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Columbia, MD

Chemical Peels

 

Introduction to Chemical Peels

As your skin is exposed to the elements over time, it will inevitably develop blemishes, irregular pigmentation, whiteheads, blackheads, and fine lines. Prime Facial Plastic Surgery offers chemical peel treatments to effectively and efficiently treat these skin conditions for patients all over Columbia, Howard County, and the greater Baltimore, MD area. We offer different levels of peels to help specifically treat skin needs so your skin can look refreshed and smooth.

Woman with her hair tied back, examining her face in the mirror, wearing a white robe - Chemical Peels in Bethesda, MD

What is a Chemical Peel?

The chemical peels that are offered at our facial plastic surgery practice are advanced clinical skin rejuvenation treatments that target sun and age-related damage to turn back time on our faces and bodies. The peels that are offered at our facility are customized to your skin and go beyond what is available with an aesthetician or medispa. Chemical peels can be performed on all parts of the body, including the face, neck, chest, back, arms, and legs. Peels vary in strength, given how deep you want to go from the skin’s surface. You might also need more than one peel to reach your aesthetic goals. At Prime Facial Plastic Surgery, we offer several strengths and chemical peels. The depth of the peel depends on the chemical used.

Light peels

Light peels use a combination of Jessner’s solution and low-strength trichloroacetic acid to gently remove the outermost layer of compromised skin. They can be undergone every four to six weeks and require the least amount of recovery time.

VIPeel

For patients with hyperpigmentation, with or without acne, double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Sitapara recommends specifically formulated VIPeels. These peels are between light and medium peels and typically have one week of moderate peeling. At Prime Facial Plastic Surgery, your facial VIPeel purchase includes treatment of the full neck.

Medium peels

Medium peels are made with higher concentrations of trichloroacetic acid. They produce more dramatic results than light peels but require additional downtime. For a consistent appearance, patients can undergo a medium peel every four to six months.

Deep peels

While most patients will only require a deep peel once, it can be utilized again three to five years after their last one. This peel uses pretreatment with Jessner’s solution followed by high concentrations of trichloroacetic acid to achieve restorative results that transform the skin’s tone and texture. These peels are best for perioral lines or undereye creepiness.

The body’s natural daily process is to regenerate skin cells and flake off the older, dead cells. A chemical peel speeds up this process. With all chemical peels, a topical solution is applied to the epidermis, the top layer of the skin, to loosen and remove the upper layers of dead and damaged skin, thereby uncovering the newer, fresher skin underneath. The deeper the peel

  • “I went to Dr. Sitapara for lip injections, chemical peel, and microneedling. He was very professional but also extremely welcoming. He gave me his honest advice on what I asked for with my lip injections. Guided me to what looked good with my features, without me walking out looking overdone and obvious. The chemical peel and microneedling have made me look refreshed. Removed the rough skin and gave me a brighter appearance. I highly recommend him.”

    – Google Review

  • “Could not be happier than the skin improvement results that I see! Told Dr. Sitapara that I like to look ten years younger than my age when I went to his practice several months ago; and he did it! All of my friends and family tell me – “Wow! What happened to your age? Your skin looks so radiant and fresh!” Loved the treatment plans that Dr. Sitapara has planned out for me; he is truly knowledgeable and only recommends treatments that are needed for my skin to enhance my facial features. I will continue to follow his skin treatment plans and recommend him as the best facial surgeon that anyone could find! Thank you, Dr. Sitapara!”

    – RealSelf.com

    Woman talking with Dr.Sitapara at Prime Facial Plastic Surgery in Bethesda, MD

    Prime Facial Plastic Surgery’s Personalized Approach

    Our team takes extra care to ensure our patients get exceptional results. During your consultation, Dr. Sitapara and our nurses will focus on the target areas and ensure the chemical peel chosen is apt for the strength and depth you might need.

    What are the Benefits of Chemical Peels?

    Our patients who have received a chemical peel in Columbia, Howard County, and Baltimore have shared some of the following benefits they have experienced:

    • Acne minimization
    • Fading discoloration
    • Reduced pore size
    • Reduced acne scarring
    • Reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
    • Softer and smoother skin
    • Uniform skin texture

    What is TCA Cross Acne Scar treatment?

    This is Dr. Sitapara’s preferred treatment for ice-pick acne scars. It allows him to precisely place 75% TCA solution at the base of these scars, allowing the tissue to remodel and smooth out. This is not the best treatment for rolling or boxcar acne scars. 

    Who are the Best Candidates for a Chemical Peel Treatment?

