A deep chemical peel is a medical procedure to be performed only by an experienced physician who has taken the proper precautions to vet the patient before the procedure. Performed correctly on the right patient, a deep chemical peel is intense, but safe. However, there are serious possible complications if performed incorrectly, even as severe as cardiac arrest, and although it is now possible to find deep chemical peel solutions such as phenol peels on the internet, a deep chemical peel should only be administered by trained medical professionals.

A deep chemical peel reaches a depth of .60-.80mm in the skin, which translates to the lowest layer of the dermis, the reticular dermis. A deep chemical peel, most commonly ahigh-concentration TCA or phenol peel, is capable of creating changes in the skin that persist for 15-20 years. Although healing may take months, the deep chemical peel before and after photos reveal a remarkable difference after just one peel and the results can last up to 10 years.

The longevity of a medium chemical peel is influenced by multiple factors, many within the control of the patient such as lifestyle, diet, use of sunscreen and skincare routine. In general, the changes seen in a medium chemical peel before and after picture will endure for 6 months to a year.

A medium chemical peel may improve the appearance of many of the abnormal pigmentation conditions inherent in photodamage and after internal inflammation triggers such as the hyperpigmentation that may remain after an acne breakout. Conditions such as melasma that result in pigmented blotches on the skin may also benefit from a medium depth chemical peel as the various medium chemical peel before and after pictures will attest. Even freckles may be removed from the action of a medium chemical peel. But for all cases of abnormal pigment in the skin, the dark spots will return if the causal triggers, such as UV damage or an acne breakout, are repeated. To prolong the effect of a medium chemical peel it is essential to practice consistent sun safety and adhere to a healthy lifestyle and effective skincare regimen.

For many patients, peeling begins 48-72 hours after a medium chemical peel and generally completes within10 to 14 days.10 Peeling is a natural process that occurs as the damaged tissue is being replaced. It is important to not interfere with the process by picking the skin or removing peeling skin during recovery from a medium chemical peel. Although it may seem “helpful”, these kinds of interventions may interfere with healing and cause scarring in the skin.