Chemical Peels in Maryland

Name: Chemical Peels
Brand: Dr. Guy Cappuccino
Rating: 4.9 (199 reviews)

A chemical peel uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial acne, wrinkles, large pores, brown spots, and uneven skin pigmentation.

Highly Effective Facial Rejuvenation

Dr. Guy Cappuccino is proud to offer a full array of superficial and deep medical peels. We offer VI Peels, Jessner peels, melasma peels, phenol peels, trichloroacetic acid peels (TCA), alpha hydroxy acids peels (AHAs), for the purpose of non-surgical facial rejuvenation to patients in Mount Airy, Frederick, MD, and the surrounding areas. The precise formula used will be adjusted to meet your specific needs, making this a great way to enjoy your ideal results. Although chemical peels may be performed in conjunction with a facelift, they are not substitutes for such surgery, nor will they prevent or slow the aging process.

Is a Chemical Peel Right for Me?

A chemical peel is most commonly performed for cosmetic reasons -- to enhance your appearance and your self-confidence.

A chemical peel may also remove pre-cancerous skin growths, soften acne facial scars and even control acne. During your consultation, Dr. Cappuccino will get to know your cosmetic goals and walk you through the options you have available to you.

Chemical Peels Overview

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic, lactic, or fruit acids are the mildest of the peel formulas and produce light peels. These types of peels can provide smoother, brighter-looking skin for people who can't spare the time to recover from a TCA peel.

AHA peels may be used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation, and acne. Various concentrations of an AHA may be applied weekly or at longer intervals to obtain the best result.

Dr. Cappuccino will make this decision during your consultation and as the treatment proceeds. An alpha hydroxy acid, such as glycolic acid, can also be mixed with a facial wash or cream in lesser concentrations as part of a daily skin-care regimen to improve the skin's texture.

Alpha Hydroxy Peel (AHAs) Uses:

Smooths rough, dry skin
Improves texture of sun-damaged skin
Aids in control of acne
Can be mixed with hydroquinone to correct pigment problems
Can be used as TCA pre-treatment

Considerations

A series of peels may be needed
As with most peel treatments, sunblock use is recommended

Trichloroacetic Acid

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be used in many concentrations, but it is most commonly used for medium-depth peeling. Fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes, and pigment problems are commonly treated with TCA.

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) Uses

Smooths out fine surface wrinkles
Removes superficial blemishes
Corrects pigment problems

Considerations

Can be used on the neck or other body areas
May require pre-treatment with Retin-A or AHA creams
Treatment takes only 10 to 15 minutes
Preferred for darker-skinned patients
Peel depth can be adjusted
Repeat treatment may be needed to maintain results
Mineral-based sunblock should be worn when outside.
Healing is usually quick, average of 5-7 days.

Potential Side Effects

All chemical peels carry some uncertainty and risk, but the chemical peel is normally a safe procedure when it is performed by a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Guy Cappuccino.

However, some unpredictability and risks such as infection and scarring, while infrequent, are possible. AHA peels may cause stinging, redness, irritation, and crusting. However, as the skin adjusts to the treatment regimen, these problems will subside. With a TCA peel, your healed skin will be able to produce pigment as always; the peel will not bleach the skin. However, TCA-peel patients are advised to avoid sun exposure for several months after treatment to protect the newly formed layers of skin.

Planning for a Chemical Peel

In some states, no medical degree is required to perform a chemical peel. Many states have laws that permit non-physicians to administer certain peel solutions but regulate the strengths to which they are permitted to apply. You should be warned that TCA peels have been offered by inadequately trained practitioners claiming miracle techniques to rejuvenate the skin. During your initial consultation, it is important that you discuss your expectations and goals with Dr. Cappuccino or our Registered Nurse. Don't hesitate to ask any questions or express any concerns that you may have.

Dr. Cappuccino or our Registered Nurse will explain the planned procedure in detail, including its risks and benefits, the recovery period, and the costs. Remember, chemical peel treatments are usually not covered by medical insurance unless they are performed for medically related problems.

Retin A for Pre-Treatment

Sometimes Retin A - a prescription medication derived from Vitamin A - is used to pre-treat the skin. This thins out the skin's surface layer, allowing the TCA solution to penetrate more deeply and evenly. If your skin won't tolerate Retin-A pre-treatment, an AHA cream may be used instead. Hydroquinone is sometimes used in conjunction with Retin-A or AHA pre-treatment, especially if you have blotchy skin areas or pigmentation problems. You may have to spend a month or more in the pre-treatment phase before the doctor will schedule your actual peel.

Dr. Guy Cappuccino website Background media

AHA Peels

Dr. Cappuccino or one of our Registered Nurses will apply the AHA solution to your cleansed facial skin, a process that usually takes no more than 10 minutes. No after-peel ointment or covering is required. Depending on the strength of the peel, periodic treatments may be necessary until the desired effects are achieved.

Dr. Cappuccino may add Retin-A or a bleaching agent, hydroquinone, to your at-home treatment schedule. After several weeks of at-home use, he will examine your skin to determine if your regimen needs adjustment.

TCA Peels

Typically, the skin is first thoroughly cleansed. Then, Dr. Cappuccino will carefully apply the TCA solution. You may feel a stinging sensation as the peel solution is applied, but this feeling will quickly pass.

A full-face TCA peel usually takes no more than 15 minutes. Two or more TCA peels may be needed to obtain the desired result, and those may be spaced out over several months. Mild TCA peels may be repeated as often as every month.

After Your Treatment

After an AHA peel, it is common to experience some temporary flaking or scaling, redness, and dryness of the skin. However, these conditions will disappear as the skin adjusts to treatment. To help your face heal properly, it is essential that you follow Dr. Cappuccino’s specific peel instructions. A TCA peel may also cause swelling, depending on the strength of the peel used.

Enjoying Your Results

One week after treatment, you may return to work and resume your normal activities. Dr. Cappuccino will work with you to ensure that you know exactly what to expect so you can rest assured and look forward to your incredible results.

For more than ten years, he’s been bringing his patient-centric approach to patients in Frederick, Mount Airy, and beyond, and he’s excited to learn more about how he can help you overcome any cosmetic hurdles you might be facing.

Your New Look

Improvements from a medical grade peel will leave your skin looking brighter, more even-toned skin tone with less pigmentation, fine lines, and your pores will appear smaller. To prolong your results your will meet with one of our Registered Nurses after your treatment and will create a customized skincare regimen tailored to your needs.

Getting Back to Normal

With an AHA peel, the temporary redness, flaking, and dryness that you experience will not prevent you from working or engaging in your normal activities. A fresher and improved skin texture will result in continued AHA treatments. Remember, protecting your skin from the sun with a mineral based sunblock is also important following these mild acid peels.

With a TCA peel, the moderate discomfort and mild swelling you may experience will subside shortly after the procedure. In about a week, your new skin will be apparent and you can return to your normal activities. It is best to avoid sun exposure unless you are adequately protected. Dr. Cappuccino offers a full array of mineral based sunblocks including sheer, tinted and moisturizing.