chemical peels - Patients ask, Dr. Ringpfeil answers
Please feel free to use the blog below to share information about chemical peels or to ask Dr. Franziska Ringpfeil a question that might be of interest to others.
Philadelphia and Mainline Center of Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels refresh the skin by exfoliating the damaged outer layer of the skin. The treatment triggers the healing process in which a new fresh layer of skin emarges.
To achieve best results, we will advise you how to correctly maintain your skin and will recommend the best home care regiment for your specific condition.
"Strength" of chemical peels is determined by
- The type of chemical used - glycolic acid, salicylic acid, Trichloroacetic acid..
- The chemical concetration level - 30%, 35%, etc
- The length of time the peel is applied.
- The amount of solution applied.
The role of chemical peels in the modern cosmetic surgery
- Important element in treatment of acne, skin blemishes, skin elasticity, skin discoloration and fine lines
- New peel technology treats skin discoloration effectively
- Peels are used in combination with laser and microdermabrasion to deliver optimal results
- Laser technology replaces the medium depth and deep peels
Peel/Condition Effectiveness
| Glycolic Acid | Salicylic Acid | TCA Peel | Melanage | Quelage | Gloss | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acne | + | + | +++ | - | - | - |
| Sun Spots | + | + | + | +++ | + | - |
| skin discoloration | + | + | + | +++ | - | - |
| skin texture | + | + | +++ | + | + | + |
| fine wrinkles | + | + | +++ | + | - | - |
| wrinkles | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Melasma | - | - | - | +++ | - | - |
| Rosacea | - | - | - | - | +++ | - |
Peel Comparison
| Glycolic Acid | Salicylic Acid | TCA Peel | Melanage | Quelage | Gloss | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social downtime(*) | 0 days | 0 days | 2-5 days | 2-7 days | 0-2 days | 2-5 days |
| # Treatments | 3-6 | 3-6 | 1-2 | 1-2 | 4-6 | 1-2 |
| cost / treatment | $100 or $500/6 treatments |
$40 | $550 full face, $150 small area |
$850 | $150 | $390 |
Dr. Ringpfeil: "While the chemical peel is among the oldest modalities in cosmetic dermatology, I find it extremely effective in the treatment of acne, skin blemishes, skin discoloration from past breakouts, and fine lines.
New peel technologies offer effective treatment of brown and red skin discoloration. In my opinion, the Melanage peel has revolutionized melasma treatment, and the Quelage peel finally offers a tailored treatment for rosacea, calming redness and irritation in addition to brightening the skin.
Peels are an integral part of a comprehensive treatment plan for skin restoration or rejuvenation. I use them in conjunction with microdermabrasion, light devices and laser treatments to achieve smooth texture, even color and great tone.
We offer CO2 laser treatments that have replaced the more aggressive traditional peels with a potential for scarring or permanent pigment loss such as phenol peels or high concentration of TCA peels. CO2 laser and fractional CO2 laser deliver superior and consistent results by targeting the skin with much higher level of precision. "
Franziska Ringpfeil, MD, board certified dermatologist
Chemical Peel Benefits
- improves skin texture
- evens skin pigmentation
- adds glow to the skin
- corrects superficial blemishes
- corrects fine lines
- quick, safe
Chemical Peel Benefits
- acne
- age spots
- melasma
- pseudofolliculitis barbae
- rosacea
- sun spots
Dear Doctor, I have currently (for two weeks now) been using flourourcil 5 for treatment of basal cell. Could I, instead get a chemical peel to hasten the process and slow or eliminate my skin cancers?
Thanks,
Jewels
Topical fluorouracil is used to spot treat superficial basal cell cancers. It can also be applied more widely to prevent precancers. Other field treatments include photodynamic therapy, and topical immune system enhancers as well as oral treatment with niacinamide. There are no peels hat prevent skin cancers. I recommend that you speak with your dermatologist about options that are indicated and suitable for you.