    If you are interested in getting a chemical peel in Baltimore or the Howard County area but are still trying to decide if you are a good candidate, here are some of the characteristics we find to make you suitable:

    • Have acne, scars, or oily skin
    • Have fine lines and wrinkles
    • Have irregular pigmentation
    • Maintain realistic expectations
    • Practice a dedicated skincare routine
    • Not currently pregnant or nursing
    Woman with smooth skin and natural makeup, looking directly at the camera, set against a light background - Botox in Bethesda, MD

    Are chemical peels safe for darker (more melanated) skin tones?

    A large part of your consultation at Prime Facial Plastic Surgery is to choose the proper ingredients for your chemical peel solution. Chemical peels of all depths carry a risk of causing hyperpigmentation if the skin is exposed to the sun during the initial healing period. This applies to those with lighter complexions (Fitzpatrick I-II) and those with more melanin in the skin (Fitzpatrick V-VI). Dr. Sitapara typically recommends VIPeels for individuals who are Fitzpatrick IV+ (tan more than average, rarely burn) to avoid causing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation while maximizing your results.

    Dr. Sitapara with a patient Bethesda, MD

    Let’s Get Started

    What’s the
    first step?

    The first step to getting a chemical peel in the greater Baltimore area is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jigar Sitapara at Prime Facial Plastic Surgery. During the consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your health history, aesthetic goals, concerns, and expectations for the procedure. This is a good time to ask questions about the procedure, the recovery time, and any associated risks.

    Dr. Sitapara will evaluate your skin condition and the target areas of concern. If you both agree to move forward, he will draft a personalized treatment plan for you alongside our team of nurses. You can take that plan to our patient coordinator and either choose to receive your chemical peel immediately following your consultation or, if you’d prefer, schedule your appointment for a convenient time later.

    What to Expect on the Day of a Chemical Peel

    On the day of your chemical peel, Dr. Sitapara and his team will welcome you and get you settled in the treatment room. If you have any outlying questions and/or concerns, the treatment plan will be reviewed again in front of you.

    Finally, the target area will first be cleansed before the treatment. Pronox, a light laughing gas, is available for deeper peels to minimize discomfort and anxiety during the peel. We will then apply a chemical solution to the area for a few minutes. This might induce a slight burning sensation but should pass quickly as the solution acts as an anesthetic. This solution will be wiped off and replaced with a neutralizing solution to stop the chemical reaction.

    The treatment could take 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area and the depth of the chemical peel.

    Chemical Peel Recovery

    It is common to see mild swelling and reddening of the target area. After about twenty-four hours, a crust or scab will form to protect your new skin. It is important to let it flake off on its own. As it does that, the newer skin reveals itself beneath it. Your new face will appear red and similar to sunburn but will eventually lighten back up to your normal skin hue after your skin has completely regenerated over the next week (longer for deeper peels).

    As your skin heals, you may feel “abnormal” sensations, such as itching or tingling, but this is part of the process and nothing to worry about. Avoidance of sun exposure is paramount during the healing period. Dr. Sitapara will advise you about what aftercare products to use to speed up your recovery and avoid any setbacks with healing.

    Fair & Transparent Pricing

    How Much Does a Chemical Peel Cost in Baltimore, MD?

    The cost of a chemical peel in Columbia, Howard County, and the greater Baltimore area is determined by multiple factors, such as the type and strength of the peel and the surface area being treated. We recommend that you schedule your consultation with Dr. Sitapara as soon as possible to receive a customized quote for your chemical peel in Baltimore, which can offer you the most needed and cost-efficient treatment.

    Please refer to our dedicated Pricing Page for estimated amounts for all our procedures. 

    Why Choose Dr. Sitapara?

    Patients interested in chemical peels in the greater Baltimore area can rest assured that Prime Facial Plastic Surgery is the best practice for them, as founder and double board-certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Jigar Sitapara, MD, believes that the road to mastery requires tremendous dedication and specialization. Double-Board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ABO-HNS), Dr. Sitapara completed one of the most rigorous and prestigious fellowships in Facial Plastic Surgery and Hair Restoration Surgery in the country. His specialization is facial aesthetics, helping his patients achieve a balanced and refined appearance.

    Prime Facial Plastic Surgery In Bethesda, MD

    Chemical Peels FAQ’S

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    Schedule Your Consultation

    If you are unhappy with your skin texture, fine lines, uneven pigmentation, sun spots, acne, or acne scars, a chemical peel from Prime Facial Plastic Surgery may be the perfect solution for you. If you are interested in undergoing a chemical peel treatment, please fill out the contact form or call our office directly, and a helpful member of our team will be able to assist you.

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