Nonsurgical
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are an increasingly popular non-surgical skin care procedure among patients of Erick Sanchez, MD Plastic Surgery. In 2020, this was the third most popular minimally invasive technique in the US (according to the US), with nearly 1 million patients receiving the treatment.
How Does a Chemical Peel Work?
A chemical peel skincare treatment utilizes a chemical solution (actually a type of acid) to remove old skin. This treatment is approved by the FDA and has been around since the 1800s. There are different solutions to choose from (depending on the scope of treatment), ranging from glycolic acid to lactic acid, trichloroacetic acid, and salicylic acid. Once applied to the skin, the chemical solution breaks down the outermost layers. Dead cells will then peel off to expose a new, healthier layer. Patients who undergo this minimally invasive treatment experience newly regenerated, less wrinkled, smooth, and glowing skin.
What Imperfections Does a Chemical Peel Treat?
Through years of experience, the Erick Sanchez, MD Plastic Surgery team has mastered this technique as a highly effective treatment against a variety of facial cosmetic issues:
- Certain types of acne
- Fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth
- Age spots
- Wrinkles from sun damage
- Aging wrinkles
- Freckles
- Dark patches resulting from the use of birth control pills
Our Treatment Approach
During your office visit, one of our Physician Assistants will listen to your concerns and determine your treatment goals. Your skin is then cleaned thoroughly before the selected solution is applied. This causes a reaction that can cause a burning sensation for up to 10 minutes after the peel is removed. Some patients will experience stinging, sunburn, swelling, or even blisters depending on the strength of the peel used. A cold compress may be needed to relieve some of these side effects. Once the treatment is complete, your skin will be evidently brighter. The appearance of fine lines, pore size, wrinkles, dark spots, and acne scars is also diminished.
PRX Derm Perfexion Peels
While skin peels are an effective way to address common skin issues, they often lead to undesirable side effects such as itching and dryness. Dr. Sanchez now offers the PRX Derm Perfexion (sometimes referred to as CALM Glow) skincare treatment. This is an innovative technique that enables plastic surgeons to use chemical skin peels while skipping the peeling part. Unlike traditional peels, PRX Derm Perfexion works by bypassing the outer layer of the skin and instead activating the deeper dermis and basal layers. This way, patients can benefit from smoother, tighter, and healthier-looking skin without having to deal with the inflammation and irritation.
Benefits of PRX Derm Perfexion Treatment
PRX Derm Perfexion formulas were initially designed to help scarring in children. Since this technique is safe to use on children, it may be used to address virtually any skincare concern in adults. Our PAs have successfully applied this treatment to even the most sensitive skin areas. Some of the key benefits of this advanced version of chemical skin peeling include the following:
- Safe treatment for all skin types, tones, and textures
- Can be used on practically any area of the face or body
- Can help a variety of skin issues, ranging from scars to laxity, wrinkles, and uneven tone and textures.
- Effective on both men and women
- Can be used all year round because it does not cause photosensitivity
- Immediately improves skin appearance
Stimulates natural healing process for long-standing regenerative benefits
Treatment Approach
Your PRX Derm Perfexion treatment in Baton Rouge is similar to a traditional chemical peel. The specific treatment plan will be influenced by the skincare concern that you are trying to address. Our team recommends one session per week (for 3-4 weeks) to reverse photoaging, enhance skin tone, and generally improve skin appearance. Patients looking to treat freckling, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation can benefit from 1 session per month (until the desired outcome is accomplished). Similarly, the treatment regimen will be unique for patients with acne or acne scarring, stretch marks, indented scars, and different other issues.
VIP Peels
This is another gentler but effective chemical peel derivative for patients who are looking to alleviate imperfections such as acne scarring, fine lines, wrinkles, melasma, hyperpigmentation, age and sun spots, enlarged pores, and rosacea. Unlike traditional peels, VI Peels feature a synergistic blend of active ingredients that include salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid, phenol, retinoic acid, Vitamin C, and minerals. These diverse minerals have wonderful skincare benefits and can deliver outstanding results while preventing further damage. Pain numbing ingredients also contained within the peel can help lessen or totally eliminate the burning sensation associated with conventional chemical peels.
Your Skincare Treatment with VI Peels
This medical-grade skincare treatment, which is available to Dr. Sanchez’s patients in Baton Rouge and surrounding Louisiana areas, is safe on all skin types. It may also be applied on areas of the face and neck, arms, back, chest, and legs. Once the treatment has been administered (just like a traditional peel), it removes damaged skin layers, creates a smoother and firmer skin surface, and promotes cell turnover. It takes about 2-3 days for the skin to start peeling. This process can last for up to a week. Most patients get optimal benefits after receiving 3 – 6 treatments spaced out about 3-4 weeks apart.