Facial Aging

Sandpoint, Hayden, Coeur d’Alene and North Idaho

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can rejuvenate your skin and keep it looking young and healthy. There are several types of chemical peels ranging from very superficial to a medical deep peel requiring significant healing time. Mild treatments will improve the overall texture and appearance of your skin and are progressively more effective when repeated over time. Strong, deep peels can result in a very dramatic, long-lasting improvement in the quality and appearance of your skin. Chemical peels remove the damaged outer layer of skin, helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, stimulate collagen formation, lighten pigmented spots and improve overall texture of the skin. They are commonly used for the face, neck, décolleté, and hands.

Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acid (HA) Peels

Has are very mild peels which require little recovery time. They can reduce:

HAs include glycolic, salicylic acids, and lactic acids. They are mild enough to use on a weekly or monthly basis. After your first treatment you may experience redness, irritation, and mild crusting. Your skin will adjust will subsequent treatments so that you do not experience these side effects. I and my experienced staff will work with you to determine the best HA peel for your skin type.

Medical TCA Peels

TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid) medical grade peels can be applied in different concentrations to fine-tune the depth of the skin peel. Commonly, either a 20%, 40% or a combination 20%/40% concentration is used. This peel involves deeper layers of the skin and therefore requires a longer healing time of approximately 10-14 days. The Obagi peel, also known as “blue peel,” is a type of TCA peel. You can benefit from a TCA peel if you have:

Phenol Peels

Phenol is a strong chemical solution, used for the deepest peels. The phenol is mixed in a solution with varying concentrations, depending on the thickness of the skin to be treated. Phenol peels can treat:

Deep peels can permanently lighten your skin and may eliminate your skin’s ability to tan. You must protect your skin from sun exposure after a phenol peel. After your peel you will wear a dressing for one to two days. New skin will form in seven to 10 days. Redness can last from several weeks to several months. Phenol peels need to be performed under sedation or general anesthesia with monitoring of vital signs.

Chemical peels are a wonderful method of resurfacing skin in a controlled, even manner. You will need to prepare your skin prior to the chemical peel for 2-4 weeks by avoiding the sun and caring for your skin (we will give you comprehensive instructions), as well as taking a medication to avoid viral infections before treatment. As the skin heals, it important to remember to never pick at scabs or rough spots, as this can produce scarring and spread infection.

Dr. Michelle Spring provides surgical expertise and exceptional patient care in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in Sandpoint, Ponderay, and all of Northern Idaho. With extensive training in breast surgery, body contouring, and facial surgery, she offers cosmetic procedures with an emphasis on natural results, safety and personal attention to your individual goals. If you are considering cosmetic surgery, learn more by viewing our Plastic Surgery Photo Gallery or FAQ's page, and contact Dr. Spring today to schedule your chemical peel consultation.

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