Hi,
I was thinking about getting a chemical peel. I have rosacea, combination skin and have had acne that is kept in control by Proactive. But it has left me with big pores on my nose. I wasn’t sure what would be the best chemical peel for it. Thank you
Pores can be minimized but not eradicated. Daily glycolic acid topicals and monthly low-dose glycolic acid peels are great options and will not flare rosacea. Other treatments such as photodynamic therapy, fractionated radiofrequency treatments or fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing achieve the same 30% reduction in pore size but have the ability to flare rosacea.
Hi,
I have dark underarms. What is the best treatment for it, how many sessions and how much will it cost? Thank you.
Underarm skin can be dark due to genetics, friction, bacterial overgrowth or a condition that is associated with insulin receptor changes. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and can vary highly. Please schedule a consultation with your dermatologist.
Hello,
I have some large areas of very dark hyperpigmentation on my back (15% of area). The diagnosis is macular cutaneous amyloid deposition (biopsied – involving the papillary dermis). The skin isn’t thickened or rough just dark. I’ve seen a number of case series with some efficacy of chemical peels and so was wondering what you think about medium depth peels in South Asian skin tone (brown). I am not expecting this can completely go away but am hoping to lighted the areas. Anyway, if you think it might be something to discuss let me know with whom I should make an appointment (i’m local).
Macular amyloid is challenging to treat. The hyperpigmentation might improve with sparing use of retinoids and daily use of exfoliants such as lactic, azelaic or glycolic acid. Our office does not offer medium depth peels in patients with a South Asian skin tone for fear of permanent pigment loss.
Hello,
Can you please tell me the average cost of a chemical peel? It would be my first time having one and I have moderate blemishing along my jaw line. I hope that the peel, or a series of peels will improve this.
Thank you,
M
Acne blemishes can be treated with a series of salicylic acid or glycolic acid peels. Dark spots from past acne can be treated with glycolic acid peels or a Melanage/Melanage mini peel ($850/$330). You find the other current fees here https://www.ringpfeildermatology.com/cosmetic_dermatology.php. Please set up a consultation with our aestheticians to learn which peels are suited for your goals.
I am taking PRP facials (PRP with microneedling). It’s been 3 days. I am thinking to do mild glycolic peel inbetween this. Is that a good idea and what is the time gap I need to maintain between this peel and my PRP treatments ?
Glycolic acid peel can be performed 3-4 weeks after microneedling with or without PRP. Any next microneedling thereafter would wait 3-4 weeks, too.
I am currently going through laser treatments on my face. Is it safe to do a chemical peel in between my laser sessions?
Chemical peels and laser hair removal should ideally be 3-4 weeks apart. With proper timing, this can easily be scheduled.
I’m considering getting a Melange peel or minipeel for melasma and pigmentation issues from acne scars on my face. I also have dark pigmentation on my neck but I’m uncertain of the cause; it has been there as long as I can remember. Does the Melange/ Minipeel work on all types of hyperpigmentation? Can I expect that these peels will lighten/ even out this pigmentation to more closely match my face and chest area?
Hyperpigmentaion from melasma and past acne will respond very well to Melanage peel. Genetic hyperpigmentation, unlike hyperpigmentation from an inflammatory process, is unlikely to lessen with any peel. Sometimes lasers can be helpful. Please schedule an evaluation to determine if this is the case for you.
Hi,
Do you do hand fillers for a more youthful appearance?
Yes, we do. Please go to our homepage, look for the box of popular treatments, go to Botox and fillers and take a look at the before and after photograph when you scroll down.
hi,
i am african-american and i have been suffering with hyperpigmentation( dark spots) for the past 10 years-very frustrating. i am pretty sure its a result of acne and picking my skin. my skin is very sensitive so i was wondering what would be the best treatment for my face and chest- hopefully to receive faster results. also is it safe to do the treatment while having laser hair removal done (possibly on off weeks). thank you
The best treatment depends on the actual findings, your skin tone, ability to tolerate downtime and financial means. There is no one fits all treatment plan and I encourage you to come to the office for an evaluation with Bao or Dana, two of our aestheticians. Laser hair removal can usually be continued.