tweak your plan to discover the best chemical peel level for your needs.

Should I get a chemical peel or dermabrasion treatment?
Dermabrasion and chemical peels are both facial rejuvenation procedures that correct surface imperfections to give your skin a rejuvenated appearance. The major difference is that dermabrasion uses surgical tools (a rotating brush or shaving instrument) to remove the top layer of skin through a careful scraping process. A chemical peel uses a caustic solution that is applied to your skin to dissolve dead and damaged skin cells. During your consultation, Dr. Lawrence will go over the advantages of each treatment and help you decide whether a chemical peel or dermabrasion is better to achieve your needs and goals.

Will my face hurt after a chemical peel?
Depending on the formula used, you may have some discomfort during the application process. If you have a lighter peel, you will probably feel some stinging, but it goes away quickly with a handheld fan. Medium and deep peels are good for deeper problems and offer results that last a long time, but they are typically more uncomfortable. Topical anesthetics, medications, and ointments can be applied to minimize your discomfort during the treatment. Dr. Lawrence or a member of her team will discuss skin care after your chemical peel to extend your results.

Can I combine a chemical peel with other treatments?
For even greater improvements to your skin, you may combine a chemical peel with another skin treatment at Marisa Lawrence Plastic Surgery. During your consultation, be honest with Dr. Lawrence about your skin and cosmetic issues so she can create a personalized treatment plan to best address your goals. This may include injectable wrinkle treatments (like BOTOX or Juvéderm) along with your chemical peel to rejuvenate your entire appearance.

Even if you know nothing about professional facial treatments, Marisa Lawrence Plastic Surgery will help you choose the ideal procedure for your goals. Your newly renewed skin will thank you by looking healthy and caressingly silky. Call our Atlanta, GA office to get your skin examination today for a chemical peel treatment.