Chemical Peels
5
23.6%
4
27.3%
3
21.3%
2
12.5%
1
15.3%

Used Chemical Peels? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
July 21, 2009

Pros:

Left my skin beautiful after healing. Diminishes small lines after 3 treatments.

Cons:

Months after the treatments was exposed to sun ( with sunscreen) and had severe hyperpigmentation on upper lip and forehead where I had additional TCA places for small lines. Has taken months to begin to fade.

Great product if used properly! Does what it's supposed to , however, I don't recommend doing it at home unless you have thoroughly researched how to use because it can very easily burn. Use a hat and sunscreen after using this product. While you may enjoy the benefits of your TCA peel it does leave your skin more succeptible to sun damage that is hard to reverse.
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July 15, 2009

Pros:

Smoother skin, reduction in pore size, lightened scarring, cleared existing acne

Cons:

Burns for a bit afterwards, peeling 2-3 days

I have done a series of peels through my dermatologist and they have really helped improve the tone and texture of my skin. I am 34 and am prone to cystic acne (still) and this, combined with Smoothbeam treatments, is the only thing that has helped. I would have "pocked" skin if not for these treatments.
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May 16, 2009

Pros:

-baby soft skin after peel
-if I receive the peel on Thursday, I look much better by Monday and don't have to take time off of work
-notice difference in tone and texture after 3 peels

Cons:

-caused me some breakouts (esthetician said this is normal)
-must limit sun exposure (so hard in the summer!)
-went spray tanning after mini micro session and had SEVERE burning on face and breakouts on neck. My fault

I'd give these anywhere from 3.5 to 4 stars overall. I got the Vitalize peel about 2 months back and then purchased a 5 pack b/c I knew my scars and hyperpigmentation would need at LEAST the minimum 5 for me to see any results. Each peel is individually priced at $175 but the 5-pack special was only $575. I've had 3 peels so far with mini micro sessions one week after each peel. Unlike some reviewers, I peel BIG TIME for only about 2 days...once in the shower, I massage lightly with my fingers to remove all of the flakes. I was even able to go out to the bar 3 nights after my peel. I see a noticeable difference in my red marks and a huge change in my skin texture. Hopefully the next 3 will be successful to. I know the peels won't completely remove my shallow scars but am considering trying injections to even everything out. I've been suffering so long that cost and effort is no longer an issue! I just want smooth, clear skin!
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March 27, 2009

Pros:

the texture of skin becomes smoother after just one peel.
kinda lighten some scarrings

Cons:

once you get the peel u'd better get prepare to stay at home for a week!!Your face will look scary for a week n u gotta control your hands to not tear off the flaking skin!

I got the LUNCHTIME PEEL at the dermatologist office and the lady told me that there would be little or no downtime and this treatment wont peel like what the Vitalize peel does, it will be slight flaking but not actually peeling like a onion...my face turned super red in a hour after the treatment, n the redness last until the third day morning, eventually the redness became dark brown n glassy, some spots around the corner of my eyes even became the scabs! The whole face was so tight n dry..at the third day's night the skin actually started peeling around the mouth...it was not FLAKING, it was peeling like the onions!!! (I'm so glad that I didn't get Vitalize peel) I couldn't go out for 4 days because the serious peeling.I have 2,3 small breakouts after the peel but they cure fast..it's my fourth day after the peel, I'm glad to see the result after just one peel!
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February 24, 2009

Pros:

I seen a difference in the appearance of my skin the day of after. Skin looked clearer. The frosting process did take more where I had more of the sun damage. Which is what I was aiming for.

Cons:

The scabbing process. It's ugly but, the result are great.

If instructions are followed accordingly, this product works great. I will be using it again in a month but I will do it in sections.
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December 30, 2008

Pros:

With the first peel .. I noticed a significant difference.

Cons:

The burning was almost unbearable.

I love love love the chemical peels -- the results are so good that you won't mind the burning.
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September 25, 2008

Pros:

I have red blotchy skin.
After the first two 12.5% peels Major differnece, even skin tones.

Cons:

first three days skin turned brown in spots and was very tight!
Looked like I had Plastic dirty skin!
Started to peel on day 4, messy

Very happy with results. I will never go out in the sun again w/o sunscreen after having two peels. My skin looks to nice to ruin it again! You will be uncomfy for the first four days but worth it!
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September 18, 2008

Pros:

Hyperpigmentation, mild to moderate scars, interrupts acne breakout cycle, fine lines and wrinkles diminished. Post-peel kit for after care is given to you to take home!

Cons:

Can have a tingling sensation at the start of treatment, skin visibly/physically sloughs off.

Had the VI Peel performed just before Memorial Day '08, and again 09/15/08. Excellent results, your skin is much brighter and even toned. Women beware: You can't cover up with make-up because of the peeling. After you complete the peeling process, you will not want to wear make-up.
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August 20, 2008

Pros:

I have done all types oh peels in the AHA family. Salicylic, Glycolic name astrength I have done it. The TCA peel is quite so different, the burn isn't very bad it is kind of numbing and my skin looks so even and new than it did pre-TCA.

Cons:

The down time. Okay this is way different than the AHA peels. It gets lobster red, dry and uncomfortably tight, then your skin turns brown in patches (I felt like I looked dirty) after that skin peels alot & rapidly.

A bonus. The peel is stronger than a Saly or a Glyco and very different. Do prepared for some down time, the stronger the peel the longer the down time. PLEASE do not use a strong % it's not neccesary. But after the initail cons which the worst of go away after @ a week...it's amazing how flawless the skin appears and feels! Fight the urge to pick or scrub or aggrevate and take very good care of your skin before & after. Wear sunscreen religiously, after a peel I think of myself as being allergic to the sun (because it is technically) and my good sunscreen is my best friend! This took 5 years off my appearance. LOVED IT!!! Cost I indicate reflects the cost of the TCA ($17) and also the $ amount of skincare products used to maintain and tend to my skins needs after the peel.
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July 3, 2008

Pros:

My medical insurance covered the cost of the peel. Had a salicylic peel at the dermatologist's office.

Cons:

Stinged a more longer in areas of my face. Left the office with SO much moisturizer that I looked completely greased up.

It brought to the surface all of the whiteheads and blackheads that were hiding. You look worse before you get better but it was mild enough that you can deal with it. I WILL get it done again esp since I only had to pay my co-pay for my medical insurance.
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.